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June Schoenfeld's avatar

I love encore careers. It's "do it my way" time. Well, not entirely. I ran right into the deadly "IT" grinch when I wrote my book. I thought "IT" was a pronoun. Yes, I drove a number of editors and publishers crazy and used my boomer age to win sympathy. The truth is: the big, bad IT trend, with its army of mildly talented AIs, can be whipped into shape.

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Robert K Miller's avatar

My big idea wasn't mine at all. In fact, I ran from it. It was to help folks in rural Kentucky to have first-rate water utilities. I used to think I was in the "4th quarter" of my career, until I realized I was actually in "overtime"! An exciting time.

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Elisa Speranza (she/her)'s avatar

Good for you, Bob—those folks are sure lucky to have your assistance.

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Helen Irvin's avatar

so glad your doing this! Its a great connect..Thanks E

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Elisa Speranza (she/her)'s avatar

Helen! Thanks—sending a big hug.

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Steph's avatar

You’re an inspiration 😃

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Kathy Speranza's avatar

What an excellent post! I am so impressed and inspired by how you transitioned to a different work life while maintaining financial solvency. I have much to learn for you sis! ❤️❤️

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Elisa Speranza (she/her)'s avatar

Thanks so much, Kath. Full-time, career artists like you inspire the rest of us every day.

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D.B. GLASCOCK's avatar

I'm always fascinated by what inspires people to throw themselves into a writing project. I just read a review in Slate of Dave Eggers'-A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, which came out 25 years ago and how he dealt with the aftermath. Thanks for sharing your journey E, as always, I'm inspired by your work.-B

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Elisa Speranza (she/her)'s avatar

Hah! I'm a long way from Dave Eggers-level problems! Thanks for your kind words, Bryan.

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Zia Kasey's avatar

Oh, E, I love this so much! Also, I love Big Magic and Bonnie Raitt. That exact quote you pulled also made me gasp the first time I read the book. I'm so glad you co-created with your idea. I'm so grateful The Italian Prisoner was born and I got to read it. And I'm so lucky to have your example of what it means to build a portfolio of work that sustains your life and births the world you're daring enough to imagine!

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Elisa Speranza (she/her)'s avatar

Thanks, Kasey! Right back at ya, my friend.

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Jan Brogan's avatar

Great post. Inspiring!!

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Elisa Speranza (she/her)'s avatar

Thanks, Jan!

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Mathew Tombers's avatar

Good post; a push I needed. :)

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Elisa Speranza (she/her)'s avatar

Thanks, Mat. One comment like this makes the whole thing worthwhile.

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Carole Florman's avatar

Love this concept. Glad your big idea found its life in your book.

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Elisa Speranza (she/her)'s avatar

I hope you saw yourself in the post, my thespian friend.

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Claudia Barker's avatar

Inspiring piece, Elisa. And brava for The Italian Prisoner and your steadfast pursuit of an encore career. Yes to the creative path - because if not now, when?

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Elisa Speranza (she/her)'s avatar

Exactly! Thanks, Claudia.

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