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I loved recording my podcast Create Out Loud and chatting with creative women (and one man) but I couldn’t do that and write my novel. But I miss talking to interesting people doing interesting things so I decided to do the occasional interview here around the theme of it’s not too late.

First up is author Kirsten Miller. Kirsten Miller is the New York Times bestselling author of the acclaimed Kiki Strike books, the Eternal Ones series, and How to Lead a Life of Crime. I loved, loved, loved her book The Change and that’s why I reached out to her for my inaugural interview. I was chuffed when she said yes.

Enjoy!

When writing your terrific book The Change (a comp title for my novel in progress), did you feel like any of your characters had to work through the feeling it's too late or why bother? Or did "the change" take care of that for them?

Yes, Harriett and Nessa both struggled with depression in the book. Jo turned her depression into rage, which is something I think a lot of us do. But you hit upon one of main reasons I wrote the book. I wanted to convince women undergoing “the change” that it’s NOT too late, and it’s absolutely essential that we bother. We are the most powerful generation of women in history. We need to find our powers and put them to use. Future generations of women are depending on us!

Have you heard from readers any stories of how the book catalyzed new beginnings or courageous change after reading it?  

I can’t tell you how many notes I’ve gotten from women who’ve said The Change gave them a whole new outlook. (I LOVE those notes!) But all I did was dispel cliches that are no longer relevant. Our lives look nothing like our mothers’ or grandmothers’. Why are we still accepting old fashioned BS about perimenopause and menopause? It doesn’t make any sense! Get rid of that crap and blaze your own trail!

You've had incredible success as a writer (check out all her titles here). Do you ever wonder if "it's too late for me to..." when considering an idea or a kind of writing?  

Nope, and I never will. Every second spent wondering if it’s “too late” is a second lost. There is absolutely nothing I want to do that I don’t feel capable of doing. There are, however, many things (like giving a damn) that I’ve realized are an utter waste of time.

Your new book Lulu Dean's Little Library of Banned Books sounds like multiple characters are taking a stand. It feels like that's one thing we often think why bother? What difference will it make? Do any of the characters have to decide it will be worth it?

One of the book’s heroes, Beverly Underwood, is a mom in her late forties who must find the intestinal fortitude to take on the book-banning villain, Lula Dean. Beverly doesn’t know if she can do what needs to be done. All she knows is that she has to try. I hope the book encourages other women like Beverly to take a stand. I honestly believe that we are the ones who will save this country.

Have you ever turned an "it's too late for ______" thought into an "I'm going to do _____ anyway" action? What happened when you went for it?

I believe that every time an opportunity is lost, new ones appear. I worked in advertising for two decades, and a few years ago, it became clear that I had “aged out” of the business. (Their loss.) That inspired me to write The Change. I couldn’t be happier with the path I’m now on.

What is your favorite "It's not too late" story? Could be yours, could be one of your characters, or someone that's inspired you.

Just look at all the most successful women in the arts—writing, visual arts, even acting. The vast majority are well over forty. Many are significantly older. And absolutely none of them show any signs of stopping. This is a new world for women. As long as we support each other, it will only get better.

There are a lot of writers reading this interview. What would you tell them if they feel it's too late to write a book or get published? 

It is never, ever too late. Hone your craft, wait for a story you’re passionate to tell, fill your head with a million experiences. Your writing will only improve as you age!

Thanks, Kirsten for taking the time to respond to my questions and give a shot of courage. I can’t wait to read Lulu Dean's Little Library of Banned Books!

Now over to you — who should I interview next? Do tell.

Next week: how to be in love with life.

Big hugs and keep the faith,

Jen

P.S. I’m leading a course called Marketing your Non-Fiction Book While Writing. It has absoutely nothing to do with this newsletter :) but I wanted you to know about because it starts soon, June 12th to be precise. It’s going to get you to do the basics you need to start connecting with your readers and growing an email list now — yes before your book is finished! Or even if it already is.

Learn more here and feel free to send me questions. It’s going to be terrific and I won’t be offering it again this year.