The new ‘Late Bloomers’
If you are 50 or older, you’re probably already part of a very exciting cultural movement. I, and others, have been giving voice to this movement in which people past a certain age no longer expect to start winding down.
Because of significant improvements in healthcare services, large investments in medical research and health insurance, we’re living longer now. Today the life expectancy is around 80, but more than living longer, we in the second half of our lives are living better. For many of us, our muses are loud and clear and we’re listening and expressing ourselves with enthusiasm: in art, music, writing, theater, fine cuisine, volunteer work and other callings.
We’re not working for a paycheck; instead, we’re choosing to do work we love, whether it pays plenty or peanuts.
We have a little less brawn but a lot more heart, a slightly decreased libido but a strong itch to express ourselves, and a somewhat pudgier midriff but less desire to show it off (and we probably don’t have a bellybutton ring anyway).
We are the new “late bloomers.” We are in our prime, all juiced up, asking, “What do I want to do with the rest of my life? What makes me happy?”
Here’s what makes me happy: I’m looking for nine good writers who are 50 or older and live in Taos County to join me in publishing a book called “Late Bloomers: Literary Gems by Taos Boomers in Their Prime.” I’m very excited about this new venture.
Why 50 or older? Because life needs time to marinate into experiences we can write about with wit and wisdom, and writers who have passed the half-century mark are more likely to have developed their craft.
Why Taos? Taos has a tradition of nurturing writers and giving them a home to create in. Its unique cultures, mountains and spectacular views arouse our muse - and inspiration takes less time to reach us here than anywhere else in the world. (No statistics to back that up – it just does!)
Why publish this book? To ignite passions and embolden others our age to add their unique contributions to the world and uplift us all even more.
Do you write fictional short stories, poetry or personal stories that you’re inspired to share? I’m looking for writings that are poignant and heartrending, or light-hearted and funny, or spiritual, provocative, romantic, fantasy, or any other genre.
If this resonates with you, and you are a writer 50 or older living in Taos County, I invite you to apply to join me. Deadline for submissions is Nov. 30 but please let me know now if this interests you. For exact submission details, contact me at ellen@ howtogrowyounger.com
I plan to donate to SOMOS and Questa Creative Council through this project. They are creative engines chugging us forward and cheering us on.