Overcoming Adversity

Edith Wharton: Beyond Downton Abbey

Edith Wharton published her first book at age 35, a decorating guide for the rich. A quarter century later, she became the first woman to win the Pulitzer.

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Was Ben Franklin A Late Bloomer?

Franklin’s achievements still electrify. He was a printer, statesman, activist, inventor and diplomat. By 26, he was a best-selling author. So could he also be a late bloomer?

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Veteran Don Mittelstaedt: Still Blooming at 92!

He’s blind in one eye and has difficulty walking, but World War II photographer Don Mittelstaedt has embraced new technology and become a documentary film producer at age 92.

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Book Review: Myth-Busting About Uncertainty

If we dare to create, fear and uncertainty become bedfellows. So how does a late bloomer (or anyone) work through those emotions and thrive?

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Book Review: Is Talent Overrated?

Does talent even exist? Can it be acquired? Geoff Colvin explores these provocative questions in his book, which I review for late bloomers.

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Edgar Rice Burroughs: Tarzan Turns 100

Edgar Rice Burroughs was a rich kid turned serial business failure — until he discovered pulp fiction and created a wild man named Tarzan.

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Sharon Penman Takes On William Shakespeare

Why, with that name, did Penman considered anything other than writing? A dastardly deed derailed her, but she finally bested Shakespeare!

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P.D. James: From Civil Servant to Literary Royalty

PD James retired from the Home Office after writing eight successful mysteries. Today, at age 90, she’s a baroness and still going strong!

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Happy Birthday, J.K. Rowling!

The first Harry Potter book only had a 1000-copy run. J.K. Rowling spent a year hawking it while getting a teaching certificate. And then magic happened…

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