In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome author Julie Berman to discuss her journey of writing later-in-life romances. They delve into Julie's transition from speech-language pathology to author, her latest book 'Elsie's New Season,' and the importance of portraying love and life experiences of older adults authentically. Julie shares insights into the challenges and joys of writing for this demographic, the stereotypes she aims to debunk, and how her personal experiences have influenced her work. The hosts also explore broader themes of resilience, grief, and love, offering valuable advice for both writers and readers.

Check out our EPISODE 104 DEEP DIVE: Writing Beyond Midlife: Crafting Compelling Stories with Older Protagonists

00:00 Introduction to Way-Word Writers

00:32 Meet Julie Berman

02:31 Julie’s Writing Journey

03:43 Elsie’s New Season: A Later in Life Romance

05:30 Themes in Julie’s Writing

08:07 Balancing Realism and Romance

13:09 Genre Blending and Audience

15:46 Character Backgrounds and Relationships

17:54 Personal Touches in Grief

19:10 Challenging Age Stereotypes

20:37 Embracing Character Quirks

22:38 The Evolution of Romance Genres

24:01 Advice for Aspiring Writers

25:09 The Importance of Beta Readers

27:20 Navigating Indie Publishing

29:35 Marketing and Promotion Strategies

32:08 Heartwarming Lessons from Writing

33:42 Conclusion and Future Projects

​Elsie’s New Season: A Later In Life Romance by Julie Berman