50+ and Want to Write a Book? 80% Do. Only 1% Finish — Here’s How I Did It

You have so much to offer in the second act. You're not too late

photo credit: created with Canva, inspired by James Clear’s “1% Methode” (Tiny Habits) everyone is reading here at the pool ^^

I’ve been reading Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari, and wow, there’s one insight that really stuck with me.

Apparently, gossip has been a key factor in holding human groups together since the beginning. We needed to know who was kind, who was cheating, who stole, who slept with whom. That’s how our complex language evolved.

Oh, and get this: we humans can only keep track of around 150 relationships at once. That’s it! Think about it… your parents, your kids, your coworkers, friends, extended family… then all their connections with each other? Mind blown, right? How about celebs?

A couple of days ago, I was sitting by Lake Garda in Sirmione with a friend and his wife, chatting about our next stop—Bibione, and possibly a visit to Venice. She gasped:

"Venice?! Right now?! Don’t you know Bezos is getting married there?" 😄

Honestly? I had no idea Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez were tying the knot—let alone in Venice! (Though I did see a few photos on Substack of their $500 million yacht Koru and a story about them taking pictures of their perfect bodies.)

Turns out, we’re now just about an hour away from Venice. I read that BBC reported Bezos booked San Giorgio Maggiore, and some say the wedding might even be on that mega-yacht. About 250 celebrities are flying in, and the whole city’s in full lockdown mode with protests happening, too.

As for us? With two little kids and 37°C heat, we’re happily staying put, lounging by the beach and pool here on the Adriatic. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and I’m finally carving out a quiet moment to write to you again while the kids are snoring (and my hubby, too).

Btw - I’m sharing photos and updates from my Italy trip and the Adriatic coast over on Substack Notes, so come hang out with me there!

In today’s Substack Guest Post Spring #5, I’m introducing one of our incredible tribe members from Australia,

Jeanette Martin

.

Her motto:

“Whether you are 50, 60, 70 or 100, it's never too late to put your heart on the page.”

Since many of you are 50 plus, THIS is for YOU if you’re thinking about starting your writing game and finally publishing your book.

Sending warm wishes from Bella Italia (and I'll keep you posted in case I get some insider info re Bezos)! 🍋

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"80% of us want to write a book. Yet only 1% ever do."

I was gobsmacked (Aussie word for shocked) when I heard this.

So much aspiration. But so little action.

I wondered:

What holds would-be writers back?

Why are so many not telling their story?

How are we all missing out because of it?

But before I start, let me introduce myself:

👋Hi, I’m Jeanette, Australian Writer and Artist

photo credit: jeanette Martin

Thank you, by the way,

Kristina God

, for inviting me to connect with your wonderful Online Writing Club in the Substack Guest Post Spring for paid subscribers. Your energy is infectious, and your guidance is so practical.

My brief story: After five decades in five countries encouraging women to access their deep Self through Transcendental Meditation, I'm now encouraging women to access their deep truth, show up, and write about what matters to them.

My Doubting Debbie Voices

A decade ago, I decided to get cracking on writing my own book and claim my spot in the 1%. And I pitched my fellow “women over 50” because that’s me.

But yes, all the usual suspects showed up to sabotage my creative attempt.

The ones with the whiny Doubting Debbie voices, saying:

Who are you to write a book?

Do you have anything worth saying?

Do you know enough to fill a book?

Just to say, you’re not alone if you’re facing these goblins. They create hurdles that even our hero professional writers stumble to climb over.

So, getting to the finish line of the book marathon wasn’t easy.

But it was so worth it.

The Gifts of Writing a Book

Because in writing a book, gifts abound:

• You find new energy.

• You find out what you think.

• You find out what lights you up.

• You learn to use your time carefully.

• You learn respect for words and writers.

• You learn to take breaks and sleep well.

• You feel the joy of creating from nothing.

• You feel the challenge of learning new skills.

• You feel plugged into something bigger than you

• You discover what you know that others don’t yet.

• You discover what you feel that others resonate with.

• You discover that you're a person who sees things through.

After a few months of laser-focused work (at my public library, no less), my 125-page book was written, edited, and published.

And reviews started pouring in, making it climb the best seller ranks and hit number one in my categories for a few days.

photo credit: Jeanette Martin

The only way to describe how I felt then is “like my head and heart might explode with joy.”

👉You’ll find the book on Amazon: "Write Your Book at Fifty—A Call to Women—Discover your voice, open new doors, create your legacy."

The Unexpected Advantages of Writing Later in Life

Why did I write for women over 50?

I know how much women have to offer in the second act.

By 50, you've had countless challenges and experiences. You've gathered insights and honed skills—enough to fill a library.

There's certainly no shortage of material.

But you're also at a pivotal stage when:

• You recognise time is precious

• You’re a master at getting stuff done

• You're craving deeper connections

• You care less about others' judgments

• You're clear on what truly matters to you

• You know you deserve to be seen and celebrated

• You hunger to make meaning from your experiences

• You're courageous enough to reveal your genuine self

• You wonder what it is you’ll be leaving behind when you go

All this self-knowledge becomes a battle cry of courage, propelling you forward.

Start Writing Online Before You Start On a Book

When women approach me now wanting guidance about writing their first nonfiction book, I suggest they start by writing online.

They gain skills and confidence that prepare them well for embarking on the bigger project of a book.

In my online writing community, I see this every day. How profoundly liberating it is for women to step into their power and be heard gradually.

That first vulnerable post and thoughtful comment feel like life-giving oxygen you hadn't realised you were craving. Suddenly, you're breathing fully again.

With time and the fun of experimenting, you learn to write at the perfect crossroads between what you offer and what readers need.

When subscriptions begin flowing in, even from family and friends, it's a heartfelt validation of your voice.

You're forging new connections that feel true and deep.

Soon, rather than dreading exposure through your words, you eagerly anticipate it.

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Where to Connect with Jeanette?

Although she has written on Medium, X, and for others’ blogs, her tribe and writing home is now on Substack at Words Worth Sharing.

At Words Worth Sharing, she posts regularly about writing, courage, creativity, and thriving in your second act.

Thank you, Jeanette, for this inspiring, powerful, and thoughtful post that speaks to so many. 50 is just the beginning.

You can meet her inside the Online Writing Club community of 350+ members.

⭐Are You In Your Second Act?

Connect with Jeanette in the comments!

✅Tell us who you are, where you’re from, what your writing dream is, and what makes you stuck!

✅Also, share your newsletter (if you have one already) so we can connect with you.

50+ and full of stories? Let’s turn them into your legacy!

Inside the inner circle of the Online Writing Club, we have more than 100 members who are in their second act and still kicking.

In July/August 2025, there will be a special event for all 50 plus writers of the Club to connect and make friends. Also, a Substack for Seniors Q&A!

Remember: Your writing game starts now!

Need More Encouragement?

Be the 1% 👇

Tracy Mansolillo

🎉Become a Substack Rockstar and Join The 1%!

Jeanette is part of my tribe…

If you want to start writing online, kickstart your email list and newsletter, I’m happy to guide you on your way. In our community, you’ll find about 100 tribe members who are 50 plus to connect and collaborate.

👉Wanna join? For $98 (annual membership), you get access to the inner circle, community, and the Substack course for beginners to become a writing rockstar.

👉Need more? Then my Substack Kickstarter Bootcamp is for you.

Earn your first $1000 with me!

Ask me questions in the DMs

…and let me help you set up your newsletter to earn your first $1000 - even if you have no clue, are 50, 60, 70, or 80. Our oldest bootcamper is 87.

Psst! Annual members get a discount on the early birds discount and save 65% as a THANK YOU!