Ten years ago, shortly after turning fifty, I told myself it was time to finally begin writing seriously. Like most writers, any attempt at writing has its roots in college days, writing short stories, music and poetry. I continue to think college and poetry go hand-in-hand; first time away from home, able to express deeper inner feelings to a greater degree.

     After college graduation I spent a year in governmental transportation public relations, writing and speaking at public hearings regarding the sad news that major highway construction would be coming through your front yard. It was never a joyous occasion.

     At the same time, continuing to write at night, I landed a recording contract and headed to Hollywood. I stayed there over fifteen years, continuing to write, always in touch with the music and film industry.

     It was the music business that brought me back to the Chicago area, running my own company. Ten years before the millennium I was brought into the printing and publishing industry, utilizing my talents in the final production area prior to products reaching the customer. I was my own boss on the night shift, always ending around one in the morning.

     Because of my love for writing, I told myself that a significant change would take place in my life, namely a straight-ahead approach to devoted and diligent writing.

     But where to begin?

     Music was my expertise, I was savvy and knowledgeable, but my heart was set on fiction. Growing up a Baby Boomer, television was still black and white. Westerns had an impact on my imagination. Hollywood Westerns were on seven days a week. Even with the advent of color television, they still thrived. But Hollywood Westerns were a far cry from the actual settings and locations best described throughout the distinctive writing career of Louis L’Amour. He painted in words what Hollywood tried best to capture on film. But it was L’Amour who captured my imagination.

     With this in mind, and my equal love of the Western Plains and the Southwest, I began writing rough-and-tumble short stories, my first being Duel at Skull Bone Crossing. This was followed by nine more before I began my first Western novel, Run With The Outlaws. Thereafter I wrote a second novel with a third almost complete.

     Then came the advice to write romance novels.

     A high school friend knew of my writing and seriously suggested I turn my talents from the sultry Southwest to the steamy bedroom. Knowing I had a vivid imagination, I ended the journey of fast horses and gunslingers to the romantic encounters of compelling passion, suggestive intimacy and kisses, soft and moist. My first attempt was only an attempt, not exactly the heart felt story I had intended. Strong willed, I didn’t surrender after this endeavor and the next romantic story became Megan’s Love.

     After completing Megan’s Love, I spent the next six months writing Letters From Sister Stephanie, a fun, emotional love story that takes place throughout the summer of 1947.

     What’s next on the horizon?

     The past ten years have been all together in my favor, more exceptional and meaningful than I could ever believe. I count my blessings everyday. Strength and prayers have helped me, especially at the loss of my parents throughout the days of writing Megan’s Love. Over forty years ago, college bound, I met a fabulous woman, musically energized who dabbled in poetry. We remained together only a few years and over time parted ways. But fate in life has a way of bringing people closer and our reunion has touched us both. She crafted Megan’s Love into a love story for the ages. We continue to daily correspond, confident and devoted to our talents. We rely on one another with faith, belief and trust.

     To those who follow in my footsteps, with the ambition to write, I would suggest seizing every moment to overcome the hurdles of frustration. Constantly make yourself known and don’t give up.

     Self-confidence creates a positive attitude, poised, definite and assertive.

     Take from what was learned today and multiply that into tomorrow. I have improved myself over the last ten years, and each step has brought me closer to my goals.

     Is it ever too late to begin writing at fifty or sixty or beyond? My answer is no. We improve with age, looking forward, compounding the events from yesterday into a learning experience for the days ahead. Only a part of life is serious, the remainder should be committed to enjoying yourself, rearranging the dreams that are yet to come.