Is It Too Late to Become a Writer? Why Now Is the Time to Begin Writing

From Edie: DiAnn Mills has an answer for writers who are wondering if it’s too late to become a writer. Discover why age, fear, and self-doubt don’t have to stop you—and why now is the time to begin writing.

Is It Too Late to Become a Writer? Why Now Is the Time to Begin Writing

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

“There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they'll take you.” Beatrix Potter

Many of us feel the nudging to write, but excuses hold us back. I fell into that category until someone challenged me to begin.

In 1996, my husband said to me, “Stop telling me someday you’re going to write a book. Do it now. Quit your job. I give you one year to get anything published.” My youngest son was a senior in high school. Was I too old to begin a new career? I’d felt the urge to write for the past five years, but I was afraid to get started—afraid of failure, afraid I was too old to start over. Where would I begin?

I wanted to write. Could taste the words. 

“I believe in you,” he said. 

Those words touched me, and I accepted the challenge and devised a plan to work smart and effectively. I looked at my writing goals like a full-time job. If I were to reach the ultimate of publication, I’d have to soar to the top of slush piles I organized my day into writing, studying craft books, and reading deeply in my genre. I explored writing conferences, and which ones offered the best instruction and the most access to agents, editors, and fellow writers. I started a writer’s critique group that met for over ten years. 

Within that year, I wrote devotions, articles, a short story, and a historical novel. Yes, I had rejections, but there were publications too. I never went back to my old job. In 1998, my first novel released. Oh, the excitement of tearing into the box of author copies. The cover . . . the book’s name ... my name. A dream made real!

That was over 100 books ago. But don’t mistake the number for ease. Every novel is a little harder to write. The characterization must be deeper. The plot’s twists and turns unexpected. The setting more intense. The dialogue and emotion must clash like a sword fight. My nonfiction books were like clawing my way up a cliff. 

Techniques and tools of the craft weren’t immediately dropped into my brain. I experienced lots of deletes and rewrites. Still do! Writing is about hard work and sacrifices—about making your absolute best even better.

The older we get, the more wisdom is packed into our heads. We may need to organize our time to reach our goals and determine our priorities. Those change over time, and that means we must be willing to evolve.

“The scariest moment is always just before you start. After that, things can only get better.” Stephen King

Be courageous and toss off those shackles. Now is the time to pursue your writing dreams. I believe in you, and I challenge you to begin. 

What is holding you back from reaching your goals?

TWEETABLE

Is It Too Late to Become a Writer? Why Now Is the Time to Begin Writing from @DiAnnMills on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites readers to expect an adventure—where heart-pounding suspense meets unforgettable romance and faith shines through every challenge. Known for crafting gripping plots and richly layered characters, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?

Her novels have appeared on the CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists and have earned numerous honors, including the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol Awards.

DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and serves as Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is also active in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. Passionate about helping others succeed, she invests in writers through mentoring, book coaching, editing, and dynamic workshops she teaches across the country.

A self-proclaimed coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She makes her home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.

Connect with DiAnn for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively conversations at diannmills.com, or on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, and LinkedIn.