Photo of author DC Frost, and the cover of her first book, "A Punishing Breed."

Finding purpose through mystery: DC Frost’s late-life leap into writing

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At an age when many people are considering retirement, Denise Frost was just beginning to explore a long-held dream of becoming an author. It wasn’t a journey that came easily or quickly, but it’s one that has infused her life with new energy and purpose.

“I became a novelist in my sixties,” said the author who goes by the pen name DC Frost. “And I think what prompted me is that I used to do a lot of literary fictional short stories. I had about four or five of those published.”

Her journey to becoming an author didn’t start with a blank slate, though. She had been cultivating her skills for decades, albeit often in secret. A mentor who disdained the fiction genre, combined with the responsibilities of full-time work and family, kept her from pursuing her passion for mysteries.

“Suddenly, I found myself stuck, writing-wise,” she explained. “I work at a college, and I thought, ‘What I love — and what I’ve always loved — are mysteries.’”

She dove into the genre that had captivated her since childhood. Nancy Drew, Agatha Christie, and regional authors whose works she discovered while traveling all became inspirations. Through mystery novels, Frost found a window into the lives and cultures of others.

“When I go to a certain place, I’ve always picked up a mystery by a local author because it’s a great way to see how people live there,” she explained. “I learn what the culture is like, and what that person’s life was like.”

This new chapter in her life resulted in Frost publishing, “A Punishing Breed,” her debut novel. The book is steeped in the rich complexity of human relationships, power dynamics and the intrigue of campus life. It is a world Denise knows intimately after two decades working in higher education.

Writing between the lines of life

For her, becoming a novelist wasn’t about following a pre-determined outline, neither for her books nor her life. Denise’s creative process is organic and intuitive.

“I don’t outline,” she explained. “A lot of people do, but I try to let the story take me where it’s going to go,” she said. “I read Stephen King’s book, ‘On Writing,’ and he doesn’t believe in outlining either. He says the magic happens when you just let your imagination go.”

Writing mysteries requires a balancing act between structure and creativity. Denise relied on a four-part structure to guide her through her book’s development. Yet, it’s in the rewriting phase where her craft truly comes to life.

“I do a very vigorous rewrite to straighten out timelines and correct things or places,” she said.

Research is another aspect of writing she relishes. Whether diving into historical details or recreating authentic dialogue, she thrives on immersing herself in the world she’s building.

An unlikely setting

Frost’s novel draws heavily on her experiences working at a small liberal arts campus that provided a microcosm of broader societal dynamics. Trustees, administrators, tenured faculty, transient students and staff coexisted in a tight-knit, yet stratified, environment.

“When I started my position 20 years ago, I entered a very specific, cloistered world. It’s a replication of the world we live in,” she noted. “You’ve got jealousies, love and connections – the ideal elements of a good mystery.”

Several memories about men in upper management positions in both non-profit and an advertising agency inspired the central mystery in her book. These transpired before the #MeToo movement and institutional safeguards against harassment. Unfortunately, we still read stories in the news everyday about men and women abusing their power and taking advantage of their colleagues.

In “A Punishing Breed,” one such character meets a dramatic end by being murdered in his office with a World War II sword. The story explores themes of justice, privilege and second chances, as the homicide detective and a once-promising student-turned-gardener become entangled in the investigation.

Cultivating her craft

Denise’s foray into fiction wasn’t without preparation. For years, she honed her skills through UCLA’s extension program, where she studied under a mentor whose critiques were both brutal and transformative.

“The first time I took his class, I got a piece of paper back with all sorts of notes and writing on it,” she recalled. “By the time I had studied with him for several years, I learned to ‘kill my darlings.’ That’s when a writer falls in love with his or her writing, but it doesn’t have anything to do with the plot or work to move the story forward.”

Today, Denise is part of a supportive writing group where members bring diverse genres to the table, such as science fiction, memoirs and young adult novels.

“It’s important to have people who are open-minded enough to let those genres happen and explore them,” she said.

Writing during the pandemic became a transformative experience for Denise.

“A therapist gave me advice to write every day. Whether that’s five in the morning or three in the afternoon, I was told to make an appointment with myself and keep it,” she explained. “The routine brought discipline and momentum, allowing me to finish my first book and begin work on its sequel.”

Reinventing purpose after 60

For Denise, writing isn’t just a creative outlet, it’s a way of redefining herself during a new phase of life.

“The pandemic changed my life. Working from home gave me more time to focus on writing,” she said. “The shift felt natural, almost fated. During that period, I realized how important it was to make time for what I loved.”

She applauds the growing trend of older adults embracing creative pursuits.

“I do think everyone has a story to tell,” she explained. “Some tell it through writing, others through painting or drawing. People often come up to me and say, ‘I’ve always wanted to write a book.’ And I tell them, ‘Then, just start.’”

Her advice for those seeking to reconnect with a passion is simple. “Think back to what brought you joy when you were younger. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just commit to yourself to take the first step, and then another,” she added.

The asset of life experiences

One of the unique advantages of pursuing creativity later in life is the wealth of lived experiences from which older authors can draw.

“Hopefully, we grow wiser as we grow older,” Frost mused. “You start to see the complexity of human beings and their motivations, both positive and negative. That’s really fascinating.”

She views her life’s journey as essential to her growth as a writer and a person.

“When I was younger, I thought I had to be brilliant. There was a hubris in that,” she admitted. “Everything I am today is because of the journey I’ve taken. I wouldn’t change it.”

What’s next?

Currently, Denise is three-quarters of the way through her second book, which is a continuation of her detective’s story. The novel is set to release in 2026, cementing her place as an emerging voice in mystery fiction. She’s also finding joy in connecting with readers and fellow writers, whether through Instagram, book events, or even on TikTok.

Looking back on her journey, Denise embraces the idea of “rewiring” rather than retiring.

“You bring everything you’ve learned in life — your jobs, relationships, successes and failures — and focus them on something you’re passionate about,” she said.

In the end, Denise’s story is a testament to the power of persistence and reinvention. Her advice for anyone contemplating a similar path is to give yourself permission and, remember, it’s never too late to start.

Connect with DC Frost

Denise’s book, “A Punishing Breed,” is available on Amazon and at other bookstores.

If you purchase Denise’s book from a link above, Forward From 50 may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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