by Eileen Harris
We are delighted to welcome mystery author Eileen Harris as our guest to Omnimystery News.
Eileen is the author of three books, the stand-alone adventure novel Desert Shadow and two mysteries in a series featuring Arizona antique store owner Alicia Trent.
Today Eileen writes about age and time. And she is giving one of our readers a chance to win a copy of Antique Magic, the first Alicia Trent mystery; details below.
— ◊ —
Since I've started writing full time, I've noticed a trend that initially surprised me. Lots of older people write, and they write everything from short stories to epic novels. Let me start by saying that I think this is wonderful! Of course, I may be a little biased since I am one of these older people that write. As I met more and more of these mature authors, I wondered if I was noticing them because these were my peers, or if there really were a larger-than-expected number of retired adults taking up a second career as a writer.
I began asking people in my target age group why they write. Naturally I received a lot of different answers, but several responses began occurring over and over. “I have always had a big imagination and loved to tell stories. Now I just write them down.” “I've always wanted to write, but my job kept me to busy and tired.” And the one I believe is closest to the plain truth: “I think the desire has always been there, but this is the first time I've ever had the personal time to devote to writing.”
School is competitive, sports are time-consuming, and the social pressures of youth, immense. After the school years, the “real world” begins. Earning a living is paramount, keeping up with the Joneses desirable, and raising children all-consuming. Most days aren't long enough to accomplish what has to be done.
For most people writing is a learned craft. No matter how talented you are there is still a learning curve which must be traveled to bring your work up to a publishable level. First you write, then you rewrite, then you seek outside input, then you rewrite again. Then, just maybe, your ready for one last edit. When the writer finally decides they have a finished product, they can begin the hunt for an agent and a publisher, or they can self-publish. Then maybe there is a book out there. In today's world promoting what you write is a time-consuming job. Even if you write strictly to please yourself, having gone through all the steps to become an author, most of us would hope someone reads the book. So here comes another learning curve, learning how to promote your book in today's modern world. All these things take large blocks of time. There is also the bugaboo of money. Very few writers ever get rich, or even make a living writing. That is often the nail in the coffin to being a full-time writer when there is a family to support.
Ah, but now you're retired, and your lifelong love of reading and writing can be indulged. There are more retired Americans than ever before. Good luck to all of us.
I'd love to hear your opinion, or the reason why you write. You can email me or comment on my blog.
— ◊ —
Eileen Harris lives and writes off the grid in the Arizona high desert. Visit her on her blog, Antique Desert.
— ◊ —
Antique Magic
Eileen Harris
An Alicia Trent Mystery
This is the first book in the series. The second, Antique Forgery, is published this month by Wings ePress.
Antique dealer Alicia Trent is hired to appraise a huge collection of treasures hoarded by a woman who has recently died in the town where Alicia grew up.
The huge old house poses mystery after mystery from the moment she arrives, but the stakes become deadly when murder is added to the mix. The question then becomes, can she stay alive long enough to unmask the killer?
For a chance to win a copy of Antique Magic, courtesy of the author, visit Mystery Book Contests, click on the "Eileen Harris: Antique Magic" contest link, enter your name, e-mail address, and this code — 9871 — for a chance to win! (One entry per person; contest ends August 9th, 2012.)
