Writer Lynne Spreen to share the positive side of aging at Desert Hot Springs author talk

Sally Hedberg
·3 min read
Lynn Spreen will speak on her latest book, “Second Chances in Sedona,” on April 18 at the Desert Hot Springs Library.
Lynn Spreen will speak on her latest book, “Second Chances in Sedona,” on April 18 at the Desert Hot Springs Library.

The media constantly donwplays aging by limiting stories and movies about folks over 50 years old — who, by the way, make up 34% of the United States. Lynne Spreen, who writes about the positive side of aging in her romance fiction books and short stories, will discuss this and more on Thursday, April 18, at the Desert Hot Springs Library.

After her career in human resources, Spreen reinvented herself as a writer. Her first article was a memoir essay for Desert Woman’s Magazine. From there, she was hired to write articles for Palm Desert Magazine. After interviewing and writing about people, she decided she wanted to write fiction.

Spreen published her first book, “Dakota Blues,” at age 58. This novel told a story of a middle-aged woman who embarked on a life-changing road trip with a 90-year-old friend. It won an award for excellence in women’s fiction. Spurred on by the award, Spreen took the leap and continued writing three more books in this series with mature main characters. To date, she has written 10 novels with several more in the works.

Her first book, “We Did This Once Before,” is about a middle-aged woman who goes back to Florida to be with her mother. She thought she and her mom would have a wonderful life together, but when she arrived, everything was a disaster. Spreen recently had experience taking care of her elderly mother for 15 months and began realizing how much care is needed and how it changes one’s life.

Writer Lynn Spreen will speak on her latest book, “Second Chances in Sedona,” on April 18 at the Desert Hot Springs Library.
Writer Lynn Spreen will speak on her latest book, “Second Chances in Sedona,” on April 18 at the Desert Hot Springs Library.

As an author, Spreen writes about older people. She feels older people have a second-coming of age.

"This is the time of life to make it happen, reexamine choices, and forge new paths," she said. "We have dreams. We lay out goals and objectives, start businesses, cook up schemes and fall in love. We also face obstacles because of age. Our characters deepen.”

Spreen will discuss her latest work, “Starting Over in Sedona,” which is book one of the Sedona Silver Romance Series. It sets the stage for the next two in the series. Each book has new characters as well as returning ones. The Silver Romance Series she is currently working on takes place in Palm Springs.

Spreen will be the last presenter in the Friends of the Desert Hot Springs Library Author Series until the fall. Her books will be available at the presentation, and her website is www.anyshinything.com.

I want to thank all the authors who gave their time to be part of the 2023-2024 Author Series: Joanne Hardy, Kat Weyer, Michael Craft, Kerry Berman, Greg Archer, Dr. Louise Miller, and Lynne Spreen. If you are a local author interested in presenting next season, please send your resume and website to sallyhedberg@gmail.com.

If You Go

What: Lynne M. Spreen talk at the Desert Hot Springs Library

When: 1 p.m. Thursday, April 18

Where: Community Room, Desert Hot Springs Library, 14-380 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs

Cost: Free

More Info: Call (925) 788 9862

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Lynne Spreen to share the positive side of aging at DHS author talk