At 62 I wrote a RomCom
Hey folks, at 62 I finally finished and self-published my first fiction novel, *Two Lies*, a fun NYC rom-com about two people hiding behind lies until love sorts it out. I started it 12 years earlier after a wild "movie-in-my-head" flash during a Reiki session with my mom, but it sat untouched for a decade because of self-doubt, zero fiction experience, and fear of what people would think. In 2025, after the success of my Tanzania photo book *Safari Encounters* and some encouragement from my girlfriend Linda, I decided enough was enough, life's too short to leave stories on the hard drive. My simple rule? One rough chapter per session: no editing, no polishing, just get the words out and end on a fresh page so starting next time feels easy. That bite-sized approach killed procrastination, built momentum, and turned doubt into a physical book I could hold. I used a pen name (Griffin Lane) to ease the terror of putting it out there, uploaded via Amazon KDP, and the moment the author's copy arrived was pure magic, proof that shipping beats perfection every time. Now it's a screenplay too, and the big lesson? Finishing is the win; rejection stings less than silence. If you've got a dusty project (book, film, photo series, whatever), make 2026 the year you ship it, start with 30 minutes today, build from there, and get those receipts. The world might just be waiting for what you've got in your head.
SOME Bullet Points FROM THE VIDEO
Introduction & The Big Win
Hello, I'm Terry Divyak, most of you know me as a travel photographer, but today I'm sharing something personal. At 62, I finally finished my first fiction novel, *Two Lies*, a lighthearted NYC rom-com about Sandra and Stephen hiding their true selves behind lies until love wins out. I started it 12 years ago with zero fiction experience (I'd barely read a rom-com), but a wild inspiration moment changed everything. This isn't just about the book—it's about overcoming mental blocks, fear of judgment, and finally shipping something that's been weighing on you, especially in your 60s when projects gather dust.
The "Movie in My Head" Spark
Back in sixth grade, I loved creative writing—sneakily swapping journal time for hours of free-flow ideas (still have those journals somewhere in my chaotic storage unit). Fast-forward: My mom, a Reiki master, offered a session. As soon as she reached my head, an entire movie played in my mind—the full plot, characters, scenes of *Two Lies*. I rushed home and typed it out until 2 a.m. to capture every detail. Then... nothing for 12 years.
What Finally Changed in 2025
After success with my Tanzania photo book *Safari Encounters* (proud of that one, links below), directing photography on a short western (*Shooting Starr*), and positive pushes from my girlfriend Linda, I revisited the file. The unfinished story felt heavier than ever. In my 60s, I realized: How many years left? In another 12, I'd be 74, did I want this heartwarming tale trapped on my computer? Doubt whispered "you're not a writer," but I'd proven I could finish creative work. Time to go all in.
One-Chapter-Per-Session Rule
The breakthrough rule: Write one rough chapter per session.
- Rough draft only, no editing, no adding context, no polishing.
- Just get thoughts out and finish the chapter.
- End each session so next time you start fresh—no staring at half-edited mess.
- Track progress by completed chapters, not hours spent.
This bite-sized approach made it manageable and killed perfectionism paralysis.
Rough Drafts, Shipping & Self-Publishing
Once done, I self-published via Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), upload manuscript, design cover, order cheap author copies. The day the physical book arrived? Mind-blowin, holding proof it was real. Errors? Fix and update anytime (KDP lets you revise in 24 hours). Terrified of my real name, I used pen name Griffin Lane. Released April 2025, early reviews are all 5 stars (thank you!). Friends and family loved it; some said "this should be a movie." Publishing made it tangible; feedback (good or bad) beats hiding.
Next Steps: Screenplay & Future
Post-book, I adapted it to screenplay, learned formatting from Reddit/forums, used Arc Studio Pro for structure/dialogue. It's out for review (expect thrashing, but that's fine). Hallmark, if you're listening...! Looking ahead: AI tools could let authors direct their own films from a laptop in a few years, exciting option.
Closing Message & Call to Action
Key takeaway: Rejection isn't failure, silence is. Shipping is success. Don't wait to "feel" like a writer/photographer/filmmaker, become one with receipts: write the chapter, shoot the scene, edit the photo, put it out there. Make 2026 your year to finish that dusty project. Start today: Set a 30-minute timer and just begin, by month's end, you'll have real progress.
What's the one thing you've been putting off? Book, photo project, film, YouTube series? Drop it in the comments, I'm curious and rooting for you. Happy New Year—let's make it count. Thanks for watching and buy the book