How does a 62-year-old woman who's never been married find happiness with a two-time widower seeking his third wife on . . . Craigslist!?
Does she throw caution to the wind and relinquish her freedom, or should she take a crash course in compromises?
Author B. Lynn Goodwin tells all and more in Never Too Late. How she was attracted to Richard's clear expectations, his honesty, and his incredible openness. She'd never met anyone like him. Would she recognize love if it knocked on her heart? And could an educated woman be happy moving into a blue-collar world?
Whether you've been single forever, are trapped in an unhappy marriage, or you're simply curious, you'll find secrets to a happy marriage in Never Too Late.
Paperback: 222 Pages
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Koehler Books (December 20, 2017)
ISBN-10: 1633936082
ISBN-13: 978-1633936089
Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62 is available for print and eBook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and IndieBound.
Praise
"A vivid, engaging, and heart-warming tribute to that rare and wonderful thing: a late-in-life
love." - Susan Wittig Albert, Ph.D, author of Loving Eleanor and The General's Women
"A book filled with grace and charm." - Aline Soules, author of Meditation on Woman and Evening Sun
"Very different from any love story you have ever read." - Richard J. Smith, Ph.D., author of Life After Eighty, Once Upon A Christmas, and Musings of an Old Man
"For those who think life has passed them by, take heart, and read B. Lynn Goodwin's book, Never Too Late, an unflinchingly honest, personal tale of love found after 60." - Kate Farrell, Author and co-editor of award-winning anthologies: Times They Were A-Changing: Women Remember the '60s & '70s and Cry of the Nightbird: Writers Against Domestic Violence
Book Giveaway Contest
To win a copy of Never Too Late, please enter using the Rafflecopter form at the bottom of this post. The giveaway ends Sunday, February 4th at 11:59 PM EST. We will announce the next day on the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck!
About the Author
Her manuscript, Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62 was published by Koehler Press on December 20, 2017. Goodwin’s work has appeared in Voices of Caregivers, Hip Mama, Dramatics Magazine, Inspire Me Today, The Sun, Good Housekeeping.com, Purple Clover.com and elsewhere. She is a reviewer and teacher at Story Circle Network, and she is a manuscript coach at Writer Advice. She always has time to write guest blog posts and answer questions. She loves working one on one, trouble-shooting, and helping writers find what works.
She can be found online at:
Website: http://www.writeradvice.com/
Blog: https://blynngoodwin.com/blog-page/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lgood67334
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writeradvice
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Lgood67334/
---- Interview by Nicole Pyles
WOW: First of all, congratulations on your book Never Too Late! What inspired you to write this book about your marriage?
Lynn: My husband and I both knew our story was unique from our second date—right after breakfast when we sat in the parking lot and . . . I think the scene is in Chapter 3. I’d given up all hope of ever getting married, and I thought there must be other women out there in the position. Then I answered this amazing ad on Craigslist (Preface and Chapter 1). Richard was different from any man I’d ever dated. He was much more open and honest. He knew what he wanted. Although I was much less certain, I loved being pursued.
WOW: Oh I love unique romances! And I can understand the love of being pursued as well. So, what are some tips you have for people who want to write a memoir about their personal experiences?
Lynn: Draft without hesitation. Spill everything out. Spare nothing. Edit later. Keep writing. If you remember details, feel free to put them in, but don’t get stuck in editing until you reach an ending. Write to tell a story—not to hurt others. Leave the revenge statements in your journal and present all your characters in a balanced way. Conflicts will be inherent if you do that. Write to share your life experience and how you grew.
WOW: That is fantastic advice! I love the advice to not get stuck in editing. Well, you obviously have the incredible ability to manage multiple writing projects and responsibilities at once. How did you find the time to write this book? What advice do you have for people who struggle with time management?
Lynn:
o Honor deadlines.
o Prioritize.
o Plan ahead so you can draft, put it away, and take another look 48 hours later.
Frankly, I also struggle with time management, especially if I am on Facebook or in e-mail. So I stay out of those two when I’m writing or concentrating on a project. I also take breaks and do dishes, move laundry, or walk the dog . . . or veg in front of a TV rerun. I go back to work as soon as the commercials come on.
WOW: I confess - Facebook is my primary distraction! How does teaching and consulting about writing help you with your own writing?
Lynn: As I write my comments and suggestions, explaining why one choice might work better than another, I solidify why processes in my mind. When I see a student using beautiful images, I take a closer look at whether it’s vocabulary choices or juxtaposition of words that make the images pop.
As I hear about problems with writing, I offer advice and use it on myself when I get stuck.
Every time I make up an exercise for someone else’s character, I know that’s available to me too.
Best of all, when I see students improve and they appreciate my help, they also validate my work. Drives my Judgement Gremlins crazy.
WOW: Ha! I love that - "Judgement Gremlin" - I have a few of those too! So, I love the message of this book that is perfectly summarized with the title – Never Too Late. What advice would you give to people who maybe haven’t met the love of their life yet and are worried it’s going to be too late for them?
Lynn: Well hello. It’s never too late! I look very happy in that picture on the back, but as you can see, I’m no raving beauty, and I didn’t grow more lovely as I aged. I’ll never know what it’s like to be tall and skinny or to have men ogle me as I slink by in my new bikini. But that’s not what it’s about. So let’s put physical beauty aside. Here are three questions that I ask every character in a play or story. If you’re looking for the right partner, you should ask yourself:
o What do you really want?
o What can you do to get it?
o What is in your way?
o BONUS QUESTION: Are you sure that’s what you want? How do you know?
I wanted companionship. I also wanted to know I was loved and trusted. I could respond to ads, and I could have done more. In fact I did, but you have to read the book to get the whole story. Maybe a combination of fear and pride were in the way, but if you’d asked me in 2011, I would have said it was my looks. Once again, you have to read the book to learn more.
WOW: I have to say, you are an inspiration! So, in 2016, we did a book tour for you for your fiction book Talent. Will we be seeing any new fiction featuring your main character Sandee you any time soon?
Lynn: Maybe. She talks to me from time to time in her imperative, high school voice. (Writers will know what I mean—this is not a call to be 5150ed.) She holds a very special place in my heart and there are new characters that want to meet her and be a part of her life. So maybe.
WOW: Who do you hope reads Never Too Late and what do you want them to take away from the book?
Lynn: Dear Readers:
How I hope you’ll read my book. There’s so much in it for you.
Take away new/additional confidence.
Take away a sense of adventure.
Take away an open mind. Be willing to open yourself up to new things and new people.
Take away how-to tips—whether it’s how to ask hard questions or how to handle money, demands, and increasing intimacy.
Take away proof that there is someone for everyone. Just be aware.
Who should read it?
o Whether you’re unmarried, separated, divorced, thinking about leaving your partner, or your relationships break up every time, this book has something for you.
o Trapped in an unhappy marriage? This book is for you.
o Afraid of the truth? Read the book.
o Curious about what love will be like in your sixties (and beyond)? Definitely read the book.
o If you get your book club to read it, maybe I can visit by Skype. Or members can send me questions and read my answers at the meeting.
Writing the book gave me an unexpected freedom. The truth is out there and I’m more than willing to share it.
WOW: Thank you for such a wonderful message for our readers! We can't wait to see when the reviews come in about your incredible book.
----- Blog Tour Dates
January 29th (Today) @ The Muffin
Interview and giveaway
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/
January 30th @ Mari's #WriteON! Journaling Blog
B. Lynn Goodwin will be a guest blogger over at Mari's #WriteOn Journaling Blog talking about, "The Power of Honesty."
http://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog
January 30th @ Polkadots and Plaid
Sara over at the blog Polkadots and Plaid will be sharing her insights and feedback about B. Lynn Goodwin's book.
https://dotsandplaid.com/
February 1st @ Miss Harley Rose Blog
Stephanie Cummings over at her blog Miss Harley Rose will be reviewing B. Lynn Goodwin's book Never Too Late.
http://missharleyrose.com/
February 2nd @ Bring on Lemons
Crystal J. Casavant-Otto will be sharing her thoughts about B. Lynn Goodwin's book Never Too Late.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
February 3rd @ World of My Imagination
Nicole Pyles will be reviewing and sharing her insights about Never Too Late over at her blog.
http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com
February 4th @ blog Margo L. Dill
B. Lynn Goodwin will be a guest blogger at Margo L. Dill's blog on the subject of never giving up! Make sure you read "You Don't Lose Until You Quit Trying."
http://www.margoldill.com
February 5th @ Bookworm
B. Lynn Goodwin will be a guest blogger over at the Bookworm blog talking about "The Importance of Telling Your Story."
https://bookworm66.wordpress.com/
February 6th @ Happily Ever Adventures
Lena over at Happily Ever Adventures will be sharing her thoughts about B. Lynn Goodwin's book Never Too Late in her monthly book round up.
https://www.happilyeveradventures.com/
February 7th @ Making LOL
If you have love on your mind this February, make sure you catch B. Lynn Goodwin's guest post over at blogger Making LOL called, "Finding Love."
https://makinglol.com/
February 8th @ Mommy Daze: Say What???
B. Lynn Goodwin will be talking about, "How to Start a Story You are Afraid to Tell" over at Mommy Daze: Say What??? to inspire us all to write our own story.
https://adayinthelifeofmom.com/
February 9th @ Words from the Heart
Make sure you check out B. Lynn Goodwin's guest post about, "Compromise and Acceptance." An important lesson for us all!
https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/
February 10th @ Bookworm Blog
Anjanette over her blog Bookworm will be reviewing B. Lynn Goodwin's book Never Too Late as well as interviewing the author.
https://bookworm66.wordpress.com
February 12th @ Madeline Sharples Blog
B. Lynn Goodwin will be visiting Madeline Sharples blog and discussing one of my favorite activities in her post, "Need a Venting Partner? Try a Journal."
http://madelinesharples.com/
February 14th @ Beverly A. Baird's Blog
Blogger Beverly A. Baird will be reading and reviewing B. Lynn Goodwin's book Never Too Late and sharing her thoughts with us.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
February 14th @ Bookends Review
Come by and check out the review of Never Too Late at Bookends Review.
http://thebookendsreview.com/
February 15th @ Mommy Daze: Say What???
Ashley Bass over at Mommy Daze: Say What??? will be sharing her thoughts about Never Too Late.
https://adayinthelifeofmom.com/
February 16th @ Words From the Heart
Rev. Linda Neas will be reading and reviewing Never Too Late and be sure to check out her insights on this amazing book.
https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/
February 17th @ Memoir Writer's Journey
Make sure to come by the blog Memoir Writer's Journey and read about Lynn's insight in her post, "The Authentic Writer." Also, blogger Kathleen Pooler will be reviewing Never Too Late as well.
https://krpooler.com/
February 19th @ Strength4Spouses
Visit the blog Strength4Spouses to catch Lynn's post called, "Craigslist Dating."
https://strength4spouses.blog/
February 20th @ Bring on Lemons
Nancy Cramer, yoga lover and retired schoolteacher, will be sharing her thoughts about Never Too Late on the blog, Bring on Lemons.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
February 22nd @ Food Diary of a City Girl
Make sure to catch Cecilia over at Food Diary of a City Girl and her thoughts about the book Never Too Late.
http://www.fooddiaryofacitygirl.com/
February 23rd @ Strength4Spouses
Make sure you come by the Strength4Spouses blog to catch their insights into Lynn's book Never Too Late.
https://strength4spouses.blog/
February 24th @ Becoming Zen Again
Shell LeBlanc will be telling us about what she thought about the book Never Too Late.
http://www.becomezenagain.com/the-zen-zone/
*****BOOK GIVEAWAY*****
Enter to win a copy of Never Too Late by B. Lynn Goodwin! Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. We will announce the winner in the Rafflecopter widget on Sunday, February 4th!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Great interview ladies; this book is great!
ReplyDeleteExcellent interview, ladies!
ReplyDeleteLynn, I love your advice on memoir writing: "Write to share your life experience and how you grew." So simple and positive. I also love the inspiring message of your book that it's never too late. I'm so happy that you found love and shared your story with us. I can't wait to read your book! Good luck on your tour. :)
Thanks so much Crystal and Angela. And of course, Nicole. I sold a book yesterday to a woman who wrote me this morning to say, "I’m loving your book. I’m on chapter 6 already don’t want to put it down but I need to go to work can’t wait to come home to pick it up in start again."
ReplyDeleteFind it on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Never-Too-Late-Wannabe-Wife/dp/1633936082/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1511161467&sr=1-1
(cut and paste.
That is incredible!!
DeletePlaced on Facebook and Twitter--because Social Media matters . . . but a good story matters even more. =)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. What a talented lady and how encouraging of others.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a fun book! It would really make a great beach read.
ReplyDeleteI love the interview you had, it's neat to hear about real life stories in this formet. Thanks for talking about the book!
ReplyDeleteThank you to Adisha, Sharon, and Jasmine.
ReplyDeleteSharon, if you don't live in beach country it's also suitable for sitting in front of the fireplace, waiting in line with the other parents while picking up kids from school, and the breakfast table. =)
Jasmine, happy to talk about my book(s) and writing services time and any place.
Adisha, anyone who calls me talented gets Karma points in my book. I'd love to have you all repost on your blogs!
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ReplyDeleteLoving the interview. Great information to keep. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Lynn, I love memoirs. I'm in the midst of writing my own. This part of your interview resonated so very much with me: "Edit later. Keep writing." Oh, how I wish I could silence my internal editor! Alas, she loves her red pen way too much. I've been known to edit one sentence in one paragraph of one chapter for, like, days! But, I'l get there. Slow and steady appears to be my race, but I'm hoping my turtle ways will pay off with a clean, tight, "first final" draft. I know there will be many, many second-through-fifty drafts after that "first final" ... but I'll do as much as I can, editing as I go, to hopefully lessen the pain down the road! Congratulations on your book! ~Ann
ReplyDeleteI love the cover. Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great read! Thanks so much for this!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a fun read.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading this interview and I think the author is beautiful both inside and out!
ReplyDeleteI like mysteries and suspenseful books.
ReplyDelete