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Dream big! It’s Never Too Late To Write the Novel of Your Heart.
I coach writers in their 50s, 60s, and beyond who are ready to finally bring their stories to the page. I didn’t start writing novels until my late 50s and wasn't published until my early 60s. So I understand the courage it takes to step into authorship later in life.
Now, with four suspense novels published, I guide others through that same journey. My approach combines deep craft expertise with my gentle structure for fierce creativity™ philosophy. Through my I AM SAFE framework, I help writers find the balance of discipline and compassion they need to banish overwhelm, keep moving forward, and finish the books they’ve always wanted to write.
“Writing doesn’t have an expiration date.”
I’m Karen Sommerville, a multi-published author and book coach. Think of me as your story coach—because it’s never just about the book, it’s about the story only you can tell. I specialize in helping writers in their 50s, 60s and beyond to start, or return to writing fiction—without overwhelm, judgment, or pressure.
You’ve carried stories inside you for years—maybe decades. Now you finally have the time (and maybe the courage) to write them. But where do you begin?
I believe our later years are a powerful time for creative discovery. We’ve lived, we’ve endured, we’ve changed—and that gives us something vital to say. Whether you’re crafting your first novel, or stuck in the messy middle of revisions, I’m here to help you do it with clarity, confidence, and compassion.
My approach is simple: I meet you exactly where you are. Together, we’ll shape your writing journey in a way that honors both your voice and your life. There’s no one-size-fits-all path to becoming a writer—especially not in this season of our lives. But there is your path. I’ll help you find it.
Because writing isn’t just about words on a page—it’s about connection, expression and coming home to yourself.
You’re not too late. You’re right on time.
Is This You?
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You’re in your 50s, 60s, or 70s and beyond and ready to write (or return to writing)
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You want support that’s calm, compassionate, and not hustle-driven
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You have a story inside you—and you want to write it before you run out of time
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You care about depth, honesty, and emotional truth in fiction
I have no hesitation recommending Karen as a mentor and coach for fiction authors!
I worked with Karen on my most recent mystery. Touching on the structure of the novel, we brainstormed solutions to plot issues such as the inciting incident and what at the time was a less-than-great ending. With respect to other core issues in the mystery, Karen helped me deepen characters’ emotions on the page and heighten the suspense.
Karen is generous with her time and passionate about helping authors optimize their work from the perspective of good writing, tight editing, and informed publishing.
I’ve been so grateful to have Karen’s expert eyes on my work, and even more so to have her grace and kindness in helping me craft a strategy for publication.
Karen demonstrated the utmost dedication to my novel-in-progress and to this writer.
After writing an overly complicated first draft of a novel, Karen helped me to develop a strong, actionable outline so I could find my way into the next draft. Karen’s coaching style was consistently kind, enthusiastic, and professional. She brought a supportive and encouraging energy to each session, while gracefully pointing out structural issues that required my attention.
~ Lynn P.
