“I've been a voracious reader ever since I was little. I worked for IBM for forty-one years, with the last twenty as a global learning designer. I wrote large management programs, so I did have a lot of experience with business writing. But I always had this voice inside me that wanted to write more fiction. I read a statistic somewhere that said 97% of people who say they’re going to write a book never do. And I thought, I’m going to be one of that 3%! I started writing mainly historical fiction when I was 57, and really enjoy spending my time researching, editing, and talking about brave women in World War Two England.

I've always loved the research aspect of writing. When a reader writes to me and says, ‘I felt transported in time; I felt like I was back in that historical place,’ that means the most to me because that means I got it right. It only takes me about four months to write the actual book, but it's a whole long process with editing, marketing, etc. afterward. I really hope with my books to leave the legacy that anything is possible as far as what you want to try and do later in life. I only started writing when I was 57. I'm 64. I have eight books now, so you can do it too.

I live with my daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. We have enough separation that they can have their privacy, and I can come down to the basement and be peaceful and immerse myself in my books and do my research and writing. But at the same time, I get to see my grandchildren every day. It's also given me company and security thinking that as I get older, and maybe not as mobile, they’ll be able to help me out. So, it's one generation giving to the next generation.

Let's say you're retiring. You're not dying. It's the beginning of something new. I have a friend that used to say it's ‘re-tiring’, like getting new tires on the car. So that's the way you need to look at it. It is an ending of sorts, and you have to be grateful. I had a fantastic career at IBM. I'm really happy for all the people I met all over the world and the relationships that I still have, but that was just one phase. And so, the next phase is really of your choosing, especially if you've been smart financially. You need to really dig down and think about what it is that you really love and care about and are passionate about. I just say, seize it. Go for it. You still have a long, long life to go.”

Discover Deb's latest book, The Code Girl from London, available now on Amazon. For more of her works and to get in touch with the author, visit: debstratas.com

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I beat the statistic and became a writer.

Oct 13th 2024