Don’t Wait for Retirement to Write That Book, with Chris Shirley, Award-Winning Fiction Writer episode artwork

EPISODE · May 7, 2026 · 36 MIN

Don’t Wait for Retirement to Write That Book, with Chris Shirley, Award-Winning Fiction Writer

from Your Creative Midlife · host Betsy Bush

Do you want to write a book, either now or in retirement? Rather than put off his writing dreams until retirement, Chris embraced the challenges through courses, mentorship, community, and self-education. He went on to write a debut novel and is working on his third book. Chris’s story offers inspiration, empathy, and encouragement for anyone who dreams of writing but doesn’t know where to start.About the guest:Chris Shirley writes contemporary fiction that blends emotional depth with high-stakes storytelling. His debut novel, Playing by the Book (Magnus Books), won a National IPPY Award in religious fiction, becoming the first LGBTQ coming-out novel to receive that distinction. His current novel, Bloody Hell, is an upmarket thriller set in the world of global pharmaceuticals. Before turning to fiction full-time, Chris Shirley led executive communications teams at three Fortune 500 companies—experience that informs the corporate realism of his work.Links:About Chris Shirley: https://www.schrisshirley.com/ Chris’ recommendations for books on writing: https://www.schrisshirley.com/books-on-writing The Writer’s Institute, CUNY: https://www.gc.cuny.edu/writers-institute Please rate and review on Apple Podcasts.  And see more about Betsy Bush and her guests at www.yourcreativemidlife.com.  Are you on your own artistic or creative journey?  We want to know about you!  Please contact us through the website.  Dare to follow your muse!

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 7, 2026

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Do you want to write a book, either now or in retirement? Rather than put off his writing dreams until retirement, Chris embraced the challenges through courses, mentorship, community, and self-education. He went on to write a debut novel and is working on his third book. Chris’s story offers inspiration, empathy, and encouragement for anyone who dreams of writing but doesn’t know where to start. About the guest: Chris Shirley writes contemporary fiction that blends emotional depth with...

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Don’t Wait for Retirement to Write That Book, with Chris Shirley, Award-Winning Fiction Writer

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