Writing Outlets for Seniors

As an advocate of writing for seniors, especially those who have never considered themselves writers, I am sometimes asked, "Where can I publish my work?" Of course we can submit our life stories, fiction, poetry, or anything else we write to the same web sites, contests, or publishers as anyone else, regardless of age.

Still, I like the idea of seniors writing for seniors. We don't always need younger people to give us information or advice! We need to examine our own lives and experiences and share them with our peers.

There are many web sites for those 50-plus. You can find them all with a search. But many of them emphasize on-line dating, expert advice, games, or any number of other things. There's nothing wrong with that, and many do offer individual journals, blogs, or web pages; each site has its strengths and weaknesses. However, I have two favorites for sharing my writing, not for money but for recognition and all the other rewards of writing.

The older of the two sites (but still relatively new) is eGenerations, "The Choice of the Experienced," at http://egenerations.com/ Of course I'm biased, since the site's co-founder and editor features and promotes my twice-monthly column about memoir writing there. This feature is quite new, but many members have already contributed various journal and memoir entries, and even fiction. Although this site welcomes anyone over 50, there are not a lot of us over-65 members yet. In a way, that's all right; we "oldsters" can help prepare the larger Baby Boomer generation for the future, and their ideas may help keep us young.

eGenerations is still undergoing development, and the editor listens to its members. We have a chance to help shape the web site with our comments, suggestions, even complaints. There are three other columnists, one on lifelong learning and two presenting "the lighter side." They do their jobs well. There are also videos and other features, with more coming. The site is easy to navigate, and if you have problems, there are videos to show you how.

If you're over 50 and want to try writing, join eGenerations and begin writing in either the memoirs or the journal section (which may ultimately be combined or renamed). You're likely to get comments and suggestions from me and from many other members.

The second site, very new, is The Elders Tribune, "Seniors Writing to Better Health," at http://elderstribune.com/. I assume that the "Better Health" being promoted includes both mental and physical well-being. This site is almost exclusively for the 65-and-over group, and its purpose is to welcome and present member-written articles and stories. The categories include Arts and Entertainment, Business, Fiction, Health and Spirituality, Lifestyle and Family, Non-fiction, Recreation, Technology, Writing, and Editorial, as well as an apparently all-inclusive "Other."

Right now, The Elders Tribune is offering its first contest, with a $100 prize for the best article or story. Readers will determine the winner with their votes. The winner must be 65 or older, although others may enter just for fun. The contest ends September 30, 2007, so there's still plenty of time to enter.

If you're at all interested, check out both of these sites; submit your writing. Writing and sharing your writing are, indeed, good for your health--and your happiness.

Copyright 2007 by Marlys Marshall Styne