64 Comments
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Mary Roblyn's avatar

It’s a wonderful thing, Deb! Cheers to you, too!πŸŽŠπŸŽ‰

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Thank you, Eleanor, for the great questions and the opportunity to tell my story. I'm deeply honored.

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Deirdre, thank you!

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Angela L Hoy's avatar

I’m encouraged when I run across writers who launched late into the public realm. I just turned 70 and I’m preparing to publish my first book on May 6. Finally earned my bachelor’s degree-after starting and stopping about five times-when I was 64. I agree β€” age is not a barrier! 😊

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Angela, congratulations! How wonderful to hear. Our culture is so focused on youth, and on early success, that the wisdom acquired in life, and earned honestly, is discounted. Thank you for sharing!

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Anna Mahoney's avatar

Loved this. After writing all my life as a journalist and corporate communicator, I joined a writers’ group to unlearn all of it. Starting all over again at sixty-nine was hard. I relate so much, Mary. Thank you.

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Thank you, Anna! This is wonderful to hear. It’s great to have support from other writers. And I hope that you continue to grow and thrive.

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Anna Mahoney's avatar

Same to you Mary.

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Jeannie Kanter's avatar

What a fun read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Thank you, Jeannie!

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Gary Gruber's avatar

"age is not a barrier to success, and that interruptions do not last forever." Unfettered wisdom. Do you know how and when you embraced that jewel?

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

It’s something we all have inside of us. Just a matter of uncovering it.

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Maureen C. Berry's avatar

Mary, this is why I/we adore youβ€”your writing is poignant and your theme is universal. β€œSubstack keeps me young.”

I agree. You look fabulous!

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Maureen, I’m honored by your kindness. It’s true: I just love this community, where I get to follow my passion. Sometimes I feel like I’m aging in reverse. The wrinkles are more than worth it. Thank you for your generous words.

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Maureen C. Berry's avatar

I too feel like I'm aging in reverse! What a phrase and a good start for a poem! My cancer diagnosis and the art life I cultivated after have been my saving grace.

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Ann Kennedy Smith's avatar

This is wonderful. You give us all such generous, inspiring encouragement, Mary. And you are SUCH a good writer, as your husband knew. Love this interview.

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Ann, thank you for your kindness. You were one of my first pledged supporters. That means everything. It kept me going. To know that there were people who believed in me right from the start was a huge boost, and continues to be a blessing. I’m so grateful I got to know you, and your extraordinary work, both in and out of the archives.

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Julie Gabrielli's avatar

What a launch story! I always enjoy your essays, Mary. Appreciate this peek into your creative life.

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Thank you, Julie! There are so many fabulous writers here. Each has a story. I wish I I could learn them all.

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<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Mary, Your writing amazes: so vulnerable, honest, and elegant, to boot. I'm so glad to have found you and you, me! Love to you.

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Mary, I’m humbled by your kindness. You are such a gifted writer, with a fierce and tender spirit. Love to you, too.

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Nancy Stordahl's avatar

Count me as a Mary Roblyn fan. I love your writing, Mary!

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Nancy, big hugs. I am a Nancy Stordahl fan!πŸ’•

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Cindy Ojczyk's avatar

I agree. Writing and engaging on Substack keeps one young! Lovely storytelling, Mary.

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Thank you, Cindy. You are so kind. It resonates with all you do, making everyone feel adopted, in a way. We need to set up another get-together!

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Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

I'm not sure how I missed this... It's such a treat to read more about your writing journey, Mary. Your honesty and beautiful prose make you a shining star in the Substack firmament. I always eagerly await your next essay. You're one of the writers I read not only for pleasure but also to learn from. I am so delighted to see that you have found your audience and writing community here; it's what your talent deserves.

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Jeffrey, you’re making me cry. What a lovely tribute. I believe that Substack is the best (outside of my children, of course!) and most meaningful part of my life. The way it happened was a gift from the universe. I feel the same way about your work. Your essays are always a delight to read, and learn from. Such a joy to have found you here.

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Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

Thank you, Mary. I agree that one of the best things about Substack, apart from it giving us a platform to write from, is the chance to get to know fellow writers. It's a delight.

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Joan Stommen's avatar

β€œI know my writing is the best!” β€œMy center, my life work…mine is the best!” I am so proud of your growth and confidence; how you put in the work with others to learn and enrich your writing! Being able to say this is soul-rewarding, Mary! How lucky am I to have known you when! Now a writer to applaud and cheer! Your openness and honesty in this interview really touches me! I am so behind in writing, reading, commenting … yet my subscribers grow closer to 600 every day. Balancing life with Substack is an art, I think. I sit too long, stay up too late… how do you do it? Love you, dear Mary! You’re my idol! πŸ₯°πŸ©·πŸ™ŒπŸ«Ά

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Joan, I hope I didn’t say I’m the best. How appalling - and how wrong - if I did. There are so many great writers on Substack. I’m in awe, constantly amazed by the quality of the work here. I love that we discovered each other right away, and have grown together, supporting each other. Love you so much!πŸ’•β€οΈπŸ«Ά

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Jamal Robinson's avatar

You are a superstar Mary!

β€œβ€¦as the author of a literary Substack, I’m in a challenging situation. It takes as many as sixty to eighty hours to compose an essay I’m proud of.”

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Jamal! So good to hear from you. You are the soul of kindness. Let me know how things are going with you and your family.πŸ™β€οΈ

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