Perennial Pen (What Matters Most): A Silver Maple Strategies Podcast with Nate Birt

#2: How to Achieve Your Lifelong Dream of Becoming an Author After Age 60

What happens when a childhood dream waits quietly for decades—and then finally gets its chance? In this episode, I talk with Mace from Missouri about writing, history, friendship, and the long road between wanting to do something meaningful as an author and finally beginning the journey. Mace grew up on a small farm in northeast Kansas, spent much of his career telling the stories of farm families and rural America, and later turned a sixth-grade dream of becoming an author into a new chapter of life after 60. We talk about the spark behind his historical fiction, the real-life people and places that inspired his books, and why stories from the past still have something to teach us today. Along the way, Mace shares a remarkable moment at a cemetery, the importance of friendship in shaping his work, and the simple but difficult truth that getting started is often the hardest part. In this episode, we explore: * The childhood dreams we carry with us for years * Why getting started can be the hardest step * How history helps us understand conviction, friendship, and human struggle * The role of rural life and farm families in Mace's storytelling * Why good characters sometimes begin to "tell" a writer where the story should go * The power of friendship to support the work we are called to do Reflection question: What is something you've wanted to do since childhood that might still be waiting for your attention? If you or someone you know has a meaningful, life-affirming story to share on Perennial Pen, email me at nate@silvermaplestrategies.com [nate@silvermaplestrategies.com]. I reply to every message personally! Resources mentioned on this episode Mace Thornton's author site: https://www.macethornton.com/ [https://www.macethornton.com/] Book Links The Ghosts of Gumbo Flats https://www.macethornton.com/the-ghosts-of-gumbo-flats [https://www.macethornton.com/the-ghosts-of-gumbo-flats?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Freedman Kansas farmer Moses embarks on a dangerous journey to rescue his wife and children torn from him by slavery in this historical fiction novel about buried truths, loss, and loyalty set in the period after the Civil War. Jawbone Holler https://www.macethornton.com/jawbone-holler [https://www.macethornton.com/jawbone-holler?utm_source=chatgpt.com] A historical fiction novel that follows Perry Adams' difficult arrival in Kansas Territory, including the harsh frontier, conflict around slavery, and the dream of building a farm and family. West Bottoms https://www.macethornton.com/west-bottoms [https://www.macethornton.com/west-bottoms?utm_source=chatgpt.com] This a Depression-era Kansas City novel co-authored by Mace Thornton and Rogers Brazier features railroads, industry, crime, forged bonds, and corruption set in the city's bustling West Bottoms district.

#1: A Mountain Rescue, Unexpected Help, and the Courage to Be Vulnerable

What happens when a long-awaited mountain getaway turns into a 12-hour rescue in a snowstorm? In the first-ever episode of Perennial Pen: What Matters Most, I sit down with Brandy from South Carolina, whose family hiking trip to Mount LeConte in Tennessee became a harrowing test of endurance, trust, and vulnerability. After a peaceful weekend away from her role as a nonprofit CEO, Brandy suffered a serious leg injury on the way down the mountain. With a winter storm moving in, no reliable cell service, and miles of steep trail ahead, she and her husband had to keep moving while strangers, hikers, volunteers, park staff, and rescue workers stepped in to help. But for me, one of the most poignant parts of Brandy's story is the moment someone asked her, "Why will you not accept our help?" That question stayed with her, and in this episode, Brandy reflects on the strength it takes to ask for help, the vulnerability required to receive it, and the surprising goodness of strangers. Listen for a story about endurance, human kindness, leadership, vulnerability, and the small acts of courage that remind us what matters most in life. In this episode, we explore: * How an unplugged mountain weekend became an unexpected crisis * Why asking for help can feel so difficult, even when we clearly need it * The power of strangers who are willing to stop, notice, and serve * What vulnerability can teach us about leadership, family, friendship, and community * How small goals can help us move through overwhelming situations * How honest conversation can remind us we're not alone Reflection question: What's one area of your life where you could really use some help -- but you're afraid to ask for it? If you or someone you know has a meaningful, life-affirming story to share on Perennial Pen, email me at nate@silvermaplestrategies.com [nate@silvermaplestrategies.com]. I reply to every message personally, and I'd be thrilled to feature your story! Until next time, listen for what matters most.

Welcome to the Perennial Pen Podcast!

Hello and welcome to Perennial Pen (What Matters Most). Perennial Pen is a family-friendly podcast about memory, meaning, legacy, and the conversations that shape us. This podcast is hosted by me - hi, I'm Nate Birt, an author, journalist and co-founder of Perennial Pen with my wife, Dr. Julie Birt. Each episode explores what people almost lost, learned too late, preserved on purpose, or wish their families had talked about sooner. Or, whatever else might be on their mind that can teach us all something about how to live better. Through warm guest conversations, thoughtful reflection, and practical prompts, this show is designed to help you name what matters most in your life before time, illness, or distance makes it harder. You'll hear stories about family, identity, love, regret, purpose, faith, keepsakes, and the ordinary moments that made us who we are. If you love eavesdropping on conversations at your favorite corner cafe - you know, when people drop their guard and just get real - you've come to the right place. Because I'm dedicated to helping YOU live with greater intention in your every day life. This show offers guests an opportunity to reflect on the biggest and most meaningful moments of lives. And then we'll reflect together and identify one next step you can take - something we've learned from that very special guest - to create greater purpose and meaning in your own life. AND --- richer relationships with the people around you, especially your besties - family, friends, mentors. And hey, one more thing. IF you know someone in your life whose character - the way they show up and live life - really inspires you, email me at nate@silvermaplestrategies.com. Again that's nate@silvermaplestrategies.com. I'm actively recruiting guests to come on the show, and I'd love to sit down and have a conversation with them. With their permission, of course! Stick around - we'll be back with our first full episode very soon. Take care, and talk soon.