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Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Karen Nelson, an accomplished writer and the co-founder of Writing By Writers. It is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering the next generation of storytellers.
Karen has been a writer for as long as she can remember, but it wasn’t until later in life that she decided to move from writing for herself to publishing her work. Her novel, “The Sunken Town,” was decades in the making. It is an exploration of identity, family and the way our past shapes us.
Like so many of us, Karen found that the second half of life brought a new perspective, giving her the courage and clarity to bring her story into the world.
Beyond her own writing, Karen has a deep passion for mentoring emerging authors, especially those over 50 who are finally ready to put their stories on paper.
She believes everyone has a voice which deserves to be heard. Through Writing By Writers, she is helping to create a supportive and inclusive community for writers of all backgrounds.
For Karen, writing isn’t just a solitary pursuit — it’s a communal experience that flourishes with support, accountability and shared learning.
That’s why she co-founded the Writing By Writers nonprofit to help emerging and established writers hone their craft, build confidence, and find their literary voices.
Over the years, Karen has seen firsthand how transformative a strong writing community can be. She recalls how a longtime writing group helped her push through self-doubt and finish her novel.
Now, she’s committed to offering that same kind of support to others, particularly those who are stepping into their creative ambitions later in life.
Karen’s organization offers workshops, manuscript reviews, and long-term mentorship programs designed to guide writers from initial ideas to finished books.
Some programs are open to everyone, while others provide fellowships for those who might not otherwise have access to high-quality literary mentorship.
I liked Karen’s message to aspiring writers over 50. “Maybe you started a book 20 years ago and put it in a drawer,” she explained. “Maybe you’ve always dreamed of writing but didn’t think you had the talent. I can tell you this, if you have the passion, then you can learn the craft. And it’s never too late.”
People can connect with Karen through her website at www.karennelson.net as well as on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about her organization, visit www.writingxwriters.org.
Karen’s novel, “The Sunken Town,” is available on Amazon and in other bookstores.
I’ll have another inspirational interview on the next episode of the Forward From 50 podcast. In fact, you won’t want to miss our 100th episode. I will be interviewing a man who has the ideal solution for seasoned citizens who wonder what they can do to enjoy more meaningful lives while making extra money doing whatever they love to do.
Thanks for listening. If you like this show, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
If you order Karen’s book from a link above, Forward From 50 may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.