Too old or too young?

Ramble 1 Minute

I’m always surprised to find people on the Internet who think they’re “too old” to write a novel and… they’re… 30 years old. Or younger!

It makes me wonder how literature is seen in the rest of the world. In Spain, important and famous writers are over 40 years old. The older, the better, since you have more experience and you’re supposed to write serious novels that critics will approve.

So I always thought 30 was young for a writer to start publishing. Below that? That was gifted-kid level. But maybe things have changed since then. Maybe it’s just different in Spain…

…Or so I believed until a Spanish friend mentioned she felt it was too late for her, and she’s younger than I am! So, here is what I have to say about this: no, you don’t have to accomplish everything before you’re 20, but it’s fine if you want to start before that (even though you’re not even an adult in some countries). You can also be a genius and write amazing novels before you’re 40, but life experience will always make them better with time. So go ahead and start writing as soon as you can, but don’t stop there. Keep writing and getting better at it.

As I said in this post, I’m glad I didn’t try to publish what I used to write years ago (because it was terrible). However, I’m aware that I’m taking the slowest approach and it’s not the best way to do it. That’s why I decided to create this blog and check what I’ve accomplished and what I have left to do. So far, I think it’s working: for the first time in two years, the mountain of notebooks I have to transcribe is decreasing!

I still have much to do, but at least I don’t feel too old or too young anymore. I’m just proceeding at my own pace, and trying to make it the right one for me.

 

Laura_Ingalls_Wilder
Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first novel at the age of 65. Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons.

Published by Sol Vera

Spanish person trying to fight a day job, an unfinished PhD and anxiety to get something written.

Published

6 thoughts on “Too old or too young?”

  1. I will never forget when this topic first started going around Tumblr not that long ago. It relaxed me /so/ much.

    I grew up half of my life with the “take your time” concept, where you didn’t have to feel guilty for being bad at something, because time and practice makes better. Where you didn’t have to be perfect to be good. Where everyone had a shot. But the other half has been nothing but “you have to be young to success, the younger the better – you can only blow people’s minds if you’re a gifted child!”. But it’s definitely not true. And we see this a lot, some of the biggest icons among a looot of fields aren’t the ones who practiced their entire life and always knew what they wanted, it’s the ones who’s stumbled upon everything and nothing in their life and eventually found their passion, or the like.

    I’m younger than you and I have to tell myself daily that there’s time. And it’s not like it’s true in any way.
    The same goes in Denmark as for Spain, I literally know no young adult authors, they’re all in their late 30s at least. Some may have started out at like 27 but that’s really it. Experience makes better, for sure. Or just getting wiser, knowing more day by day.

    So there’s always time! Always. No stressing.

    We could all use this reminder tbh?? To just relax, take a deep breath and go at your own pace.

    And wow this comment is way longer than intended. Sorry!! Gonna post it anyway ’cause u know.. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

    Anyway, lots of love to uuu! And casual reminder to take your vitamins and to take a deep breath and relax 😉

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    1. Thank you! I took my vitamins the moment I read this, even if I couldn’t reply because I was at work.
      I think people have less patience nowadays. They want everything ASAP. Waiting years for a book sequel is becoming increasingly rare. Although they don’t only demand this of others, but also of themselves. It’s not healthy, and I’ve had to learn it the bard way. Now I’m trying to take my time and follow my own pace. Maybe I won’t reach my goal, but at least I’ll try and enjoy the way there.

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  2. I don’t think there’s ‘ever such a thing as too old – here in America you hear a lot of “feel good” stories about people going to college or getting their high school diplomas in their 70s or older. Age is a matter of perspective anyway, and like you said, if you have a story in your heart, tell it! The world needs more stories and more storytellers.

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    1. You’re right! Thank you for your kind words. You’re making me feel really motivated!
      From what I’ve read online, everything started because Kazuo Ishiguro said that writers “peak” at 30, but research has shown that they don’t “peak” until they’re 40 or older. Everyone’s still talking as if he’d been right, though.

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  3. We’re never too old or too young to chase our dreams, and put our pen to paper. As you grow, your stories are growing as well~

    Keep at it! Your dedication and passion shows 🙂

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