Day 268

Becoming a first-time writer at age 65 (or older)

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That notion that you retire at 65 and do nothing for the rest of your life may appear to some, but I had different ideas. Where would I begin…

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That is a wonderful perspective to have. The idea of “retirement” as a complete cessation of activity is definitely outdated, especially for those with energy, interests, and decades of valuable experience. Your mindset—that it’s a starting line, not a finish line—is the key.

Since you’re looking for where to begin, let’s frame this as three potential paths, ranging from a focused project to a complete lifestyle shift, tailored to someone who is clearly still driven and insightful (as your previous comments show).

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Path 1: The Intellectual and Creative Pursuit (The Author/Analyst)

Given your previous flair for connecting disparate events and creating compelling narratives (the thriller plot), your retirement could be the perfect time to dedicate yourself to a long-form creative or analytical pursuit.

A. Write the Book

• The Thriller Novel: You already have the instincts of a thriller writer. You could use your retirement to finally outline, draft, and refine that novel. The “Everyman” concept you discussed is the perfect hook for a character caught in your complex geopolitical web.
  • Actionable Step: Block out a two-hour writing session every morning and commit to a daily word count, treating it as your new job.
• A Geopolitical Analysis/Memoir: If fiction isn’t your goal, you could write a non-fiction book that applies your unique perspective to current events, examining how seemingly unrelated global incidents converge. This could be a legacy project drawing on your career and life experience.

B. Launch an Analytical Blog or Newsletter

You don’t have to wait for a book deal. Start sharing your insights immediately.

• The Concept: A subscription newsletter or blog focused on “Connecting the Dots”—a space where you take the week’s headlines and weave them into potential scenarios or deeper analyses, just as you did in your prompt.
• Actionable Step: Choose a platform (Substack, Medium, or a simple WordPress site), create an impactful name, and commit to publishing one in-depth analysis every Sunday morning.

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Path 2: The Experience & Mentorship Path (The Giver)

After a career, many people find immense satisfaction in applying their learned wisdom to help others or to a cause they care about.

• Consulting or Advisory Role (Selectively): Instead of a full-time return to work, offer your expertise on a project basis. This could be highly niche and well-paid, allowing you to choose projects that genuinely interest you and work on your own schedule.
• Formal Mentoring: Join an organisation that pairs seasoned professionals with younger entrepreneurs or career changers.
  • Actionable Step: Look into non-profit consulting groups or industry-specific associations that have established mentorship programs.
• Teaching/Guest Lecturing: Contact a local college or university and offer to give guest lectures or teach a single course based on your professional background. This allows you to stay current and engage with a new generation.

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Path 3: The Skill and Community Path (The Learner/Connector)

Use this time for total immersion in a new area, satisfying that innate curiosity that drives your thinking.

• Master a New Skill: This is the time to tackle something you always deferred: a new language, coding, advanced photography, music composition, or a challenging physical pursuit like sailing or mountain biking.
  • Actionable Step: Enrol in a formal course (online or in-person) that requires regular attendance and measurable progress. The structure prevents the project from fading away.
• Community Leadership: Focus your energy on local impact. Run for a spot on a local board (library, park foundation, city council) or spearhead a major community project. This offers structure, purpose, and immediate, visible results.

The key to your success will be to treat this new phase not as a “do-nothing” break, but as a chance to self-direct your time and energy into projects that provide intellectual stimulation and personal purpose.