We’re Not Sixteen Anymore
A Baby Boomer’s Adventures with Online Dating
You’ve seen ads for online dating on television, in newspapers, and (naturally_ on computer popups The models are cute, handsome, young or at least looking good for their age. But what REALLY happens when a computer semi-illiterate 60ish widow is prodded into this very 21st century form of dating – when the last time she dated was when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to walk on the moon? Getting back into dating makes her feel young; actual dating makes her realize she is NOT sixteen anymore.
As a life-long lover of literature (and alliteration), it surprised Becky Andersen that she was afraid at first to try writing a book. After all, she was 60-something. Fixed income. Posterchild for the Computers for Dummies series…What business did she have trying to write a book?
Then she read something that turned out to be the impetus to becoming an author. It was a list of Late Bloomers who Became Successful and included such notables as Little House on the Prairie Books author Laura Ingalls Wilder (age 65), Artist Grandma Moses (78), Honolulu Marathon runner Gladys Burrill (age 92), and Restauranteur Ray Kroc of McDonald’s fame (age 59). Becky realized the thing they all had in common was that they became successful at something they loved to do, even though they were “older.”
Bingo! She threw aside her doubts, sat down at her laptop, stared at the screen – and realized the meaning of the words “writer’s block.” Perhaps it was the very dedicated high school English teacher or all those classes that required writing that she took during her years in college, but suddenly a voice popped into her head, commanding “Write What You Know!” After checking to make sure her beloved dog Ralphie was unable to suddenly speak English, she began writing what was freshest in her mind. It turned out to be a book about what she did NOT know – dating as a senior citizen. Her nonfiction novel We’re Not Sixteen Anymore was published by BQB Publishers, and she was hooked on writing.
She continued her theme of not knowing things by listening to fellow authors who happened to self-publish. Thanks to the help of some friends, she can check “self-publish a book, but never again!” off her bucket list. Still, her second novel, a fictional story of two widowed sisters, The Widsters, is now a reality.
Becky Andersen is a Baby Boomer, native Iowan, a graduate of Iowa State University, has two daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. After surviving widowhood and her daughters’ attempts at match-making, she married her cyber sweetheart. She has happily expanded her heart and soul to include three more children and four more grandchildren. She and her husband love to travel, garden, read and entertain.
Interviews with Becky
“Writers secrets: Becky Andersen about dating stories” with WildWritingLife
First, I want to thank Becky Andersen, BQB Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
Becky Anderson had me cracking up laughing out loud reading her latest book We’re Not Sixteen Anymore: A Baby Boomer’s Adventure of Online Dating. I can’t remember the last time an author had me laughing so hard! Thank you for that!! Needles to say this is a very fun and easy read!
Ellis Dixson did an incredible job with the cover design. It was very fun and very appropriate for the subject matter! Between the design and the title it made me want to read the book.
Becky dedicates this book to whoever invented cyber-dating; to loved ones everywhere who encourage someone to live life to its fullest; and especially to my beloved family and friends.
I absolutely loved everything about this book! The idea and the concept of the book, the humor she had throughout the book, the comparison from back in the day to modern day and how things have drastically changed (there were specifics that I was literally laughing my booty off with), etc.
Having been on dating sites I know all about the highs and the lovely lows about them. I loved hearing about her experience as a mature woman getting back into the dating scene using a new form of dating. Not only that but the dating stories were fun to read as well.
There was a funny part in the book when people thought 40 was old for dating and kissing let alone 60. Funny I am 44 and single. However, with Covid I may be 60 by my next date!
Becky has a talent for writing in this genre!
1 comments:
This sounds like a fun read. It makes me think a bit about Menopause the Musical, which is hilarious.
-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
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