Congratulations andI look forward to the new book. I've been gifted your other books and adore them.
I'm all about the later season and always appreciate reading about others who are thriving in this later season - the best season! At 52 finally learned how to use my camera. I'm 57 and just celebrated a collection of work exhibited in a local museum's cafe. I'm about to shake things up again so I have more freedom to create. Thank you for your inspiring posts!
Thank you Christine that’s very kind. It’s so lovely knowing the books end up in good homes and with other creatives. I think this is the best season too - your work and approach to life is also very inspiring. Thank you too X
The women you mention remind me of the British author Barbara Pym, who had a handful of moderately successful novels published when in her forties, then she was ignored — her new novels were rejected again and again. She kept writing. After thirteen years, when she was recognized as one of the most underrated novelists of the 20th century in a Times literary supplement, her writing career flourished. She was in her sixties.
This was such a wonderful, comforting and inspiring post. I’m (only 😉) 42 and feel I have so much to give. My confidence in the last few weeks has taken a down turn, this was exactly what I needed to read to day. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, I look forward to your new book. X
Thank you so much Charlotte. We definitely all have ups and downs with confidence - I think it is so important to be honest about that. The cycles drive new creativity so don’t be hard on yourself - your confidence will return. Mine took a a massive hit when i hit menopause - but it does all come full circle again. Thanks for your kind message x x
I collect stories of women who have found success later in life. Maybe collect is not the right word, perhaps it’s more like “cling.”
I feel like I’m in a chrysalis of sorts, having been through two careers already, and getting restless with my current place. At 49, sometimes I worry I blew it, as is natural when we see the high flying successes of everyone on the internet.
But stories like this are a salve and a reminder that indeed, with a little moxie and intention, the best is yet to come.
Such a lovely reply thank you. Love your chrysalis analogy - I think our lives are just that - we change and grow, and keep evolving. Timing doesn't matter and neither does material success - but I think using our imagination and staying hungry for new discoveries and making our dreams a reality is so important. 49 a wonderful age to shape shift - it's definitely never too late x x
Let’s hope so! I just read a book about becoming an artist later in life. It’s actually called “Becoming” by Janice Mason Steeves, who went to art school in her late 40’s and now in her 60’s is a working artist and hosts painter’s retreats around the globe. I highly recommend it!
I certainly believe that you really start to come into your own in your fifties. It's a new authentic chapter in your life; you've done the inner work, taken stock of decades of experience and are also aware of your own mortality. I went to a big London publishers a few years ago with an idea for a book on 'silver creativity' but too early for the market unfortunately. The time is now. x
Thank you so much Deborah. I agree with all of that - and I think it gives you more confidence because you stop worrying what others think. Try again with your book idea - I think it is so relevant and you would do an amazing one!! x x
Thank you so much Lee - such a kind message. Love you are considering the next chapter - it’s so exciting and important to have dreams and imagination x x
Congratulations andI look forward to the new book. I've been gifted your other books and adore them.
I'm all about the later season and always appreciate reading about others who are thriving in this later season - the best season! At 52 finally learned how to use my camera. I'm 57 and just celebrated a collection of work exhibited in a local museum's cafe. I'm about to shake things up again so I have more freedom to create. Thank you for your inspiring posts!
Thank you Christine that’s very kind. It’s so lovely knowing the books end up in good homes and with other creatives. I think this is the best season too - your work and approach to life is also very inspiring. Thank you too X
Thank you for the inspiring post!
The women you mention remind me of the British author Barbara Pym, who had a handful of moderately successful novels published when in her forties, then she was ignored — her new novels were rejected again and again. She kept writing. After thirteen years, when she was recognized as one of the most underrated novelists of the 20th century in a Times literary supplement, her writing career flourished. She was in her sixties.
Congratulations on your new book!
Thank you so much Debbie. I don’t know Barbara Pym but am going to look for her now. What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing x x
Hi Ali!
This was such a wonderful, comforting and inspiring post. I’m (only 😉) 42 and feel I have so much to give. My confidence in the last few weeks has taken a down turn, this was exactly what I needed to read to day. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, I look forward to your new book. X
Thank you so much Charlotte. We definitely all have ups and downs with confidence - I think it is so important to be honest about that. The cycles drive new creativity so don’t be hard on yourself - your confidence will return. Mine took a a massive hit when i hit menopause - but it does all come full circle again. Thanks for your kind message x x
A great post and one with which I resonate a lot.
The scene is set.
57 years of life experience and a year of me investing in Quiet Thunder full time.
Lights up - I’m excited for what’s to come x
Excited for you Suzanne x x
I collect stories of women who have found success later in life. Maybe collect is not the right word, perhaps it’s more like “cling.”
I feel like I’m in a chrysalis of sorts, having been through two careers already, and getting restless with my current place. At 49, sometimes I worry I blew it, as is natural when we see the high flying successes of everyone on the internet.
But stories like this are a salve and a reminder that indeed, with a little moxie and intention, the best is yet to come.
Such a lovely reply thank you. Love your chrysalis analogy - I think our lives are just that - we change and grow, and keep evolving. Timing doesn't matter and neither does material success - but I think using our imagination and staying hungry for new discoveries and making our dreams a reality is so important. 49 a wonderful age to shape shift - it's definitely never too late x x
Let’s hope so! I just read a book about becoming an artist later in life. It’s actually called “Becoming” by Janice Mason Steeves, who went to art school in her late 40’s and now in her 60’s is a working artist and hosts painter’s retreats around the globe. I highly recommend it!
Ooh will have a look for that - thank you for the recommendation. Good luck with it all x x
This post has saved me today Ali. Thank you. X
🧡🧡🧡
Ali, this is such an inspiring post, thank you!
I certainly believe that you really start to come into your own in your fifties. It's a new authentic chapter in your life; you've done the inner work, taken stock of decades of experience and are also aware of your own mortality. I went to a big London publishers a few years ago with an idea for a book on 'silver creativity' but too early for the market unfortunately. The time is now. x
Thank you so much Deborah. I agree with all of that - and I think it gives you more confidence because you stop worrying what others think. Try again with your book idea - I think it is so relevant and you would do an amazing one!! x x
Thank you.
I found this interesting & inspiring.
I’m 66 and considering the next chapter, and beginning again.
Apart from India Hicks I hadn’t of any of the women you reference here, so, as I said, interesting & inspiring.
What more could we want on a Sunday morning.
Thank you so much Lee - such a kind message. Love you are considering the next chapter - it’s so exciting and important to have dreams and imagination x x