I became an author at 64
Pat Simmons, 69, is a writer of poems, short stories, flash fiction and articles. Her work has been published in anthologies and children’s magazines and she has won writer competitions in Australia and the UK.
I’ve always loved writing but it wasn’t until my 64th year that I decided to start taking myself seriously as a writer. I suppose the main reason I hadn’t pursued writing before, like many people, was that it was essential to earn a living and be in stable employment. Raising our beautiful children the best way we knew how, having a roof over our heads, and paying our bills were essentials for my husband and myself. I always wrote little bits and pieces and kept the dream alive.
But in 2010, I felt the time was right. One of the things I love about growing older is that I don’t worry too much about what other people think and, to use an old cliché, there’s nothing to fear but fear itself. I think my late husband would’ve been disappointed in me if I hadn’t created a new life for myself after he passed away and I would’ve been disappointed in myself.
So I knew I really wanted to write for children, but I had no idea how to get started. At the time, I was still working full time running a large out of school hours’ care centre. Fortunately for me, one of the “mums” whose children were in my care, had a similar ambition and we started chatting about our passion one day. She introduced me to a wonderful online newsletter called Buzz Words. Buzz Words contains details of upcoming events, writing opportunities, competitions, author interviews and much more. It is a great resource for those who want to write for children. She and I have remained close friends and she is now a successful writer and also runs a wonderful website called Creative Kids Tales.
Entering competitions seemed like a great way to get started. Competitions have strict guidelines, they often have a theme, a word count and a closing date. Just the discipline I needed! I love writing poetry so I began entering poetry competitions. I couldn’t believe my luck when I won a UK competition and my poem appeared in an anthology and the book cover was designed around my poem.
This gave me confidence and I started to attend writers’ festivals and events. I also joined the Children’s Book Council of Australia. Writer events such as conferences and festivals are wonderful, as well-known authors and illustrators share their knowledge and their journeys to publication which is always inspirational and motivational.
As well as writing short stories and poetry for children, I also write flash fiction for adults and belong to a 52 Week Flash Fiction Challenge on Facebook. And I love writing for the Over60 website!
Since my retirement in 2013 I’ve also joined a writers’ group. We meet fortnightly to critique each other’s work and chat of course!
This year a dream came true for me when a picture book text I submitted was accepted for publication in 2017.
Six years on, I feel very “grown up” as I now have my very own website.
Remember, it’s never too late to change or take on new challenges. I doubt that I’ll ever be a famous author but do I care? No! Ok I probably won’t take up sumo wrestling or kickboxing either but they’re not my thing! We live in a country where there are so many opportunities for all of us. Let’s make the best of them.
It’s never too late to follow your passion. Enjoy the journey.
Have you chased a dream later in life? Share your experience in the comments below.
If you have a story to share please get in touch at melody@oversixty.com.au
Related links:
My new life as a homeless-yet-happy house and pet sitter
The joys of living in a tiny home
3 questions to ask before coming out of retirement