Falklore: Wake Up Call for Senior Citizens

I have been writing this column with the thought that it would be beneficial for senior citizens who would like to write. Again, by seniors, I'm referring to persons 50 years or older. But I do realize that much of what I and others write for WritersNewsWeekly can be useful for a person of any age. Younger people just have one advantage - - more time to pursue their dreams. That's a wake up call for senior citizens aspiring to be authors.

Many senior citizens who would love to write a novel, short story or even poetry -- if they want to succeed - - must allow time to learn. I harp on that, but it is vital. In the long run, by allowing that time, they are actually saving time. If you are a golfer, you can easily relate to this. I think of all the skin games money I could have won had I taken lessons when I first became interested in golf. Now, I think of all the money I've lost in skin games by trying to teach myself. I suffered through that, and so did my wallet. That is the same as trying to write a novel without first learning the basics.

My last column included excellent reading sources. There are many helpful sources out there. Ten years ago, I enrolled in "The Writer's Digest Novel Writing Workshop.” The workshop consisted of six worthwhile lessons and writing assignments for us to do at home. The pupil - you - is tutored by a published author. The cost was very nominal in relation to its value. The course covered, among other things: "Overview," "Objectives," "Step-by-Step Lessons," "Reading Assignments" and "Send-in Assignments." The course was relatively in-depth, meaning that everything one might need in developing and writing a novel is there for the taking.

My next column will include at least two more kinds of sources that will help you to complete a professional novel and an excellent manuscript. Publishers love "clean" manuscripts.

I was lucky to have studied writing in undergraduate and post grad courses. Yet, I surely benefitted greatly from the “Digest” course. And so will you. There were many things one just does not learn in school -- things that only come from the pros. Let me remind you to include each issue of WritersNewsWeekly in a binder or file folder for future references. And as always, let me hear from you.

Questions/Comments? Contact Jim at james@jamesfalk.net, or visit www.jamesfalk.net.

James Falk, as a teen-ager, used to dream of being a big-time racketeer. Fortunately, his dream didn't come true. A 10th grade dropout, he finished highschool after four years in the Marines and went on to earn a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Communications.