The Chirping Bird Wins: Author Celeste Fenton on Writing a Mystery Series at 60 After a Loss

What happens when grief becomes the catalyst for finally answering a lifelong creative calling? In episode 247 of Joy Found Here, Celeste Fenton shares how losing her husband in 2020 forced her to confront who she was beyond educator, wife, and mother. At 60+, she stopped making excuses and started writing the suspense romance series that had been "chirping" at her for decades. Her journey to self-published author isn't just about books—it's about giving yourself permission to fail, discover who you are, and step out of the "shadow of the but."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

(05:53) Leaving a Difficult Childhood Behind

(11:07) Divorce, Single Parenthood, and Going Back to School

(14:27) The Loss That Changed Everything

(14:29) Starting to Write at 60+

(15:53) Sharing Her Terrible First Draft

(17:59) Finding Her Identity Through Writing

(23:16) The Solo Trip to Maine That Sparked It All

(40:27) Creating Gabby Hart: A Messy Midlife Heroine

(46:26) Shifting from Success to Meaning

(49:26) Inspiring Other Women to Pursue Their Passions

Celeste Fenton spent 30 years as an educator and director in adult and continuing education, earning her degrees from Kansas State University and the University of South Florida. After growing up in a difficult household north of Tampa and navigating divorce as a single parent, she returned to school for her master's degree and built a fulfilling career in higher education. She remarried in 1997 to a fellow educator, but when her husband unexpectedly passed away in 2020, that loss became a catalyst. At 60+, grieving and searching for her identity beyond the roles of wife, mother, and educator, Celeste finally answered the creative calling that had been "chirping" at her for decades and began writing seriously in 2021.

In this episode, Celeste opens up about the vulnerable process of writing her first draft and discovering parts of herself she hadn't consciously acknowledged. Drawing inspiration from a solo trip to Maine, she created her "Mysteries of a Heart" suspense romance series featuring Gabby Hart—a midlife protagonist navigating family secrets, romance, and mystery. With two published books, "Lost Heart in King Manor" and "Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle," and a third coming in 2026, Celeste's purpose has shifted from seeking success to inspiring others. She now speaks to women's groups about stepping out of the "shadow of the but" and giving yourself permission to try, fail, and discover who you are. Her message is clear: it's never too late to answer the call that's been waiting for you.

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