Guest blogger: SE Gilchrist
Does age matter?
My daughter gave me a wonderful book this Xmas called The 50 Book about life after fifty for women. I’ve also read many fabulous blogs and other books on ageing gracefully, which put into perspective the liberating aspects of embracing life instead of dwelling on the confronting aspects of reality.
Personally, I’m enjoying a sense of freedom at this time in my life, although I seem to be as busy as ever! Although I admit to continuing to do battle with the grey-hair look. My natural hair colour is brown with a lot of red. Now it’s turning a blurry ‘light-pepper and salt’. I’ve found—in the worst way possible (i.e. a hideous OMG! moment in December 2016)—that certain hair dyes will turn my hair bright orange. Not a good look if you want to go out in public.
In my earlier stories, I had my major protagonists as being in their twenties; lately, however, a sprinkling of older characters have begun to appear. In recent releases, Quest for Earth and Bindarra Creek Makeover, the major characters were in their early thirties. And in my next two books (to be published, hopefully, this year), Cotton Field Dreams and Broken Lies, my major protagonists are in their mid-thirties. With older characters I can delve deeper into their history and invent well-lived lives. Naturally this also leads to lots of emotional baggage they need to face before they can find their HEA.
So where is all this leading? Well, recently, I’ve been considering writing a story where the protagonists are in their late forties/early fifties. Or possibly even older. I’d like to incorporate the different problems/life choices that this older generation faces and would love to weave the story into a cosy mystery series.
I’m interested in readers’ opinions on the following:
- Regardless of how old you are, do you believe grey hair can be attractive or does it make a person appear older?
- Does age matter and in what way?
- Would you read a romance about the older generation? And if so, is there a limit to the age you’d like the main characters to be?
- In the books that you read, what are the ages of the main characters? What draws you to this age group?
To celebrate my latest release, everyone who comments will go into a random draw to win a copy of Scent of the Jaguar, a romantic suspense adventure story. Either an ebook gifted from Amazon or a personally signed paperback (if you don’t mind waiting a few weeks for delivery)—your choice. The contest closes 18 February 2018. (The winner of the giveaway was Janine K.)
You can find SE online here: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Scent of the Jaguar
When a plane crash-lands in a remote area of the Amazon, a female archaeologist joins forces with a man she suspects is an artefact smuggler in order to survive.
On route to her new dig, Bernadette Ashford’s dream job morphs into a nightmare after a message warns her life is in danger. A last-minute decision catapults her onto the ill-fated plane and separates her from her beloved sister. Zane MacIntosh is on a mission—expose a major drug cartel and identify the man who murdered his mother. He’ll allow nothing and no-one to divert him from his goal.
Lost in the jungle together, they and other passengers are being hunted by ruthless mercenaries who have no intention of allowing anyone to escape. In their desperate struggle to live, a new-found love blooms and a deadly secret is unearthed.
But with a killer in their midst, will their love survive the heavy cost of freedom?
Available now from Amazon AU.
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Australian Romance Readers Association 
I have always enjoyed reading romance across all ages. I think that my current enjoyment of reading of contempory small town settings is because I am reading about interesting relationships across all ages.
I had a lovely friend who was the most outgoing effervescent person and drew people to her. She was going grey in her early 20’s but men were always wanting to go out with her. I went to her share house for what I thought was a planned time and imagine my surprise when her fellow house mates dragged me to the dining room, as 2 young guys waiting for my friend in the lounge room. I cracked up laughing when told she was already at a basketball game with another guy and the other two were waiting for their time to go out with her that evening. They all knew thet were staggered in times for access for her company.
Grey hair does not mean not beautiful inside outside as well as inside.
I like seeing female characters who enjoy the people around them, are caring and make the making the most of thier lives. Older characters can still be sensual, charismatic, confident, able to laugh at themselves, have learned to deal with crises and are caring to others.
Thank you for sharing about your friend Yvonne and your comments about older characters. I too love reading small town settings – its the people that make up a community and a book rich in interesting characters always draws my attention. Have a great day.
I would rather read a book about older women as they have lived and know what they want from life I like the blurb about this book & will put it on my to read list——LynW
I appreciate you dropping by Lynette and giving your thoughts on books about older women. thank you 🙂
I started going grey when I was about 16. Both my parents went grey early too. My natural hair colour is very dark brown, but I’ve been blonde for many years now. Since I’m now about 98% grey, I have thought about going au natural but I’m very fair skinned and I think I’d look even more washed out! I really envy the women who can carry the grey look well. I’ve never read any fiction where the main characters are over the age of 40ish. Being 61 myself, I don’t think I’d enjoy a story with older protagonists if the usual associated physical and lifestyle changes are included. That said, I’m all for older folks still enjoying an active sex life but I’m not sure how it would translate if that’s the focal point of the story. I’ve come across, and love, a few older characters who are wise, comfortable in their skin and down-to-earth, and have partners who are their soul mates. That whole relationship dynamic can allow readers to build a special connection with the characters. Successful, happy *companionship* can’t be underestimated, either, because it doesn’t seem to be all that commonplace these days. Sometimes, I get a bit fed up with characters who have perfect bodies, beautiful faces, are always super good at what they do, have multiple orgasms every time, etc., etc., but with science fiction and paranormal romance, it’s all about escaping from reality, right? I think if we all knew what *really* happens in the bedroom between ordinary folk, we’d run a mile from any story with that stuff in it LOL! We’re all so used to how it’s depicted in movies, TV and books. I guess it’s a fine line between engaging readers with the scenarios they like and keeping it reasonably real. BBW SFR/PNR, for example, goes some way to achieving that.
Hi Merry, I think some people read for that ‘escapism’ feeling, sometimes perhaps to achieve a sense of hope when their lives are difficult and some because they enjoy spending time in someone else’s shoes – living a far different life than what they themselves are used to. I like writing characters with flaws – some are just ordinary people placed into extraordinary situations and have to face their inner fears in order to reach their goals (or to survive – lol). Some of my characters have made the wrong choices – always though for what they think are the right reasons. But all of them are beautiful in the eyes of their true love. Mutual respect, trust and companionship can go side-by-side with physical attraction. I try hard to show that in my stories – perhaps with varying success!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us and for dropping by.
I prefer older protagonists (over 40 and up and up and up) in my romance, which is why I write older protagonists in my romance novels, and continue to research older women as romance protagonists. Older women have been routinely written out of the narrative and written off, turned into ageist stereotypes, devalued, reduced to a had full,of roles,or rendered invisible. Like the ‘silver foxy’ men of the same age, women over 40 are intelligent, vibrant, sensual, sexual, yet are seldom shown to be whole individuals. I aim to change this. I see you do too. You go, Ms Gilchrist!
I love change – its exciting, like starting a new adventure. Sounds like a great plan. Thanks Sandra 🙂 for your insight. 🙂
I would certainly like more romance books with older women in as they view romance differently to the young women we usually read about, more interested in companionship and activities to enjoy together .I have never read a book with an older women they always seem to be younger.
Grey hair can certainly be attractive as the persons skin tone often changes as well.
I have several women friends who were blond and now sport the most lovely white and white-blonde hair. I never considered the aspect of skin change – hope for me perhaps lol? I like your comment about older women more interested in companionship and activities to enjoy together – very true. Thanks Lesley 🙂
Definitely think older women should have their own stories. Love and romance are not just for the young, though finding the ‘right’ partner at any age can be problematic. I think older women can see more fun in life and are often happier “in their skin”. Grey hair or coloured, it doesn’t matter, it’s the character that counts 🙂
Too true about being happier in their skin, Sandy. I’m a slow learner – took me years to really know who I am and I’m loving the feeling. thank you for dropping by.
I quite like romances that involve older women as their lives, and thus the storylines, are more complex. I have enjoyed series that work through issues faced by older women (like grey hair) and even their challenges in supporting their children’s relationships. For me, there’s not an age limit and I like to see how romance can still exist in older people. In fact I’d love romance in older ages to be a subgenre as it’s hard to find! Thanks for the opportunity to comment.
One of my friends already writes about older women finding romance (40’s, I believe from memory), you may enjoy her stores – she writes under the name of Kerrie Paterson. I think its important to realise that romance doesn’t just belong to the young, that the older generations have a lot to contribute and their own right for love. I cant wait to write about their challenges and finding their own HEA. Thankyou for commenting.
Yay, it would be great to read books with more mature women in them, I am a great fan of Maggie Christensen’s books, and they all feature mature women. Romance is not just for the young, and you can write from a totally different perspective. Women who are 50 plus are considered over the hill when it comes to romance, but at that age they are not interested in furthering their careers and chasing money and the hottest men, they want someone to share a life with. Some have been left by their husbands who are chasing young women, and feel like their lives are over. Bring it on! Looking forward to seeing what you think! I’ve yet to read your novels and would love the chance 👍🏻😀
Jaykkay, I haven’t read any of Maggie Christensen’s books. Thanks for the tip, I’ll be adding her to my e-library. lol – I love your comment, ‘bring it on’ – very encouraging. And yes, they have their own set of life challenges. Thank you for dropping by.