Houston – At 89 years old, Houstonian Margie Seaman is showing that new chapters in life can begin at any age.
The native Houstonian recently released her second novel, Someday Is Our Horizon, continuing a writing journey she did not begin until her mid-80s. Seaman says the decision to finally pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an author came after a simple realization.
“If I was going to do it, I had to do it now,” Seaman said.
For decades, writing was something she kept putting off. While working on a website for a client who happened to be an author, she held his finished book in her hands and had a moment of inspiration.
Encouraged by the client, Seaman sat down and began writing what she jokingly describes as a “cheesy romance novel.” Soon she had written 10,000 words and realized she had the beginnings of a book.
“I thought, my gosh, I’ve got a book going here,” she said.
Before becoming an author, Seaman built a long and successful career in marketing, spending four decades in the industry and helping to launch at least 43 Foley’s Department stores in the area and Louisiana. She later launched her own web design company and has also written a travel blog for seniors that encourages people to explore the world.
Her message to others who feel stuck or have a dream they have been putting off is simple.
“You’ve got to make time,” Seaman said. “Just like you have an appointment with someone else, make an appointment for yourself. Go to the computer, sit down and just start.”
She says not to worry about grammar, typos or getting everything perfect at the beginning. Instead, she encourages aspiring writers to simply start writing and let the story unfold.
“After you get into it, your story takes over and your characters take over,” she said. “They guide you.”
Seaman’s roots in Houston have also played a role in her creativity. She grew up in the Heights and says the neighborhood’s artistic spirit helped inspire her imagination from an early age.
Margie Seaman and her best friend as teen-agers on Easter taken at her family home in the Heights. (Margie Seaman)Margie Seaman as a young girl with her two brothers and the two girls that lived next door in the Heights. (Margie Seaman)
“As a child, I was encouraged to make stories up,” she said. “I even made stories up for my grandchildren.”
Her family has deep ties to the area, dating back to the 1800s, and Seaman still lives in the same neighborhood. Along the way she has balanced a busy life as a mother of three, grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of five.
Margie Seaman and her entire family (Margie Seaman)
Her latest novel continues a trilogy she first imagined when she began writing several years ago. Someday Is Our Horizon blends romance, adventure and a touch of science fiction. The story follows a romance writer who unexpectedly encounters a mysterious pirate, leading to a tale that explores time travel, imagination and love across time.
Unlike many traditional romance novels, Seaman’s story focuses on older characters and even incorporates real scientific ideas related to time and observation.
“I wanted it to be something that could plausibly happen,” she said.
Much of the story also takes place on cruise ships, inspired by Seaman’s own travel experiences. The first book in the series was set during a Panama Canal cruise, while the new installment takes readers on a voyage to Alaska.
Margie Seaman on the cruise that inspired her first novel (Margie Seaman)
Seaman is already working on the third book in the trilogy and says she is open to where the story might lead next.
For Seaman, the most important lesson from her journey is one she hopes others will take to heart.
If there is something you have always wanted to do, don’t wait for the perfect moment.
“Make an appointment for yourself,” Seaman said. “Otherwise, there’s always going to be something that gets in the way.”
Thanks Margie, you’ve already inspired us!
Margie Seaman’s two books (Margie Seaman)
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