Aging Adventurously at 80 How I Wrote a Book and Got It Published

It’s Never Too Late to Tell Your Story – and Sandra Richmond Proves It’s Never Too Late to Publish It

At the age of 80, Sandra Richmond didn’t just write a book—she boldly stepped into the world of publishing and found fun and learning along the way. In Aging Adventurously – How I Wrote a Book and Got It Published at 80, Sandra shares the honest, practical, and deeply-inspiring journey behind her literary debut.

Following the success of her first book, Milepost 75 – Aging and Experiencing Life Trials with Wonder, Resilience, and Love, readers were eager to know how she made it happen—especially at an age when many people are slowing down. This second book is her candid answer.

In Part 1, Sandra reveals how she got unstuck, overcame self-doubt, and developed her writing process. She shares her positive experience working with a writing coach, what the early editing process was like, and the mindset that kept her moving forward.

In Part 2, she walks the reader through her publishing journey—from landing a publisher and collaborating with her new editor, to securing blurbs, and finally, embracing the task of marketing her book.

Packed with real examples—including a publishing query letter, blurb requests, and a marketing pitch to encourage reader reviews—this book is both a how-to and heartfelt memoir that will inspire anyone with a dream to write, regardless of age.

Having recently turned 80 years old, Sandi Richmond, PhD, Management and Policy, did not fully embrace her active lifestyle until her mid-40s. But, once she got started, she never looked back, and has never stopped hiking, climbing, and walking.At age 70, she incorporated adventure travel into her post-retirement life and passion for hiking. This has led to several challenging treks including the Inca Trail in Peru and the Camino de Santiago in Spain.Though not a runner, she moves forward, slow and steady, every day, not only along trails but also in life. Despite having arthritis, atrial fibrillation, spinal stenosis, and joint replacement surgeries in both hips and knees, she has slow-walked several marathons, half marathons, 50, 15, 10, and 5Ks, in supporting worthy causes and happily encouraging others to join her in walker-friendly events.Creating unique and precious memories, Sandi has also completed several challenging hikes and events with every member of her family. Currently, she divides her time between Maryland, close to her daughter, and Florida, close to her son. Milepost 75 is her first book.