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 — age is not a barrier! 😊
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“I know my writing is the best!” “My 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! 🥰🩷🙌🫶
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!💕❤️🫶
It’s a wonderful thing, Deb! Cheers to you, too!🎊🎉
Thank you, Eleanor, for the great questions and the opportunity to tell my story. I'm deeply honored.
Deirdre, thank you!
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 — age is not a barrier! 😊
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!
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.
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.
Same to you Mary.
What a fun read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you, Jeannie!
"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?
It’s something we all have inside of us. Just a matter of uncovering it.
Mary, this is why I/we adore you—your writing is poignant and your theme is universal. “Substack keeps me young.”
I agree. You look fabulous!
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.
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.
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.
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.
What a launch story! I always enjoy your essays, Mary. Appreciate this peek into your creative life.
Thank you, Julie! There are so many fabulous writers here. Each has a story. I wish I I could learn them all.
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.
Mary, I’m humbled by your kindness. You are such a gifted writer, with a fierce and tender spirit. Love to you, too.
Count me as a Mary Roblyn fan. I love your writing, Mary!
Nancy, big hugs. I am a Nancy Stordahl fan!💕
I agree. Writing and engaging on Substack keeps one young! Lovely storytelling, Mary.
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!
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.
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.
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.
“I know my writing is the best!” “My 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! 🥰🩷🙌🫶
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!💕❤️🫶
You are a superstar Mary!
“…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.”
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.🙏❤️