From a recent New York Times column by Edward Kelsey Moore:
Among the many things I wasn’t prepared for after publishing my first novel at the age of 52 was the question I’m asked most often. I’ve heard it at book tour events in England, Germany, and here in the United States. The wording and language vary, but the gist of the question is the same: “Aren’t you too old for this?”
People ask for different reasons. Some mean it as a compliment. Young writers ask because they want to avoid the missteps that left me unpublished until such a frighteningly ancient age. Others hint that I must have wasted decades by indulging in foolish pursuits.
Read the rest here!
Though a different situation, this reminded me of the Twyla Tharp quote I posted about artists who "burn out" young simply because they didn't stick with it.
We really do have funny ideas about our authors, don't we?