Freelance Writing in Your Fifties: An Interview with Andi Caldwell

Andi Caldwell is a freelance writer, wife, mother, and daughter. She also works full time. Her children are out of the house now, but that doesn't mean it's time to slow down. Andi is using this time to explore new opportunities with her writing, while still holding the family together. Because even though the kids are grown, they still rely on mom for things. Andi also helps take care of her mother who suffers from serious health problems. Add all this together with keeping her husband happy, and Andi has a full plate indeed!

I thought it would be interesting to find out how she handles it all. Where she finds the time in the day to do any writing with everything else she has going on. I also want to know about the differences a writer in their fifties faces compared to younger writers.

I hope you enjoy the interview, and that it gives everyone encouragement to follow their dreams, no matter what age they are.

Angel: Hello, Andi, and thank you for doing this interview with me. First, I'd like to know how long you've been freelance writing.

Andi: I've always enjoyed writing short stories. Before I had children, I wanted to write a Biography of Nobel prizewinner, Nadine Gordimer of South Africa. We exchanged a couple of letters and then I got pregnant. Life got in the way and I put my dreams on hold to raise a family.

Angel: And what is your "regular" profession?

Andi: I am an Alternative high school teacher for at risk teens. I also tutor expelled students. I also have been a Hebrew schoolteacher for 18 years. Oh yes, I have a side business of helping with College/Grad school applications.

Angel: How old are your children?

Andi: I have two daughters. Samantha, 22, is a first year Chemistry PhD student at Johns Hopkins. Jocelyn 19 is a sophomore at Smith College.

Angel: What kinds of things do you still help your children with?

Andi: Well, it's a tough world out there and though they both manage just fine, they still need to bounce things off me. You know, the easy stuff...Life, Sex, Relationships, Decision making, etc.

Angel: Tell us a little about your mom and what all you do for her, please.

Andi: My Mom is 83 and a widow living in Florida. Over the past two years, she has had major surgery and other serious health issues. She can still live independently but the day is coming when that won't be possible. Since I work full time plus, I have to take time from work to meet her needs. My brothers pitch in but my Mom prefers me for the tough stuff.

Angel: How long have you been married?

Andi: It will be 30 years this summer.

Angel: What do you do to keep the sparks alive in your marriage?

Andi: My mother always told me that good sex was important in a marriage. She guaranteed there would be hard times and if the sex was good, we could get through them. If the sex was no good, forget it! My husband and I are very different but we are very good companions to each other. We enjoy being together. Oh, we still fight but it's as if we are reciting lines in a play and then we crack up.

Now let's talk some more about your writing.

Angel: What are some challenges you've faced with freelance writing that are age related?

Andi: Well technology is a challenge. I don't know how to do some things on the computer. I've appointed my older daughter my technology czar. She has to teach me new stuff.

Angel: What advice would you give someone in their fifties that wishes to pursue a writing career?

Andi: Come to the Accentuate Services Writer's Forum. Everyone there is so supportive, helpful and will give you that kick in the butt when you need it. Michy is always asking us to write out of our comfort zones and just try, try, try.

Angel: I know that you recently branched out and entered your first short story contest. Even though you didn't win, you did make the semi-finals. I'd like to know how you felt about the whole contest experience.

Andi: It was the most empowering thing I've done in 20 years. I felt safe to spread my wings and see where it led. I felt great entering the contest and since I didn't expect to win, it boosted my confidence to get an Honorable Mention. I am currently at work on another story.

Angel: When do you find time for writing with everything else you have going on?

Andi: After dinner, instead of watching TV, I spend time writing. I also started a blog on Today.com Aristocatliving.today.com it is written in the voice of my Maine Coon cat. She is of Royal blood and has a lot to say. It's fun and it might develop into a children's book. That is what is so exciting about this, I don't know where it is going but the journey is fulfilling a need I didn't know I had.

Angel: What is the one thing that has helped you most with your freelance writing?

Andi: Encouragement from my peers and giving myself permission to find what is in me.

Angel: Please tell us where we can find some of your work.

Andi: http://www.helium.com/users/372530

http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/178029/andi_caldwell.html

http://andisaid-mr.blogspot.com/

http://aristocatliving.today.com/

Angel: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Andi: Thank you so much for this interview. I enjoy reading your other interviews.

Andi proves that age isn't a factor in freelance writing. She runs her household, helps her children and mom, and still makes time to write wonderful stories and articles. We can certainly see where she gets her spunk after hearing her mom's advice for a happy marriage!

Check Andi's work out. You are sure to find something you will enjoy reading.