You haven't seen me blogging here very often. It's a mystery to me, but lately it seems I'm more interested in writing romances. Since this is a mystery blog, I can't pretend my current romance books could be classified as mysteries.
Still, I can share one mystery about writing. It seems many books are geared toward a younger generation. That's not me anymore. True, some older people want to escape and pretend they're younger while immersed in fiction.
Often I find when a book does contain an older person as a main or secondary character, the author uses depictions of people that may have been true years ago, but not anymore. It's time for some writers to look around and discover that the older people of today are not cardboard cutouts, but people much like themselves, just older.
Granny, Grandma, Grandpa, etc. to describe a character is missing the essence of what today's older folks are really all about. We're not all sitting around knitting, though I don't knock that hobby for those who have the talent. We're not sitting around in rocking chairs all day and imparting wisdom when called for.
Sure, some of our clothes don't fit like they used to, but they're not much different than anyone else's. We don't need a younger person to help with computers. We can do fine on our own.
Many, depending on our age, can still drive. We attend festivals, even participate at times. Some of us even know how to play instruments, such as pianos or guitars. Others decorate, paint or do repairs. We like going to Fitness Classes to stay in shape. We go out to eat when we feel like it.
Shopping is a fun sport for many of us, though finding the right clothes to fit is sometimes a challenge. We bond with our neighbors. Some of us still have jobs, though in my case I'm retired and just write books when I feel like it.
Many of us own dogs or cats, even both, or birds or other animals. We like to read, watch movies and TV. Some of us even like cooking, though I admit that long ago I did, but now it bores me. Luckily, I have a hubby who likes taking over that chore.
Yes, some are married still, while some have lost their spouse. Others are looking for a soul mate or don't want one. Anyway, you get the picture. We're normal people, not stereotypies.
Now that I've had my say, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that in Found At the Pound, A Senior Romance Featuring 2 Dog Lovers, you'll find ordinary people, who just happen to be seniors. I'm also in the midst of a spinoff on one of the characters in that book.
Thanks for letting me vent a little.
Morgan Mandel
4 comments:
Morgan, you are so right that we older generation are not like some young authors describe us. I have grandkids, greats and great greats. I also still have my hubby. When I was a kid, older women did dress differently--all but two of may aunts. One was always dressed fashionably, kept her hair dyed, and the other liked to hike and camp, was a wonderful artist, and usually word jeans and comfortable shirts. Times have changed.
You can say that again! Some of the younger authors don't seem to have a clue about current seniors!
I read Found at the Pound and thought it was a very enjoyable book when I usually only read mysteries. Maybe I should try a romance book here and there because it was good.
Linda, I'm glad you enjoyed Found at the Pound. I read and write more romances than mysteries now, since I'm not into gore anymore. Also, I only read sweet romances and will stop reading a romance that delves into sexual details. Sometimes, if the writing is good, I will read a mystery. Cozies are fine if I like the characters. Same goes for Hallmark mysteries, if I like the characters.
Post a Comment