I entered a whole new chapter last year at 62 when my first book was published. Now my second memoir is coming out in September and I can't imagine being any happier than where my life is now. I hope to inspire others with it's never too late to live your dreams. I know you now and so many other extraordinary women. Life is such a grand adventure.
Not only did your life change but think of all the joy and happiness you have brought into so many of our lives-with your podcast, book club, author interviews, your bookstore. I really needed to hear this-I feel like I need to make a change in my own life. Thanks Zibby.
Love this, Zibby. I'm in the sandwich generation chapter. Relishing re-living childhood alongside my toddler as he explores the world for the very first time—a bittersweet contrast to caring for my aging father with dementia in his 80s. In their own ways, both teach me to appreciate the little things every day.
I left the toxic career chapter at the end of 2023. I’m living my best chapter so far (most days) exploring my creative interests, working towards publication of my first novel, creating connections with other creative people and interesting souls (almost all women). Hoping for grandbabies one day, but only when my daughter is ready.
It’s a good life. I will be submitting an essay to you about finding that room of my own, after spending 30 years feeling like my own house was not really my home. I hope you’ll consider publishing it.
Exactly what I needed to hear! So many of us moving into new chapters of our lives. As always, Zibby, you understand what women are going through and shed light on the next chapters
I've been a practicing psychologist for decades. Years ago Simon & Schuster published my psychological suspense novel, Denial, to great success. But I kept doing psychotherapy. My husband became ill and I had to support us. After a long illness that broke my heart, he died. And to heal myself I wrote about my grief and our complicated, passionate marriage. In 2025, my marriage memoir was published, and I had NO idea what enormous work it is to market and promote a book. I've learned so much I didn't know, met wonderful people, and exhausted myself many times. It's been exhilarating, expensive, frustrating, exciting and confounding. But now...I'm ending my psychotherapy practice. And I'm turning to my second novel, unpublished, a novel about a secular Jewish psychologist who's challenged by her hospital dept head to take on the case of a wildly creative and rebellious daughter from a Chassidic family...I love the characters, and am reworking this novel to create a compelling story. But will I have the energy to market it? I don't know...That's my new Chapter...And Zibby, thanks so much. YOUR new project sounds so inviting!
I’m so glad. And my heart goes out to you being a caretaker for your parents. We care for those we love because we love, but it’s a time when you’re so aware that your own needs in those relationships are somewhat invisible. xoxo
I am in the chapter of caretaker of aging parents. Had to move home when dad broke his ribs right before COVID. Goes on from there. I do his books. He has 4 rental properties but is not mobile. I am the property manager. He is 85, but follows news, walks with a walker. Mom is 81 and suffers from depression and sometimes stays in her room alone for hours. It's gotten worse and it's very sad for me. We are close but it's hard to get her to do things. I am aware I won't always have them. My sister and her husband are not far but do not help or deal with any of it. I'm also working my full time paralegal job which I love and reading lots of books. I try to remain hopeful. 🌸
Just shared my {shortened} story on your form online. Since having cancer my chapter is paying forward the gift of my life. My pages of this chapter open to my curiosity and love of learning and integrating new ways of wellbeing for greater health, cancer prevention recurrence and vitality. As an almost 72 year old, I feel great and am living well, both in the service of others and discovering new opportunities and adventures. My book, Light Through Darkness: Miracles Along My Cancer Journey, written from both sides of the couch - as a cancer thriver and mental health clinician (LCSW)- came out last year.
Love this Between Chapters section. You rocked your next chapter creating a bookish community for all! My next chapter was that in between having breast cancer during COVID in 2021, I spent that year editing the children's book of my heart about the amazing scientist Rosalind Franklin. Now I have a new second career as a writer, reinventing myself from my career as an educator to children.
I began writing a book about my real-life Bridge Club (friends for 40 years then, 50 now) in my sixties. It was published independently in 2010 when I was 65. Hearing from readers encouraged me to continue writing and since my husband and I spent time each year in the south of France, I set my next novel there ... and eleven more. Lake Union Publishing released four of my books and the rest I have indie pubbed. My 13th, The French Effect, was released in November 2025. I love being a part of the wonderful global community of writers and feel blessed to have this in my life. Like others who have posted here, I also share the message it is never too late to try something new. Thank you, Zibby, for all you do for writers (and readers) everywhere.
Love this idea! I stopped by your bookstore by chance last week (?) and didn't realize you had all this. I would have said hi for sure! Will be sharing my piece -- thanks!
You are an incredible community builder and creative spark! ❤️🙏🏻
Thanks, Ellen. Okay, really. Share your story of how you got to your chapter!
She is!
In the empty nester mom reinventing herself chapter: writing, becoming published again, and loving life.
I entered a whole new chapter last year at 62 when my first book was published. Now my second memoir is coming out in September and I can't imagine being any happier than where my life is now. I hope to inspire others with it's never too late to live your dreams. I know you now and so many other extraordinary women. Life is such a grand adventure.
love this, Lisa!!
Amazing! Congratulations
Not only did your life change but think of all the joy and happiness you have brought into so many of our lives-with your podcast, book club, author interviews, your bookstore. I really needed to hear this-I feel like I need to make a change in my own life. Thanks Zibby.
Aww! Thanks, Francene!
I submitted an essay earlier this evening, writing it somewhat on the fly -- digging a bit into my soul but not wanting to dig too deeply...
I think that even "between chapters" I always carry a familiar story line with familiar characters, which brings me some comfort.
Thank you, Zibby, for engaging us, for encouraging us to think inwards and outwards, and for inviting our voices to be heard.
Love this, Zibby. I'm in the sandwich generation chapter. Relishing re-living childhood alongside my toddler as he explores the world for the very first time—a bittersweet contrast to caring for my aging father with dementia in his 80s. In their own ways, both teach me to appreciate the little things every day.
Beautiful.
Thanks for inspiring me to write about this season.
I left the toxic career chapter at the end of 2023. I’m living my best chapter so far (most days) exploring my creative interests, working towards publication of my first novel, creating connections with other creative people and interesting souls (almost all women). Hoping for grandbabies one day, but only when my daughter is ready.
It’s a good life. I will be submitting an essay to you about finding that room of my own, after spending 30 years feeling like my own house was not really my home. I hope you’ll consider publishing it.
Love this!
Thanks! I love it (and your Between the Chapters idea) so much!
Me too! Such a good idea.
Exactly what I needed to hear! So many of us moving into new chapters of our lives. As always, Zibby, you understand what women are going through and shed light on the next chapters
Excited for your essay!
I've been a practicing psychologist for decades. Years ago Simon & Schuster published my psychological suspense novel, Denial, to great success. But I kept doing psychotherapy. My husband became ill and I had to support us. After a long illness that broke my heart, he died. And to heal myself I wrote about my grief and our complicated, passionate marriage. In 2025, my marriage memoir was published, and I had NO idea what enormous work it is to market and promote a book. I've learned so much I didn't know, met wonderful people, and exhausted myself many times. It's been exhilarating, expensive, frustrating, exciting and confounding. But now...I'm ending my psychotherapy practice. And I'm turning to my second novel, unpublished, a novel about a secular Jewish psychologist who's challenged by her hospital dept head to take on the case of a wildly creative and rebellious daughter from a Chassidic family...I love the characters, and am reworking this novel to create a compelling story. But will I have the energy to market it? I don't know...That's my new Chapter...And Zibby, thanks so much. YOUR new project sounds so inviting!
Love this Bonnie! See you at book club! 💕
Thank you! It was great yesterday wasn't it? Natalie is so amazing; and offers so much to us readers and writers. xox
I’m so glad. And my heart goes out to you being a caretaker for your parents. We care for those we love because we love, but it’s a time when you’re so aware that your own needs in those relationships are somewhat invisible. xoxo
This is great news!!
How sweet you are to say so!! Xo
I am in the chapter of caretaker of aging parents. Had to move home when dad broke his ribs right before COVID. Goes on from there. I do his books. He has 4 rental properties but is not mobile. I am the property manager. He is 85, but follows news, walks with a walker. Mom is 81 and suffers from depression and sometimes stays in her room alone for hours. It's gotten worse and it's very sad for me. We are close but it's hard to get her to do things. I am aware I won't always have them. My sister and her husband are not far but do not help or deal with any of it. I'm also working my full time paralegal job which I love and reading lots of books. I try to remain hopeful. 🌸
Just shared my {shortened} story on your form online. Since having cancer my chapter is paying forward the gift of my life. My pages of this chapter open to my curiosity and love of learning and integrating new ways of wellbeing for greater health, cancer prevention recurrence and vitality. As an almost 72 year old, I feel great and am living well, both in the service of others and discovering new opportunities and adventures. My book, Light Through Darkness: Miracles Along My Cancer Journey, written from both sides of the couch - as a cancer thriver and mental health clinician (LCSW)- came out last year.
Love this Between Chapters section. You rocked your next chapter creating a bookish community for all! My next chapter was that in between having breast cancer during COVID in 2021, I spent that year editing the children's book of my heart about the amazing scientist Rosalind Franklin. Now I have a new second career as a writer, reinventing myself from my career as an educator to children.
Bravo! 👏🏻
I began writing a book about my real-life Bridge Club (friends for 40 years then, 50 now) in my sixties. It was published independently in 2010 when I was 65. Hearing from readers encouraged me to continue writing and since my husband and I spent time each year in the south of France, I set my next novel there ... and eleven more. Lake Union Publishing released four of my books and the rest I have indie pubbed. My 13th, The French Effect, was released in November 2025. I love being a part of the wonderful global community of writers and feel blessed to have this in my life. Like others who have posted here, I also share the message it is never too late to try something new. Thank you, Zibby, for all you do for writers (and readers) everywhere.
Excited to be part of this! 🙌🏼
Love this idea! I stopped by your bookstore by chance last week (?) and didn't realize you had all this. I would have said hi for sure! Will be sharing my piece -- thanks!