A recurring theme at past HippoCamp was attendees getting serious about their writing a little later in life. We included this topic in our wish list for proposals for this year’s conference. After we received many submissions about writing after 40, we decided to create a panel to offer multiple perspectives.
Dorothy Rice is one of our panelists who will talk about venturing into writing after lots of life experience!
HM: Tell us a little about your involvement in HippoCamp this year. What are you most excited to share during this panel?
DR: I was one of those girls who always dreamed of being a published author but life kept getting in the way. It wasn’t until my mid-50s that I woke up to the fact that if I was ever going to realize my dream, I needed to start! Starting the journey at 56 was tough, humbling . . . and the best thing I could have done.
Why do you love true stories?
I always imagined that when I finally got down to it, I’d write fiction. That hasn’t happened yet. A lifetime of true stories is what’s tumbling out of my brain and I’ve decided not to fight it! I learn so much about myself, and life, and others, by reconstructing the past.
What made you decide to participate in HippoCamp this year as a speaker?
When I saw the list of topics last year’s participants had requested, and saw breaking into writing after 40 on it, I knew I had to throw my hat in the ring. Plus, I have wanted to come to HippoCamp for the past several years and this was simply the frosting on the cake.
Attendees can learn more about you on our speaker’s page, of course, but there’s more to you than that bio! Share a fun fact with us, something we may be surprised to know.
I have three kids (now adults), one born in each of three decades: my twenties, thirties and forties.
Aside from preparing for HippoCamp 2018 (of course!), what are you working on? Any recent or upcoming projects/publications you can share?
I have completed a new memoir and am reaching out to agents and small presses. Recent publications can be found on my website. “White Rabbit” published by Memoir Mixtapes, June 2018, is especially dear to my heart.
Since you’ll also be attending the conference, what are you most looking forward to learning or doing when you’re not wearing your “speaker hat?”
Meeting other writers and attending as many sessions as I can. Soaking in all the nonfiction diversity, inspiration and excellence!Meeting other writers and attending as many sessions as I can. Soaking in all the nonfiction diversity, inspiration and excellence!
We love introducing Lancaster to attendees. What are you looking forward to about your visit?
It will be a first visit for me. I understand there’s a railroad museum nearby. My husband is a huge railroad fan. Also the farmer’s market and historic downtown.
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Dorothy, we’re so happy you threw your hat into the ring and our joining us for this Sunday panel.
And, reader, register to reserve your place today.
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