The Guardian view on writers’ retirements: the sense of an ending
Michael Frayn and Julian Barnes have announced that they won’t be writing any more books. It is a hard habit to kick
TL;DR
- Writers, like artists, are often not the 'retiring sort,' and there's no formal retirement process.
- Michael Frayn, at 92, has announced his writing career is over after a prolific career.
- Julian Barnes, aged 80, also stated his latest novel would be his last due to health and existential reasons.
- Historically, authors like Dickens planned farewells, while others like Maeve Binchy and Stephen King continued writing after retirement announcements.
- Reasons for retirement can include fears of repetition, diminishing stamina, or wanting to quit at one's peak.
- The idea that great novels are written by authors under 40 is challenged by contemporary older female writers who are still active.
- Writing is described as a hard habit to kick, with examples of authors working until their deathbeds.
- Michael Frayn's early career as a journalist is highlighted, with a mention of the Fleet Street tradition of 'banging out' a departing colleague.