Embracing Imperfection: Writing Characters in Their Late 30s and Early 40s
In the world of storytelling, characters are too often painted as if they have life all figured out—perfect jobs, perfect relationships, perfect skin, perfect everything. But that’s not the reality most of us live in.
Life is messy. Plans fall apart. Friendships shift. We grow into new versions of ourselves—sometimes willingly, sometimes kicking and screaming. And honestly? That’s where the most interesting stories live.
Why I Love Writing This Stage of Life
When I write women in their late 30s and early 40s, I’m not looking for perfect. I’m looking for the moments that feelreal: the chipped coffee mug you’ve used for years, the awkward silences with someone you used to know better, the unexpected text that turns your day upside down.
By this age, we’ve collected a history—good, bad, and messy—that colors every choice we make. But there’s still so much possibility ahead. That mix of experience and open road makes for characters who are layered, resilient, and sometimes delightfully unpredictable.
Friendship plays a huge role in that, too. By now, we know the people who will stand in the rain with us when things get hard. We know which friends will give us the pep talk, which will bring wine, and which will help bury the metaphorical body. (Or literal, if you write murder mysteries.)
That’s Exactly What I Wanted in A Charming Touch of Tarot
In my newest Gin and Tarot Club mystery, Alyssa, Nina, Lanie, and Corinne are right in this stage of life. They’re juggling heartbreak, new romance, trust issues, and—because life doesn’t care about timing—brand new magical abilities they didn’t ask for.
When Nina’s long-buried secret resurfaces and a stalker threatens not just her but everyone she loves, the women have to pull together in ways that test their loyalty and push the limits of their newfound powers. It’s a story about danger, yes—but more than that, it’s about showing up for your friends when it matters most.
If You’re Looking for More Stories Like This…
While I never read books just like mine while I’m writing (I like to keep my voice completely my own), I absolutely indulge in them when I’m between projects—or when I’m working under my other pen name in the paranormal romance/romantasy space.
And because I know my readers are always looking for their next great escape, here are a few books with older characters, complicated friendships, and just enough magic or mystery to keep you up past bedtime.
- A Letter to Three Witches by Elizabeth Bass – Three cousins, a mysterious warning, and magical mishaps that spiral hilariously out of control.
- Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton – Flying houses, pirates, and sharp-tongued ladies—pure fun with a dash of chaos.
- Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest – A psychic travel agent teams up with a detective to solve a murder—quirky, clever, and full of charm.The
- A Charming Touch of Tarot by Melissa Holtz (Okay, shameless plug—but if you love friendship-centered paranormal cozies with snarky ghosts and just a dash of danger, this one’s for you.)
Here’s to embracing the beautiful mess of midlife, to friendships that refuse to fade, and to stories that remind us we’re never too old to start a new chapter.
