Pearls of Second Act Wisdom

In July 2013, I started the Second Acts series on my blog. My original intention was to feature the reinvention stories of twelve women as part of the launch to my debut novel, Between Land and Sea, Book 1 of the Mediterranean Trilogy.

I was pleased with the response and decided to extend the timeline. Almost three years have passed, and the Second Acts keep on coming.

Pearls of wisdom from sixteen extraordinary women…

“Nobody likes change.”
Twenty years ago, I considered my boss’s words carefully, and unlike the woman I am now, I said nothing. But I disagreed fully. I liked change. A lot. Stella Marie Alden

I am a woman seeking purpose. At this stage of my writing career I feel the need to use my writing to help bring awareness to causes that are dear to me. I have begun to do this with Not By Design where the main character, Felicity Starr, develops Multiple Sclerosis.  Carol Balawyder

Since writers know who we are and writers have to write, we must never lose faith; the window for writing will open somehow, some way, some time. I found my muse in the loft of a lake house 20+ years after my novel debut—a Second Act, for sure.  Susan Coryell

The greatest thing you can do is to take time off, listen to your soul, hear what your gifts are and what you feel called to do and be. And reach out to make those dreams happen.     Heather Embree

And whatever you do, don’t listen to critics unless their criticism is constructive. If it is, learn from it. If it isn’t, turn a deaf ear and continue on. Above all, listen to yourself! Your intuition is your best guide.  Tina Frisco

You need courage to keep moving on, my friends. Don’t let anything get in your way. Believe in yourself and keep going. Wake up each day and greet yourself with a smile. I’m 84 and loving it. Married again after my first love suddenly passed on, we take care of each other. I wish you all the best. Remember “it isn’t over ‘til it’s over.” Who knows what Act Three will bring but I’m ready.  Charmaine Gordon

When the mortgage is paid and the nest is empty, it might be a good time to take the real jump. Take the time to learn about writing as a career, then the leap won’t be over an abyss. When the time is right, you’ll know it.  Dr. Noelle Granger

I retired from my day job with great expectations for a new and exciting chapter of life. For me, the best part of retirement has been the luxury of time to focus on writing again. Cheryl Cooke Harrington

I don’t have any advice for anyone attempting a second act. Why? Because everyone’s needs are different. Their general outlooks are different so their plans of attack will vary considerably.  Vonnie Hughes

First and foremost, to quote the wonderful Galaxy Quest, never give up, and never surrender. Be persistent. Never accept the idea that you’re too old, or not talented enough, or not clever enough. Never stop learning.  Winona Kent

I’m sorry I didn’t follow my dreams and pursue my writing earlier in life. But I’m a firm believer things happen for a reason.  Marian Lanouette

Do it. Life is too short for regrets and what-ifs.  Angela Scavone

I wrote a few short stories, mostly bad, managed to get a couple published. But there was nothing of consequence. And then on Christmas Eve, 2012, I had an ah-ha moment. If I didn’t start writing my novel, it would never get written.  Judy Penz Sheluk

As long as I never stop dreaming, anything is possible. So, dream big. And don’t be afraid to work hard and reach for those dreams.  Debra St. John

I also recommend jumping into the unknown, even if the jump is small and the unknown seems insignificant. To get to the bigger jumps we need to learn that we can handle the smaller ones. But pave your own road – make your opportunities. When you realize that you have something (a product – a service – a skill) that people want, sell it. You might not know the “best” way to sell it, but there is no rule that says you have to do it the best way, you just have to do it.  The Tea Pixie

My personal motto is: “Keep on Keeping on.” If you want something, don’t give up, no matter how hard it is. There were so many times I nearly gave up on my writing, but I hung in there, and now I’m the proud author of 4 published books. I’m grateful to all the authors who helped me on this journey.  Marsha R West

Where to find Joanne Guidoccio…

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