5 Famous Authors Who Wrote Their First Book After 50
The saying goes: “That age is just a number.” The authors in the following list, have certainly proved that. I am 53 and about to have my debut novel “Reckless Beginnings” published. Of course, lots of silly thoughts went through my head: “You’re too old to be writing a book” “It’s too late to publish a book.” and then there was this one: “You should have written the book years ago.” I began to question myself and the dream I’ve had of being a published author.
It was at this point that I began to do some research and discovered that many famous authors were not published until in their 40’s or 50’s. Once more I smiled. If you have a dream, no matter how old you are. Pursue it! It’s never too late to start something new or begin something that you’ve been pondering over for many years. My debut novel had been an idea in my head for over 20 years before it got to this stage where it is now with the publisher and in the editing stages. I’m happy to say it will be in print by the end of the year.
These five famous authors I have listed below all had their debut novel published when they were in their fifties.
Watership Down
“Watership Down” was Written by English Author Richard Adams. Watership down was his 1st novel which he wrote at the age of 52. It was rejected by several publishers until it was accepted by Collings and published in 1978. The book won many awards including The Carnegie Medal and the Anual Guardian Prize. In 1978 it was adapted into an animated film also called “Watership Down: and in 1999 a TV series was launched that aired until 2001.
Angela’s Ashes: A Memoir
“Angela’s Ashes” was Written By Frank McCourt at the age of 65. Published in 1996, this was his first novel and it made him a millionaire. A memoir of his miserable childhood that went on to win the Anual Pulitzer Prize and the Anual National Books Critic Circle Awards.
Little House In The Big Woods
“Little House In The Big Woods” was written by Laura Ingalls Wilder at the young age of 65. This was the first children’s book in a series of 8 based on her childhood. The last in the series is titled “These Happy Golden Years” and was written when she was 76. The collection is now known as “A Children’s Classic Series” and the famous television show “Little House on the Prairie” which aired in the late 1980’s is loosely based on her books.
Black Beauty
“Black Beauty” was Written by English author Anna Sewell in her early 50’s and published when she was 57. Sadly she died just six months later. It became one of the ten top bestselling books for children ever written.
Bowl Of Cherries
“Bowl Of Cherries” was written by Millard Kaufman at the very young age of 90. He began writing it when he was 86 and was published fours years later. He then went on to write his second novel “Misadventure” which was published after his death at the age of 92.
Final Thought
I have read all of these books, but it was a long time ago. Probably when I was in my teens and twenties Writing this list has brought back memories on what a joy they were to read. I think it’s time to rekindle some of those memories and read these books again.
It’s hard to pick a favorite but I would have to say it’s “Watership Down.” Do you have a favorite? Post your comment below.
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Congratulations on your leap into publishing! One quick note: Wilder’s final novel published during her lifetime (as you stated, at age 76), is titled THESE HAPPY GOLDEN YEARS.
Best of luck to you!
Thank you for the congratulations and thank you for pointing that out. I misread my list in the series. You are correct and I believe it was published in 1943. I corrected it in the post. Again Thank you 🙂
Well, I guess there’s hope for me yet! I have been meaning to get back to my fiction writing for the past couple years. Maybe this fall, I’ll try my hand at NaNoWriMo again…
Congratulations on your book! I hope it will be a huge success.
There is always hope for all of us. I’ve never entered the NaNoWriMo. I Carn’t write that much in 30 Days lol Good luck if you enter
I love this. 🙂 I don’t think you are ever too old to try to go after your dreams. I hope I remember that as time goes on.
I agree! And keep remembering 😀😀
Watership Down was a good thought-provoking book, but I think my favorites were the Laura Ingalls Wilder book. I’m only 30, but I want to pursue the dream of publishing a book!
I carried my dream for 20 years and now it’s finally happening. Keep those dreams a live. It will happen 😀😀
This was such a fun read! I love Laura Ingalls Wilder and Black Beauty, too! And had no idea they wrote their books so late in life! This gives me hope for when I write my book – which will be someday… I hope haha!
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed. Love Black beauty too!.
This is awesome, never too late to start writing!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
I never knew this about Laura Ingalls Wilder! I guess there’s hope for me yet. These are some impressive books in this grouping. I have read them all except one. I have to read Bowl of Cherries.
There is hope for all of us 🙂 Red Bowl of Cherries is very good. After writing this article I will be reading it again soon.
Watership Down is my favourite too, I’ve always loved wildlife from a kid and the story is amazing. This is closely followed by Black Beauty as I’ve always loved horses. I’m 50 somthing, and totally agree with your sentiments. I’m working on my first novel at the moment and can’t wait to get it published!
Thank Debbie. I’m looking to reading your first book when published. 🙂
I love all of these books especially Little House In The Big Woods( one of our families favorites) I just published my first book at 47 so I am close! Thanks for sharing the amazing books.
Congratulations on the publication of your first book! I will have to check out. Glad you enjoyed the post.
I can also write a list of my favorite books that are great to reminisce with and in fact, you gave me an idea! I’ll start looking them up online and maybe even reread from my favorite authors! Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome. Glad you enjoyed it and gave you some ideas
This is super inspiring! It is never too late to chase our dreams. 🙂
Very true. We all need to chase our dreams, no matter how old we are.
I am over 50 and I am pursuing my dreams as I have more money to do so. I still feel very young so I dont let age stop me.
Good for you! Never give up. I’m 54 and my first novel will be published this year 🙂
I have so many ideas for a book but I never have the time to actually sit down and write them. This gives me so much hope – thank you!
Happy to hear that. Don’t give up on your ideas. It will happen 🙂
Once again, reading this gives me a lot of hope that I’ll get my act together and write that book I have always been talking about.
It can happen 🙂 Never give up!
I absolutely adore most of these books and I’m inspired to not give up on my idea for a short novel…
Please don’t “) It’s never too late.
This is an inspirational list! I have never sat down to write a book but I have always wanted to.
I hope someday you will. It’s never too late
This is very inspiring. Its just proof that success can happen at any age.
yes it sure can:)
It just goes to show that you can write and share no matter what age you are. I definitely want to check some of these out!
Age is just a number, as these writers proved.
I have not read any of these and if they were worth a re-read on your part, I definitely need to pick some up.
Honestly, you should. Some real classics here.
Little House in the Big Woods was one of my favorite books growing up! How amazing that Laura Ingalls Wilder didn’t write it until she was 65! Makes me feel better about my life, too LOL
Mine too. I’m 54 and about to have my first novel published and I thought I was too old LOL
I remember little house on the prairie growing up! I love Laura Inglas Wilder. They really are all amazing books.
All of these are on my favorites list.
Excellent post. So it’s not too late for me to write a book. I only have 41!
It’s never too late 🙂
I’ve never heard of these authors before. It’s always good to know about new authors.
I’m always looking for new talent. These authors achieved my expectations.
I am always looking for great books to read. These sound amazing, thank you so much for sharing.
You’re welcome. Hope you get to pick some up and I hope you enjoy them.