Welcome to Later Bloomer
A Captivating Archive of Lives Well-Lived
Hello! I'm Debra Eve, storyteller and archaeologist.
In a culture that elevates youth and prodigy, I excavate stories with deeper meaning. At age 36, I earned my M.A. in Archaeology. But I couldn’t afford the Ph.D. required for a university position.
At 50, after settling for a soul-destroying corporate job, I dreamed of writing professionally. But my search for a well of inspiration came up dry.
I found dozens of “30 under 30” early-achiever lists, but few publications that celebrated the creative success and survival of people over 40.
That’s why I founded this blog.
Mythologist Joseph Campbell famously said, “Follow your bliss.” But Later Bloomers will relish science fiction author Bruce Sterling’s advice:
“Follow your weird!”
Ernestine Shepherd became a competitive bodybuilder in her 70s
Later Bloomer is currently on hiatus. In the meantime, I have a few truly free gifts for you (that don't require an email).
Recent Later Bloomer Success Stories
More Than 140 Late Bloomer Success Stories to Ignite Your Curiosity and Creativity
The complete index of late bloomer success stories, plus articles and book reviews, found on Later Bloomer. Here’s to proving it’s never too late to create!
Memoir as a Tool for Transformation by Kathy Pooler
We all have a book inside of us—a narrative about who we are and where we fit into the world. Kathy Pooler explains how writing a memoir can be a tool for transformation.
Late Bloomers: May Your 2022 Be Dangerously Weird
A famous quote by Bruce Sterling illuminates one trait that many Later Bloomers share: They’re driven, not just by passion, but by a quirky obsession.
Inge Ginsberg: How a 99-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor Became a Heavy Metal Sensation
Inge Ginsberg escaped Nazi Austria over the Alps, ran a spy villa, and wrote lyrics for Dean Martin. Now nearing 100, she fronts a death metal band!
Edgar Rice Burroughs: From Lowly Pencil Sharpener to Late-Blooming Media Magnate
Edgar Rice Burroughs was a rich kid who failed at every venture he started—until he created a wild man named Tarzan.
Why It’s Never Too Late To Do Archaeology
International Archaeology Day is celebrated every year on the third Saturday in October, though events occur all month. Here’s a guide that proves it’s never too late to do archaeology!