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I see a lot of guys here after or in the middle of successful careers, post mid life crises, put many things aside and start writing.
What is it: accumulated wisdom that you want to share with the world, a burning idea that you think if put on paper would just become a best-seller, boredom, fun/hobby, good excuse to abstain from domestic activities, a feeling of missed opportunity, a little bit of everything?
It's probably something that Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ would ask as an automatic question, however it'll be easier to see it here than on the profile's page.

Nik wrote: "I see a lot of guys here after or in the middle of successful careers, post mid life crises, put many things aside and start writing.
What is it: accumulated wisdom that you want to share with the ..."

Moved to the appropriate folder.

There's a lot of reasons for me and none of your guesses really apply. More wise-guy than just wise, lots of burning ideas - but none mainstream enough to be a best-seller, I'm never bored, I've never looked at writing as a hobby - I respect it too much, I don't ignore domestic activities and not sure what opportunities missed that writing would fix.

Some of the reasons I do this:

* Story telling is an art, a craft. It's the only talent I have that I believe I'm really all that good at. Why not hone it and keep improving it?

* While there are many, many great authors out there who are writing many, many great books, I can't find the exact kinds of books I like to read. So, I write them.

* There's a certain high I get from writing that I get from nothing else. The only thing that comes close is a high I used to get from acting, but this high is better. When a character fleshes out and feels believable to me, when a joke works especially well, when I cry at the end of a story, when a plot twist works the way I want... and so on.

* Words are fascinating puzzle pieces. I love finding new ways to put them together. Writing may be the most complex art there is and I'm drawn to the complexity of it.

You may be interested in these topics as they're similar to yours.

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Hi Dwayne,

Nice to meet you. Thanks for some insight and heads up on similar threads. I couldn't help noticing a huge evolution leap that your answers evolved within a month from June 11, when you've addressed a similar topic -:)
Some sound reasons for writing you have

My mid-career, mid-life writing just started a few months ago.

I've never properly questioned it, other than to think about why I didn't do it sooner. I've always written. For almost as long as I can remember. The only thing that's new is thinking of myself as a writer and finally getting stuff out there.

Hi Ruby,

If you've always written, for you it would be just a natural thing to do: to start composing novels, novellas or other formats.
On the other hand, when I get to know people around here by reading their profiles and posts, I'm surprised to meet people that for 40, 50, 60 or even 80 years followed a different path and all of a sudden decided to try writing and get it aired.
As my own turn to writing was more accidental rather than premeditated, I assumed there might be interesting reasoning or circumstances behind some turnabouts

Nik wrote: "I see a lot of guys here after or in the middle of successful careers, post mid life crises, put many things aside and start writing.
What is it: accumulated wisdom that you want to share with the ..."
I hope 28 isn't middle aged. :D Actually, I was amazed how many in the group started young like I did. But, no offense, most won't read a story written by someone too young. And most young ones haven't honed their craft enough to be published at that point. (I know I certainly hadn't.) It stands to reason since the most popular language to write in is also the most difficult to grasp fluently.
But now you wanted to talk about motivation. A good story is its own motivation. I dislike authors who state that writing is like bleeding onto a page, but it certainly is a release. If you have something to say, why not write about it?

Hi Iffix,

No, 28 is not mid age, but it's approaching fast, so beware -:)
Having a good story is an excellent motivation, although not many would have time and patience to see it through writing, editing, polishing, publishing, etc

Well....I suspect a lot of us mid (to late) normal careerers who have started publishing only now are doing it because we've been writing all along but didn't have a viable way to distribute our books until recently.

Having no success at getting the attention of agents or publishers is extremely demoralizing.

I finished my first manuscript in 1995. And even at that time I had been writing for over a decade off and on. I spent the next three years trying to find someone interested in representing or publishing me. During that time I continued to write some. But around 1998 I gave up on it and focused my creative energy on music (once again).

I picked up writing again in the mid-naughts, finishing my second manuscript in about 2007. But I also had over a dozen other stories in various stages of undress.

In 2013 I decided to self-publish. So I can't look at my history and say I only started in mid-late career. It's been one of my creative outlets ever since about...1978? Something like that.

But looking back now, I'd have to say that it's only been in the last five years or so that I've read and written enough to feel I can do it well now. That 1995 manuscript? I'm glad it didn't get published. It's a great story, but the writing has major issues. It's very immature, and I had no inkling of that fact back then (when I was 37).

I saw a documentary on Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. on youtube the other day from 1983. In it he said that if he had stopped writing in 1970 and his entire catalog was nothing more than what he had written by then, he would have been happy with that. American writers, he said, generally have produced their most creative work by the time they're 50.

Love ya, Kurt, but I honestly believe that statement doesn't apply to me. I'll be 57 in mid-August and I'm still bursting with ideas. I feel that my best creative work may only come when I've retired from my day job and can pour 100% of my time into this.

I write just because I enjoy it. I have a lot of time to burn in between my studies and I've always enjoyed storytelling. I've been taking it more seriously recently and that's because I feel like perhaps other people would enjoy reading the things I'm writing about too.

As for motivation to write...creative endeavors are the only things that really have value in my life (aside from loved ones). If I didn't do anything creative (and it would be easy to sink into that state by immersing myself in entertainments such as games, movies, and TV), then there would be no real depth to living, no sustenance, no meaning.

I don't feel compelled to write. I wouldn't die if I didn't. But life wouldn't really have the same joy as when I do.

Micah wrote: "Well....I suspect a lot of us mid (to late) normal careerers who have started publishing only now are doing it because we've been writing all along but didn't have a viable way to distribute our books until recently."

That right there is the answer to why you are seeing people of all ages publish at the moment. And for what it's worth, this is why you see young people (20-30s) with published books as well, which historically, is more of a rare beast because publishers didn't think young authors would earn the reader's respect.

Incidentally, career changes at 40, 50, and even 60 are not all that unusual in any field in today's job market.

Nik wrote: "I couldn't help noticing a huge evolution leap..."

I'm not sure there were any leaps. I haven't really changed in my thoughts about writing since I was in my twenties or so. The reasons I write are many and complex. It may appear I'm changing in my response as I don't have the time to give a full response and I doubt anyone would have the patience to read it. So, I sum it up the best that I can at the moment.

I think I must be the only person on this board that HATED to write before becoming an author. If you had talked to my teachers 15 years ago and told them I would write even 1 book they would have laughed you out of the classroom.
But my motivation stems from boredom, and a feeling that I could tell a better story than half of them in pop culture.

Micah wrote: "As for motivation to write...creative endeavors are the only things that really have value in my life (aside from loved ones). If I didn't do anything creative (and it would be easy to sink into th..."

Hi Micah,

Very we'll said in my opinion. As many jobs, works or assignments in our life have only very limited and local significance, if at all, writing gives the feeling of doing something that matters, that has broader sense, even though it might be a false feeling.
I can understand your frustration with agents and publishers in the nineties. Some authors haven't even enjoyed the privilege of getting their book published during their lifetime. John Kennedy Toole's 'Confederacy of Dunces' was published only some years after his death and was awarded Palitzer even

Riley wrote: "I think I must be the only person on this board that HATED to write before becoming an author..."

At one time, the thought of writing was my personal vision of hell. But I was pretty young then, and that changed when I was 13.

As for motivation, I like to tell stories.

Dwayne wrote: "Nik wrote: "I couldn't help noticing a huge evolution leap..."

I'm not sure there were any leaps. I haven't really changed in my thoughts about writing since I was in my twenties or so. The reason..."

Except for more reasons that you've mentioned now, the leap I meant refers to much more confidence you exude now in your writing talent than in your previous answer. Well, I guess it's a good approach. I do have my doubts regarding my own though

Alexandra wrote: "I write just because I enjoy it. I have a lot of time to burn in between my studies and I've always enjoyed storytelling. I've been taking it more seriously recently and that's because I feel like ..."

Never imagined I would, but I found writing really exciting... just when I was looking for things that could provide a reasonable combination of pleasure and part time occupation -:)

Nik wrote: "I see a lot of guys here after or in the middle of successful careers, post mid life crises, put many things aside and start writing.
What is it: accumulated wisdom that you want to share with the ..."

I honestly feel as if most writers wait until they hone their skills to become an author.

For example , I'm 23 i released my first novel last year and sometimes readers overlook me, because of my age with the assumption that i'm not good enough.

I will be 60 next month. I started as a lunch-time author working on my first book in 2004. With exception of 5 1/2 months I walked away from the project, I published my debut novel in 2013 and completed the fourth edition in 2014. I don't agree that your best work is by age 50. I've had to take a year off to read and enjoy books before returning to finish book 2 in my series.

My motivation comes from the satisfaction of creation. It is awesome to research a subject for a story and learn something new and come back and weave a tale about it.

Morris

I've been pecking away at keyboards since I was in my teens and I'm now mid-thirties.

For me my motivation comes from having had all these story ideas in my head since as far back as I can remember and a driving need to share them. I have an incredibly vivid imagination that goes pretty much non-stop. Even when I was little I was probably one of the few kids able to sit and endure long waits - whether in a Doctor's office or riding in the car on long trips - because I was able to entertain myself with my story ideas.

And seeing those ideas committed to paper for everyone to read and enjoy as well just makes me so dang happy. If even just one person enjoys what I write, then I call it a job well done.

Michael wrote: "Nik wrote: "I see a lot of guys here after or in the middle of successful careers, post mid life crises, put many things aside and start writing.
What is it: accumulated wisdom that you want to sha..."

And what's sad is that some of the most gorgeous writing that I've come across in recent years was written by authors in their twenties. (I was really hoping to be a twenty-something author myself, but it turned out I still had a long way to go).

Michael wrote: "Nik wrote: "I see a lot of guys here after or in the middle of successful careers, post mid life crises, put many things aside and start writing.
What is it: accumulated wisdom that you want to sha..."

Hi Michael,

Dookie Harris from the cover of 'Garage Band' looks surprisingly alike with you -:)
I'm not sure how thoroughly the readers scrutinize author's bio, when purchasing a book. And Melissa here, for example, says that she was really impressed by writing of authors in their twenties, so I don't think your age is a disadvantage of any sort. Maybe if you were writing a drama taking place in a nursing home, people would've doubted your qualifications, but comedic novel about a musician that you've written shouldn't result in any such thoughts

Melissa wrote: "Michael wrote: "Nik wrote: "I see a lot of guys here after or in the middle of successful careers, post mid life crises, put many things aside and start writing.
What is it: accumulated wisdom that..."

Hi Melissa,
Nothing to be sad about in my opinion. Better late than never. Mid-thirties with current life expectancy may provide for 60-90 more years of writing -:)

Melissa wrote: "And what's sad is that some of the most gorgeous writing that I've come across in recent years was written by authors in their twenties. ..."

The best author I have ever read (by far) started a series at around 55 and was still writing it when he died 30 years later. I don't think writing well has much to do with age.

Owen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "And what's sad is that some of the most gorgeous writing that I've come across in recent years was written by authors in their twenties. ..."

The best author I have ever read (by f..."

Couldn't agree more. Who is this author though that you value that high?

Nik wrote: "Except for more reasons that you've mentioned now, the leap I meant refers to much more confidence you exude now in your writing talent than in your previous answer. Well, I guess it's a good approach. I do have my doubts regarding my own though."

Confidence began back when I was in my twenties. It's certainly not a new thing. It's coupled closely with two realities that keep me from being cocky: 1) No matter how good a writer is, there is always a better one out there - and there is always much more to learn and improve. 2) There are a lot of things I do not have the patience to write. Anything involving intense research, anything that is long and mainstream, anything that is completely void of humor... I can't write those things and many more.

My motivation? It's a lot of fun.

I've always known I wanted to write. I really pushed myself to get going when I realized exactly how much I hate my day job.

Iffix wrote: "But, no offense, most won't read a story written by someone too young. And most young ones haven't honed their craft enough to be published at that point. "

Ugh. I can't remember ever reading a story and wondering about the age of the author, nor do I see how it could possibly have any bearing on the story. As far as "most won't read it" - everyone has their criteria for what they will and will not read. If we're going to hold off on writing because someone is going to let their prejudice get in the way, we might as well all stop writing. But, instead, let's encourage other writers, not cut them down for things as petty as age.

Iffix, do you really have the authority to determine who is 1) too young 2) has not honed their craft enough and 3) should not be published?

Let's try to work on being supportive of other authors instead of continuing to draw lines in the sand as to who does not deserve to be published.

Nik wrote: "No, 28 is not mid age, but it's approaching fast, so beware -:)"

Huh. And here I am nearing fifty and still consider myself quite young. There's far too much to do and experience to start telling myself I'm old, yet. I'll do that in another fifty years or so.

Dwayne wrote: "Nik wrote: "Except for more reasons that you've mentioned now, the leap I meant refers to much more confidence you exude now in your writing talent than in your previous answer. Well, I guess it's ..."

Don't see a reason to become cocky, even if those two restraining realities changed -:)

Dwayne wrote: "Nik wrote: "No, 28 is not mid age, but it's approaching fast, so beware -:)"

Huh. And here I am nearing fifty and still consider myself quite young. There's far too much to do and experience to st..."

Agree. The feeling is more important than the actual age. There are young people feeling and behaving old and tired and vice versa. Everything's relative

Really I feel younger now at 34 than I did at 24. I think it's maybe because I've figured out now how much I really don't know.

I had always wanted to write books from an early age but gave up by around 20-22 yo, realising I didn't have enough experience. The need to earn a living, two children and a move abroad made writing prohibitive. So, now as I'm approaching 60 I'm still overwhelmed with work but with greater experience. However, I realised I needed to put my thoughts down on paper otherwise I'd regret it. I have to say it was quite liberating and a wonderful contrast to my work as an analyst.

I also echo Nik's comment about not feeling my age... I'm still a kid at heart!

Ian, you stated my own feelings exactly. Regret! I knew I would regret it if I didn't write my true story about meeting Soviet KGB defector Sergei Kourdakov. I'm a firm believer that one should have no regrets in life.

My writing motivation? Well, kidnapping people and forcing them to act out my imaginary worlds is technically illegal...so...

I was about 10 years old when I informed my mother that I needed to borrow her typewriter because I was going to write a book on it.

Said book amounted to about a dozen typed pages and was a blatant rip-off of my favourite TV programme.

Despite this early start I cannot say that I've been writing ever since. I haven't written anything much in the years between. But I kept making up stories in my head whenever I had nothing much to do on a train or bus or similar.

I didn't start writing again until my roleplaying group suddenly found itself short of a game master, and someone had to come up with a storyline for us to play. So I made up a story. And another one. Until my friends said "You should write this stuff down!"

It still took some years after that, but when I found myself between jobs with loads of time on my hands and bored out of my eyeballs, I sat down and started writing to pass the time.

I did not manage to finish the manuscript before I found a new job, but whenever I have some time on the weekends I write a little bit more. It's fun, so I'll keep it up until I'm finished :-)

Writing for years since I could jot with pencil; always had stories to tell. Dug in at 8 got a selectric at 14 got serious at 16 never stopped since. Sure I get plenty of haterade since I write what I want to see in print. My education and Job expierence was never enough for the haters that continually claim I suck. But for some reason my 'sucky' novels continue to move so it keeps my spirits up.
My motivation is because I have so many stories to tell and that I'm meant to be awesome. I don't care how grandiose and delusional that sounds. This is what drives me to get up every day despite how crappy I feel.

When my 4 daughters were very young they used to challenge me to make up a bedtime story where they chose the subject. I would for example spin a yarn about their chosen subject, a hamburger. My story would decide that his lifelong ambition was to be a T-bone steak. It wasn't until I was 82 when I challenged myself to make up yarns again. Now 4 3/4 novels later at age 89 I really enjoy the process & I enjoy promoting.

Richard wrote: "When my 4 daughters were very young they used to challenge me to make up a bedtime story where they chose the subject. I would for example spin a yarn about their chosen subject, a hamburger. My st..."

You are a great example to us all.

I loved to write when I was younger, even have a few of those short, short, stories tucked away as my most valuable stories. Because they're the first I wrote, but probably suck horribly:) Ideas, stories, imaginary characters pop into my head all the time...is that normal? I hope so:) Suddenly I'm going to college, moving out of my home state into the lone abyss....and meet my husband. Now I have a great full-time job, two kids, husband, and all that jazz. I applaud the many of you who write and work at the same time. I never even contemplated it. Then suddenly, we moved out of state and I'm a stay-at-home mom. That's challenging in itself, but it made me wonder what I want to do when the girls start going to school. Not into going back into my original career field, and then suddenly, it hits me. I want to write again. So that's what I did and it feels so great to get all that crazy ideas and characters out of my head and on to paper.

I'm 41 and think I'm about to start my mid-life crisis, but I was writing long before this year, so I don't think I can use it as an excuse.

I write because I have ideas that I haven't seen and want to do them exactly my way.

Sounds good. Go for it.

For me, it's simple. I'm a writer. It's what I do.

Honestly, I don't know how most people go through everyday life without writing, but that's just me.