Introduce Yourself : 60 is the new 40? (Or 'You're Never Too Old to Realize Your Dream!') by Elaine J Jackson

Elaine J Jackson

60 is the new 40? (Or 'You're Never Too Old to Realize Your Dream!')

Hello, Fellow Stage 32-ers! I'm the author of several science-fiction books and short stories (and one romance) who at almost 60 is writing and producing my very first comic book series with a very talented team (two of whom I met right here on Stage 32). I'm hoping it might get picked up at some point...

In addition to writing my own material, lately I've been helping other (usually local to me) authors here in the UK to realise their dream of publishing their work/create a website. I do it for free because I see it as 'paying it forward'. It can sometimes be a challenge to fit everything in (I also have a part-time day job) but I love it!

Joleene DesRosiers

Hi, Elaine! You're right. You're never too old. EVER. :)

Maureen Kellar-Kirby

Hello Elaine, great to see others our age forging ahead with their dreams! I am a baby boomer too!

Elaine J Jackson

Thanks so much for the feedback, Joleene, Maureen and Pamela! One of the aspects of the creative life I'm finding interesting, is that so many of the people I'm meeting are not in the first flush of youth either - which means a wealth of life experience is behind their (our) creativity. When I first realised that I really wanted to write professionally I was in my mid-twenties and the only avenue which seemed to be available to me was 'vanity press' - which I simply could not afford. I didn't know who to speak to or where to go for advice, so I gave up, essentially. But in hindsight, I don't think I had enough life experience to write well... I look back on the few examples of my work then and it is clear that I wasn't ready. So perhaps I was always meant to be a late bloomer!

Brian Weston

Hi nice to meet you Elaine

Elaine J Jackson

Hi Brian! What do you write?

Brian Weston

Have wrote some flash fiction , short stories and some poetry. Just started researching writing a screenplay

Elaine J Jackson

Do you have a particular genre?

Brian Weston

My poetry is mostly romantic. Short stories have been drama ,comedy - drama.Have just finished a comedy drama first draft that I think may work as a graphic novel .

Elaine J Jackson

Wow, you are very versatile, Brian! Good luck with the graphic novel! It's an art form I have only recently discovered.

Brian Weston

Thanks Elaine

Elaine J Jackson

Thanks Pamela! :-)

Richard "RB" Botto

Love this post, Elaine. Also thrilled to learn you found your collaborators here on Stage 32. Positive thinking and forward action is a choice and a mindset. Clearly you won't let anything stop you. Keep charging!

Elaine J Jackson

Thank you, Richard - I will! :-)

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