In this inspiring episode of The More Than Your Age podcast, host Erica Pasvar welcomes news anchor and author Kathleen Marple Kalb, who shares her powerful story of publishing her first novel in her 50s after decades of rejections, career pivots, and real-life challenges. If you're a woman navigating midlife, balancing motherhood and career, or dreaming of a creative comeback later in life, this episode offers motivation and practical wisdom you won’t want to miss.

Kathleen takes listeners through her journey—writing her first novel at just 16, building a successful career in radio journalism, and ultimately landing her long-awaited book deal at 52. She opens up about the personal obstacles she faced along the way, including family health crises, grief, and the pressures of being a mother while also trying to build a writing career.

Through honest storytelling and hard-earned lessons, Kathleen reveals how perseverance, resilience, and trusting your timing can transform your life. She discusses how writing became her escape during painful seasons, why it’s never too late to pursue your passions, and what it really takes to keep moving forward after hearing “no” again and again.

Plus, Kathleen gives listeners an exciting look into her upcoming projects, including multiple ongoing book series and a brand-new mystery series that showcases her talent and lifelong love of storytelling.

Whether you're hoping to reinvent yourself in midlife, return to a long-buried dream, or simply hear a story that proves age is not a limitation, this conversation is full of inspiration, encouragement, and reminders that it’s never too late to become who you’re meant to be and do what you’ve always dreamed of doing.

Key Takeaways

• Kathleen wrote her first novel at 16 and finally published at 52.

• Her mother’s support played a major role in her early writing life.

• A long career in radio journalism sharpened her storytelling skills.

• Family health crises deeply influenced her writing journey.

• Perseverance, even after countless rejections, became her superpower.

• Experiences with loss and grief shaped her creative voice.

• Balancing motherhood and career has been a central theme.

• Writing served as her escape and emotional outlet.

• She encourages others to tune into the universe’s signals and pursue their passions.

• She has multiple ongoing series and a new mystery series on the horizon.

Connect with Kathleen

kathleenmarplekalb.com

Instagram: @kathleenmarplekalb

Connect with Erica

Email // Facebook // Instagram // Linkedin // YouTube

***This Podcast is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. ***

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Intro and Exit Music written and performed by Daniel Ging.