Channeling Jane Austen for Her Debut Novel: Natalie’s Story
After her husband was diagnosed with a deadly lung disease at 54, Natalie spent her free time immersing herself in the work of her favorite author. Little did she know this would become the catalyst for her first novel, The Jane Austen Society, which was recently...
Finding Herself in Thailand at 54: Cindy’s Story
In 2005, Cindy quit her career when she had the opportunity to move to Thailand with her husband and son. A chance meeting with a Thai Buddhist nun would open her heart and change her life forever. She chronicles her adventures along the spiritual path in her newly...
Becoming a Writer at 64: Elise’s Story
The death of Elise’s daughter, Giana Natali, from a heroin overdose was the catalyst for Elise to shift careers and put her passion for writing into action. She published a memoir about her daughter and her first novel has just been released as well. Tell us a...
Learning to Parent in Midlife: Dani’s Story
After thirty years tap-dancing through life as a childfree woman, Dani fell in love with a divorced dad of two and stepped into the amorphous role of a parent’s live-in significant other—or, babysitter without compensation. She writes about her journey in her memoir,...
Writing about Surviving Cancer and Parenting as a Lesbian Couple: Martina’s Story
Martina had already shifted from being a divorce attorney to a mediator when a writing class would open up a new passion. Her book, I'm Still Here, is a braided memoir, part cancer-odyssey (including a terminal diagnosis in which she failed to die), and her life story...
Helping Us See and Create More Beauty and Kindness: Eva’s Story
After 19 years in academic medicine and 20 years of marriage, Eva, a psychiatrist, underwent a divorce and major professional changes. She emerged from the transformation with a mission to help others on a broader scale and co-founded a non-profit and wrote a book to...
Creating Edible Candles: Loree’s Story
After stints in multiple industries and years as a stay-at-home mom, Loree was ready for her next act. The melting wax on her son’s birthday cake was the aha moment that would lead her to launch Let Them Eat Candles. Tell us a little about your...
Pivoting and Publishing: Updates from Marla, Margaret, and Densie
Today we revisit three women I've featured previously on Next Act for Women: Marla, who has pivoted from running a nonprofit to coaching for weight loss; Margaret, who published her first book about depression; Densie, who has published a second novel and just signed...
Becoming a Podcaster at 52: Colleen’s Story
After transitions from attorney to stay-at-home mom to Pilates instructor, Colleen reinvented once again. She now co-hosts the podcast Hot Flashes & Cool Topics, which seeks to give a voice to women in midlife and beyond. She wants to create a series of...
Becoming a Writer and Editor in Midlife: Wendy’s Story
When her husband abandoned Wendy with three young children, Wendy became a construction safety manager to support her family, then finally had the chance, in her 50s, to pursue her dream career as a writer and editor after meeting her now-husband and moving to the...
FOLLOW ME
