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Are You Planning to Write When You Retire?
Check Out the Experience of Ulysses S. Grant
As an experienced writing instructor and as one who loves to talk about writing, I sometimes hear people say, “When I retire, I am going to write a book.”
When I hear this sentiment, I have mixed reactions. The optimistic and extroverted side of me wants to encourage these aspiring writers to pursue their goal, but the pessimistic and introverted side doubts that these individuals can succeed.
Generally speaking, of course, anything is possible, and people should chase their goals and dreams, but realistically, I often wonder, what are the chances?
Most likely, that person has already spent 30 to 40 years in one general field performing various tasks and chores connected to that field. Then, he or she is going to switch fields altogether and try to excel in another field, a field where only a small percentage of writers can find a publisher for their work.
“So, what do you think, Jim? Is it possible?”
If this hopeful writer puts me on the spot and really wants to know what I am thinking, I generally ask three questions:
How much reading have you done through the years?
