Experts on aging offer us old folks endless suggestions for living a long, healthy life. Watch what you eat, exercise, socialize, drink less booze, don’t smoke, volunteer, take vitamins and start new hobbies. If I had the time or the inclination to act on every piece of advice, I guess I could live past 100. The reality is that abstaining from all the bad things can sap some of the fun out of living.
I’m not ashamed to say that I enjoy vodka martinis and a steak perfectly grilled on the BBQ. And what to do about bacon and eggs? Half bad, half good. I quit smoking over 30 years ago, and I volunteer, so I guess that balances things out.
My Doctor recommended that I exercise my mind to reduce the risk of brain dementia, so I took her advice and discovered a hobby that keeps my brain active and sharp: reading and writing fiction. The Cambridge Dictionary defines fiction as a type of book or story about imaginary characters and events, rather than real people and facts.
On average, I read three to four fiction books a month. I prefer hardcover books, and once I’ve finished reading around ten, I donate them to the library at a local retirement home. These works of fiction challenge my mind as I unravel the characters’ motivations and try to predict the plot’s outcome. The best writers are skilled at offering clues along the way while hiding the big ‘Aha’ moment until near the end, making it a bit of a game. Many fiction books I read are set in cities I have visited, which brings back some great memories.
I’m also a hobby fiction writer. I finished an 80,000 word fictional story called The Challenger. It’s about a woman who tries to stop the current Mayor from ruining her hometown of Kelowna. I recently started a second novel about a small town on Vancouver Island torn apart by the closure of its major employer, a toxic pulp and paper mill. I also enjoy writing fictional short stories, some of which are included in a new multi-author book titled Tapestry of Tales and Poetry, featuring short stories and poems from members of a local writing group. I also post my short stories to my personal website: https://patrickdraper.ca
Writing fiction requires learning new skills and exploring fresh ideas, which pushes me to think in new ways. I have completed fiction writing courses and read books on the art of fiction storytelling. Dreaming up intriguing characters, devising clever plotlines, and choosing locations that paint a rich setting are critical to a captivating story. All of this taps into my imagination. What names and personas do I pick for my characters? What dastardly deed did the bad guy (or gal) commit? Is it in the present day or fifty years ago? How will the hero save the day? Can I write 70,000 + words based on that plot idea? Often, I tap into my life experiences for inspiration.
I’m not interested in becoming a best-selling author. For me, reading and writing fiction are hobbies that exercise my brain and provide a valuable social element when I connect with fellow writers online or in person.
If the idea of writing fiction intrigues you, try a little exercise:
- Write a 200-word story about the discovery of an old high school yearbook or diary which includes clues that help solve a mystery (try to include the who, what, where, when, why).
- Experiment with changing some of the story ideas. Keep the version you like the best.
- Expand your story to 2,000 words, adding depth to the characters and places.
- Congratulate yourself on your accomplishment!
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