Bartering Art For Donations at 75: Lynn’s Story
Lynn’s life has been marked by many reinventions so it was no surprise that after retirement, she took up painting, became a prolific artist, and came up with the idea to give her paintings, one by one, to individuals willing to donate $25 or more to a non-profit of...
Becoming a Democratic Activist in Midlife: Laura’s Update
Since I was featured in Next Act for Women five years ago, my life has changed significantly both personally and professionally. Some changes were anticipated, like turning 50, my twins going off to college, and having the flexibility to travel more. Others have been...
Writing a Memoir About Childhood Abuse: Teressa’s Story
When her friend Greg heard about her upbringing and suggested she write her memoir, Teressa took the idea seriously. It would take years of fits and starts—and developing a thick skin—for Teressa to get her book out in the world. Tell us a little about your...
Becoming a Financial Coach in Midlife: Jayne’s Story
After 34 years in corporate America, Jayne realized there was a niche she was uniquely suited to fill and has launched a financial coaching business aimed at empowering women financially. Tell us a little about your background. I grew up in International Falls, MN...
Launching a Book Subscription Business at 45: Brandy’s Story
Brandy had always loved reading and came up with her book subscription business idea while in the midst of a successful and lucrative advertising career. A layoff would be the impetus for her to go all-in with Page 1, which was recently featured on Oprah’s list of...
Writing a Memoir About Her Father, Acclaimed Poet Richard Eberhart: Gretchen’s Story
While one might envy growing up with a famous poet as a father and surrounded by legendary writers, the truth for Gretchen was not so rosy. She writes about her complex relationship, including its gifts and harms (one of which was sexual molestation), in her new...
Writing About Her Family’s Experience with Mental Illness: Miriam’s Story
Miriam, an accomplished artist and owner of a decorative painting company, was not prepared for her son’s diagnosis with schizophrenia. She writes about her family’s journey in her first book, He Came in With It: A Portrait of Motherhood and Madness. Tell us a...
Publishing her First Novel at 61: Martha’s Story
The death of a friend’s son was the calling Martha needed to write her first novel, Winter of the Wolf, combining mystery with her passion for wolves and her beliefs about the afterlife. Tell us a little about your background. I grew up in rural northern Illinois,...
Decoding Aging with The Age Buster: Stefania’s Story
After feeling like a misfit for years, a move to Thailand and a chance encounter opened Stefania’s eyes to her self-worth. Inspired by an elderly Asian woman, she launched a blog, The Age Buster, that decodes the cultural conditioning about aging. Tell us a...
Publishing her Memoir at 75: Pamela’s Story
After overcoming childhood trauma and working for decades in a distinguished academic career, Pamela is finally devoting herself to a full-time career in creative writing, beginning with her newly released memoir, I'm So Glad You're Here. Tell us a little about...