I’m thrilled to share that my novel Shred Sisters has been long-listed for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. I’m going to wager that I’m the oldest girl on the list. I should have written the book when I was 24 instead of 64 but I just didn’t have my shit together. Who says you have write your coming of age story in real time? This post is dedicated to all the late bloomers out there. I love us.
Summer’s almost over – how’s the writing coming?
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Betsy Lerner 
Wow, Betsy,
Once again, I’m green with envy. But, as the old Jewish folktale says: I wouldn’t trade my peckel for yours or anyone else’s. You’ve been through alot, as you’ve so generously shared here, and you damn well deserve the accolades.
Just think you’re alot younger than Grandma Moses and countless “late bloomers” like me–who at 73 may never get a shot. Rest on your laurels. You’ve worked hard and I hope you win.
Sincerely,
Gail
“Summer’s almost over – how’s the writing coming?”
First, let me say congratulations, Betsy.
Then to address your question. It goes well. I finished that rewrite I mentioned in my previous comment. Coincidentally, it is a coming-of-age story. Such stories can contain rich lodes that often cannot be discovered until years go by, working tirelessly at the word mines.
Not too good, but you inspire and re-inspire me with every post, with humor, with perseverance! That even late bloomer, boomers like me can get published! Go girl!
Phyllis
I’m proud of us late bloomers, too, Betsy. I have a few years on you, my friend, and I’m hobbling to the finish line. Here’s to the glory of success and the absurdity of trying. #Ferlinghetti
Diane Melton
Your here’s too “absurdity of trying” is on my fridge with the grandkids artwork. Love it!
2NS
I don’t have my shit together either. Entirely a late bloomer. Ergo why I cofounded the Gifted Underachievers podcast (on Substack) with Pat Dobie.
It’s just the two of us trying to figure out how to grow as creative people and have a few laughs.
I’d have been freaking out on that honor – just to hit the list is something else. Congratulations again – it can’t be said enough.
On the writing – right now I’m in that spot I can’t stand. The In Between. Meaning, I turned in my novel, and I’ve got no clue what to write next. I always enjoy the break, the “brain rest” but it also makes me uptight – more so than usual. Haha.
Alright. I got knocked down and at my age it’s harder to get back up, but I’m vertical again. The wind was taken out of my sails because an article I submitted to a magazine I respect and had accepted one of my articles in the past, totally blew me off when I submitted an article back in the spring. I haven’t heard a response and even e-mailed and left a voice message just to see if they got the article. No call backs. It seems rude to me, but like finally accepting getting dumped by an ex-lover, it’s time to move on.
And 64 is a wonderful age to blossom.
Yay! Congratulations!
Betsy you are amazing and you give me hope, congrats:)
2Ns