In 1971 she read an old writer's nature book and thought, "I can do better than this."

"A lot of older writers are having serious problems," he said.

"It marginalizes older writers who just want to go home."

Any of the older writers who can make the transition will be welcome.

"It's especially true on series television, but, I'll tell you, every older writer thinks about it," he said.

"I just don't want to end up an old writer who isn't very good."

As the older writers hold back, the younger set is already getting attention.

In terms of style, at least, the older writers have the better of it.

I know an old writer who worked on that paper over sixty years ago.

"The oldest writer ever to have published a new book."