“Her first novel, Restoree, was written as a protest against the absurd and unrealistic portrayals of women in s-f novels in the 50s and early 60s.” Restoree was published in 1967, the year McCaffrey turned 41.

(From http://annemccaffrey.org/dragonhold/bio.html)

As a first topic, I thought we could discuss, in general, what you thought of this as a first novel. I enjoyed it enough to read it numerous times - I feel it holds together very well based on all the things that we discuss as necessary to writing something people will read. What did you learn that will help you write a novel and get published?

(I’ll address her purpose in the “Characters” thread.)

I was also encouraged by her age - I was feeling like I was too old to start thinking about writing, and I no longer have that holding me back.
 

The situation felt too controlled and even when Sara and Harlan were being shipwrecked or she was being carried off to the palace by Gorlot's henchmen or even when the Mil were attacking, I never for one moment doubted the outcome. I think the manner of how we viewed the Mil battle prevented there from being any suspense involved and suspense was what was generally missing throughout for me.

As for her age, I don't know. In my mind 41 is nothing for an author. To me it seems a better age to be published since the author is, older, more mature and has experienced more of life. They have also had plenty of time to practice and hone their writing skills.