Shirley Cook

I started writing for publication when I was 41 because I'd always heard that "life begins at 40" and mine hadn't! I determined to write four books in the next four years. By the time I was 60, I had nine books in print, and was enjoying the writer's life.

Now I'm 83, and I've just published two books in the past year: "The River Runs Deep" a contemporary romance/suspense novel that takes place in the California Delta; and a historical novel, "Bitter Seed."

"Bitter Seed" is in two parts: China/California. It's a story of courage, survival and forbidden love. The story is as relevant as today's newspaper--the slave traffic and those who are committed to rescuing these young girls.

Life might begin at 40 or 41---but, for me, it doesn't end at 80+ !