Here are ten famous fiction writers who published their first book after the age of 50.
Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957)
Biography: Laura Ingalls Wilder is best known for her "Little House" series of children's books, inspired by her childhood experiences in the American Midwest during the late 19th century. She published her first book, "Little House in the Big Woods," at the age of 65.
Richard Adams (1920-2016)
Biography: Richard Adams was an English author best known for his novel "Watership Down," a classic work of fantasy literature featuring a group of anthropomorphic rabbits. He published his debut novel at the age of 52, after a long career in the civil service.
Frank McCourt (1930-2009)
Biography: Frank McCourt was an Irish-American author and teacher best known for his memoir "Angela's Ashes," which won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography. He published his first book at the age of 66, drawing on his difficult childhood in Ireland.
Harriet Doerr (1910-2002)
Biography: Harriet Doerr was an American author who gained acclaim for her debut novel "Stones for Ibarra," which won the National Book Award for First Fiction. She published her first book at the age of 73, after raising a family and traveling extensively.
Anna Sewell (1820-1878)
Biography: Anna Sewell was an English novelist best known for her classic work "Black Beauty," a novel about the life of a horse. She published her first and only book at the age of 57, shortly before her death.
Raymond Chandler (1888-1959)
Biography: Raymond Chandler was an American-British novelist and screenwriter, best known for his hard-boiled detective novels featuring the character Philip Marlowe. He published his first novel, "The Big Sleep," at the age of 51, after a career in the oil industry.
Bram Stoker (1847-1912)
Biography: Bram Stoker was an Irish author best known for his Gothic horror novel "Dracula." He published his first book, "The Snake's Pass," at the age of 50, but it was "Dracula," published seven years later, that brought him literary fame.
Charles Bukowski (1920-1994)
Biography: Charles Bukowski was a German-American poet, novelist, and short story writer known for his gritty, often autobiographical works. He published his first novel, "Post Office," at the age of 50, after working various odd jobs and struggling with alcoholism.
Marianne Fredriksson (1927-2007)
Biography: Marianne Fredriksson was a Swedish author known for her novels exploring themes of family, history, and spirituality. She published her first novel, "Evas bok" (Eva's Book), at the age of 51, and went on to become one of Sweden's most beloved writers.
Penelope Fitzgerald (1916-2000)
Biography: Penelope Fitzgerald was a British author known for her elegant and witty novels. She published her first book, "The Golden Child," at the age of 60, and went on to win the Booker Prize for her novel "Offshore" in 1979.
These authors achieved literary success later in life, proving that age is no barrier to creativity and accomplishment in the world of fiction writing.