By Roy Murry
My life was
given a new breath at 64, when my first novel The Audubon Caper was published
by Black Rose Writing.
For a number of years, I was just living the life of a bored work-a-day bachelor. Then I decided to read one of Dr. Wayne W. Dyer’s books. To paraphrase one of his quotes, you should not let the song within you die with you.
For a number of years, I was just living the life of a bored work-a-day bachelor. Then I decided to read one of Dr. Wayne W. Dyer’s books. To paraphrase one of his quotes, you should not let the song within you die with you.
My song within
me was to write a novel. I decided at
the age of 60 to enroll at Long Ride Writers Group, a school that gives
one-on-one training in the art of writing.
Needless to say, I completed the course in recorded time and was told I
had a talent by my instructor who has written a number of novels.
I had a story to
tell. All I had to do was write it. It’s a daunting task for a man who was set in
his ways, as most sixty year olds are.
But, I was committed to getting the job done. I believe this strength came from wanting to
tell my story before I die – you never know when that will happen.
I was persistent
in my endeavor, putting everything else on the bottom of my to-do list. Writing was my task. Golfing, my first love, next to reading, as
did dining and drinking out with friends, became the last things I thought of.
I wrote several hours a day.
One day I woke
up and the novel was done and I was sending it to an editor. Then I sent the
manuscript to a hundred or more publishers and agents. With many rejections, it
got published. Happy Days!
Now, I’m
promoting that novel on Twitter, Facebook and other social media.
And I have combined my new loves - writing with
reading, by promoting other authors’ books on my blog. Golf and other endeavors are always secondary.
POINT: DON’T LET THE SONG WITHIN YOU DIE WITH YOU -
WHATEVER THAT MAY BE.
Roy Murry is a father and grandfather, Green Beret Operation
& Intelligence Specialist in the Vietnam War, Bronze Star recipient for
Meritorious Achievement, BSA Degree from Bentley College, 1974, minor in
English, president ofPDE, the Honorary Journalism Society,
editor-in-chief of the Yearbook, twenty five years in the
Caribbean Hospitality Industry, and presently: semi-retired.
Link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Audubon-Caper/113280662134003
Purchase
book at http://www.amazon.com/Audubon-Caper-Untold-American-Treasure/dp/1612960944/ref=sr_1_1 and other
distributors.
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14 comments:
Good for you, Roy. I, too, got a late start as a writer. I'm now published -- with two books done and writing a third manuscript. I've never been happier than when reading or writing. Both are addictions!
Very cool, Roy, and quite encouraging. The lesson? Get out there and don't quit!
Thanks
KP
Roy, enjoyed your post. Like you I didn't try writing a novel until in my 60's. One great thing about writing fiction is that, even if our bones and joints are aching from old injuries and weather changes, we can live the life of a 25-year-old in our stories. How about running a marathon tomorrow? :)
HLW
Excellent post. Thank you, Roy
They say everyone has a novel inside them. I say, the ones who do have should not take them to the grave. Bravo for getting yours out Roy and why stop there? I'd bet my last dollar you've got another one just itching to come out now.
Dawn: To answer your statement, yes I'm writing a new manuscript, which is 3/4 done. Working title: The Three Wives of Don Quixote Smith. I't's the story of three women who use DQS to get what they want. DQS being a romantic helps them reach their goal.
Congratulations. We're in the same camp. Although I have written nonfiction most of my adult life, my first novel was published at age 58. I too am a Vietnam veteran. Keep writing.
Tom Blubaugh, Author
Night of the Cossack
Oops! That should have read age 68. :-)
tomynate: Losing it like me. LOL :)
Very inspiring. Shows what determination at any age can accomplish.
Maybe you could come up with something that would include golf since you do seem to love the sport.
What an amazing story this is..
I am 61 years old and I started writing my thoughts when i was 59.. I didn't know it was going to turn into a Novel.. I am so amazed. it will be published very shortly my publisher says.
It is so great to read your story.
many blessings to you
Debbie
Deborah: good luck in your writing endeavors.
Thanks for this post. I realized at 40 what I was put here to do. Now at 44 I'm completing my first fiction novel (part of a planned trilogy) and working on an 2nd novel of totally different content.
I hope I'm successful in getting published, but your post gives me hope and encouragement.
Thanks again!
An inspiration to us all.
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