If You Can't Sleep at Night, Try Writing - Seniors Are Great Writers
Relax. Writing, putting memoirs down, and journaling build family heirlooms. You might discover a new revenue stream, too. Look at what other seniors are doing.
The city of Boston says, "Countless unique stories are brimming in the hearts and minds of elderly people...." This year, that city has begun a fascinating project called, The Memoir Project. It aims to teach seniors basic skills of journaling and writing memoirs.
A fantastic way to immortalize feelings and stories from people out of Boston's neighborhoods, schools, churches or businesses. It would be terrific if other cities would follow. Perhaps you'd like to approach your community's powers-that-be?
I teach creative writing, many of my students are well over 50. It's a joy to work with them. They are committed to "getting it down" and are so open to suggestion. Their stories range from seafaring adventures (really!) to reminiscences of 1930s and 40s college sorority days.
What tale is in your head? A funny, sad or sexy story? It need not be elaborate or Nobel prize-winning. The simplest tales are most endearing.
Consider this one.
When I was in my 30s, my favorite aunt, Margaret, passed away. I was distraught. I adored her. I got through the funeral somehow, but on the way to the cemetery I began to cry. Tears came fast and furiously. I was riding with my younger sister, and she was sobbing too, as we parked the car. We stumbled out, wiping our eyes, but it didn't help. Following a group of mourners in front of us, we walked into the chapel. We stood at the back, our eyes blurred. The pastor intoned solemnly from the front of the room, "We pray for the soul of our dear departed Francis." My sister looked at me. I looked her. We broke into giggles. Clumsily hurrying out of the Chapel, we realized our error. We had followed the wrong mourners. We hot-footed it into the correct Chapel, our faces red. Tears mixed with stifled giggles. We received raised eyebrows and disapproving glances, but Aunt Marge would have laughed her head off.
There you go. Anybody could identify with that -- we all make mistakes. Perhaps an editor somewhere would enjoy the piece, who knows?
Point is, you can write. Decide what it means to you and what you want out of it. Then pick up a pen or bang on your keyboard. Best of luck.
Writer who was born in 1920. Shooting sparks, straight from the hip, for better than eight decades.
And one from 1949, a very good year, I might say.
Here's one in Spanish; author born in 1937.
Freedom from Fear - A Profound Message from the Egyptian Pyramids. An article from a deep-thinking senior.
Seminars, essays and writing tips for older writers. Seems to be free of charge.
Passager. A Magazine that gives voice to people over 50.
Oh! One link just in case insomnia is an issue for you.
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