Published Her First Novel at 69 — Reinvention Has No Deadline | Lee Ann Walling

Lee Ann Walling is a journalist, political insider, late-blooming novelist, and living proof that reinvention has no expiration date. At 69 she published her first novel, The Salt and Light Express — a story about grief, faith, love, and what can happen when you hit the road not just to escape, but to rediscover yourself.

Her own life has included journalism, politics, public service, and later returning to earn an MFA so she could finally write the book she had been carrying for decades.

In this inspiring conversation, Lee Ann shares:

• Entering adulthood in the post-Watergate journalism boom

• How career decisions in her 20s shaped (and sidetracked) her path

• Moving from journalism into politics

• The only real regret she faced during COVID

• Returning to school for an MFA and publishing at 69

• Why you don’t need life figured out in your 20s

• The power of mindfulness, quiet, and taking stock

• Advice on reading widely and staying open to reinvention

If you’re in your 20s feeling pressure to have everything mapped out, this episode is a powerful reminder that the timeline is more flexible than you think.

Timestamps below ⬇️

#LeeAnnWalling #Reinvention #LateBloomer #Writing #ConversationsWithSekani

Connect with LeeAnnWalling

Website:https://www.leeannwalling.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeannwalling/

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Chapters

0:00 - Intro & Welcome Lee Ann Walling

1:40 - Life in Her 20s: Journalism After Watergate

8:15 - Career Decisions & Early Sidetracks

15:30 - From Journalism into Politics

23:10 - The COVID Realization & Only Regret

31:45 - Returning for an MFA Later in Life

40:20 - Publishing Her First Novel at 69

48:50 - You Don’t Need Life Figured Out Early

57:15 - Mindfulness, Quiet & Taking Stock