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Late-Bloomers: The Benefits of Writing as We Age

An evening panel discussion of writing late in life with dramatic readings.

Late-Bloomers: The Benefits of Writing as We Age, will be held May 20 at 7 p.m. at The Studio@620.  The evening features a panel discussion on writing late in life and a dramatic reading of newspaper columns anthologized in “Post Scripts: A Writing Life After 80,” by LaVerne Hammond.  Panelists include Margo Hammond, co-author of "Between the Covers: The Book Babes' Guide to a Woman's Reading Pleasures" and editor of "Post Scripts"; Janet Conner, author of "Writing Down Your Soul: How to Activate and Listen to the Extraordinary Voice Within," and Maria Vesperi, New College professor of cultural anthropology specializing in aging issues.

Late-Bloomers

Cookbook writer Julia Child and English novelist Penelope Fitzgerald launched their writing careers after age 50. Laura Ingalls Wilder was 65 when she wrote the first Little House on the Prairie book. Helen Hooven Santmyer didn’t hit the best-seller list until she was 88. LaVerne Hammond published
her first newspaper article at age 86 and wrote a monthly column for the St. Petersburg Times’ Seniority section until her death in 2006 at age 92.

Panel Discussion

Celebrating the accomplishments of these late bloomers, three authors will discuss the benefits of writing as we age, including strengthening the immune system, helping overcome depression, increasing problem-solving skills and enhancing self-esteem.

Margo Hammond, co-author, with fellow book critic Ellen Heltzel, of “Between
the Covers: The Book Babes’ Guide to a Woman’s Reading Pleasures” and
editor of “Post Script: A Writing Life After 80,” by LaVerne Hammond.

Janet Conner, author of "Writing Down the Soul: how to Activate and Listen
to the Extraordinary Voice Within,” which addresses the emotional healing
aspects of writing

Maria Vesperi, New College professor of anthropology, specialist in aging issues and co-editor of "Anthropology off the Shelf: Anthropologists on Writing"

Dramatic Readings

The evening will also feature a variety of  local actors presenting word-for-word dramatizations of columns anthologized in “Post Scripts: A Writing Life After 80” written by LaVerne Hammond.

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