Grateful to the San Leandro Times for featuring my writing journey and creative work.
After 36 years as a postal carrier, I never expected to be building a second chapter as an author and screenwriter. But writing has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life — from publishing The Silent Coup to continuing work on several feature screenplays.
I’m currently focused on moving Help Me Papa! forward, a grounded emotional thriller about a grandfather whose past resurfaces when his granddaughter is abducted. It’s a story about family, sacrifice, regret, and the kind of love that refuses to give up.
For those of you building your writing careers later in life, I’d love to hear how you keep momentum going while trying to get your work in front of the right people.
San Leandro Times article: www.sanleandrotimes.com
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I was over 40 when I first used a camcorder, at a public access television station.
I was over 50 when I directed my first no-budget TV movie.
Now I am over 60. I find no problem in keeping momentum. Because at my age one has learned that everything takes time. Often surprisingly long time. So one is not surprised that sceenwriting takes a lot of time.
I can relate to that. I didn’t start this journey until later in life either, and I’ve come to believe that patience is one of the greatest creative advantages we gain with age. Talent matters, but persistence over years is often what gets projects across the finish line.
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Thank you for sharing this! What's been the biggest surprise about starting this chapter after thirty six years in a completely different line of work?
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I find as I get older, that not dying helps me a lot. Congratulations on finding writing.
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Thank you, Samantha! The biggest surprise has been realizing that this second chapter isn’t about retirement at all—it’s about finally pursuing the dream that’s been waiting patiently for decades. After 36 years in a completely different career, I discovered that all of those life experiences became assets to my writing rather than obstacles.
For me, this journey isn’t about slowing down; it’s about fully realizing a lifelong dream. Every screenplay, every pitch, and every opportunity feels like proof that it’s never too late to build something meaningful. In many ways, I feel like I’m just getting started
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Thanks, David! Staying alive has definitely been a key part of my long-term career strategy. I figure if I keep breathing and keep writing, eventually Hollywood will run out of reasons to say no! Appreciate the congratulations, my friend.
Norbert Castro Brilliant.