Mary, could you walk us through the journey of starting your Substack on September 25, 2023, and the process leading up to publishing your first post on November 4? What inspired you to embark on this endeavor, and what were some of the key decisions or milestones you encountered along the way?
I did not know of the existence of Substack until I received a link from one of my favorite authors, George Saunders, in my inbox. I've been a huge fan of his short stories, essays, Booker Prize-winning novel Lincoln in the Bardo, and his craft book, A Swim in the Pond in the Rain. His Substack promised a continued series of deep dives into a varied group of short stories, and boy, did he deliver. I subscribed immediately. That was in November, 2022. I found out that there were many other authors writing on Substack, and began exploring their posts as well.
It wasn't until after my husband died that I felt a compelling need to share my grief story. I also wanted to connect with others, mostly women, who may have been interrupted in the their writing lives by the need to raise a family, put food on the table, or who'd been somehow convinced that they weren't "real" writers. I also wanted to write!
2. How do you balance the need for original, engaging content with the demands of regular publishing schedules?
I find that one newsletter a week is pretty manageable. Because I'm a perfectionist, I've been a day or more late sometimes. I'd rather be late than put out inferior content, and I think readers understand that. I usually am working on more than one piece at a time, some serious, some light-hearted. I don't have a problem finding new material. There's always something to write about. I just want to present it fully, and in the best way possible.
Mary, your newsletter has covered a diverse range of topics since its inception, with readers particularly resonating with pieces like 'The Gold in Us. [My personal favourite} Could you share your process for selecting such compelling topics or themes for your newsletter content? How do you decide what to write about, and what factors influence your choice of subject matter?
I write about topics that are close to my heart. I write from my life. I'm glad to hear that "The Gold in Us" resonated with you. It's my favorite as well. Because we are human, we relate to experiences that may not correspond exactly to our own. But the feelings are the same. We recognize, and relate. My grandmother's plate is unique. But we all have a cherished family object, with a story behind it. We all love, grieve, feel pain and joy. And we all wear socks.
{13 Ways of Looking at Socks - by Mary Roblyn (substack.com)}
I find your content a lot personal where you share details and stories from your family- husband, child, grandmother. Can you discuss any instances where your experiences as a mother have directly influenced the content or direction of your Substack newsletter?
Being a mother informs every single aspect of my life. I would not be who I am without my children. But their stories are their own; they are not mine to share. The private aspects of their lives remain private. I do write about our holidays, our times together, the little ways in which they keep me sane. My daughter's work as a designer, my son's teaching. They are the most important people to me. I want to honor them by living, and writing, and reaching out to share the joy they bring me every single day. I could not find a way through my grief without them.
Mary, your heartfelt writings often reflect a deep connection and fondness for your late husband, shining a light on the enduring impact he had on your life. Could you share with us a bit about your relationship with him and how his memory continues to inspire and influence your writing on Substack?
We were married for 43 years, roughly two-thirds of the time I've been on this earth. Like all of us, he was complex. He lived a good, though not a perfect life. Same as the rest of us. Because he was a gifted woodworker, gardener, home renovator, and made our utterly trashed house into a beautiful home, I see his work everywhere I look. He kept me going through some very hard times, emotionally. I wonder how he did it, and it pains me to think that I put him through so much. We shared a deep love. I want to honor that in my writing.
6. Well Mary, can a poem save a life?
Yes { Reference : Can a Poem Save a Life? - by Mary Roblyn (substack.com)}
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for your Substack newsletter, and how do you plan to continue evolving and improving it in the future?
My goal for my Substack is to keep writing! I love it so much. I'm not interested in increasing my numbers just for the sake of having a lot of subscribers. I want people to enjoy and be moved by what I have to give. John Lewis spoke of "the blessed community" and I believe that's what I have found here. I am very grateful. I want to continue to hone my craft, to polish my work, and to discover new paths to connection.
8. How old are you? I never thought you had kids who work. I thought they were so young. I ask this because people embrace old age as a sort of retirement and here you are Substack writer. You are a true inspiration. What do you want to say about people especially women shying away from ageing?
Tha, I’m 67 years old. Hard for me to believe. I’m at the best age in my life. My daughter is 39, and my son is 35. I feel that my “working” life was really just preparation for this, my writing life. I’m deeply troubled to see that even very young girls are buying anti-aging skin care products when they should only be using sunscreen. The Internet culture is toxic. I tell myself that I should probably have some “work” done on my face. I have a deep crease in my forehead that’s a result of nearsightedness and anxiety. But I wear bangs. I call it “bangtox.” A lot of my female friends have eye lifts, use fillers, and so forth. I don’t judge them negatively for that. I think it’s really important to look in the mirror and be okay with what you see. That’s a hard-earned lesson for me, because I’ve never been regarded as beautiful or even pretty. But my husband thought I was.
9. Define Mary Roblyn in three words.
Three words? I’m a writer.
Mary, reflecting on our conversation, how did you find the interview experience? Additionally what aspects should you believe I should focus on improving for future interviews or discussions to ensure a more engaging and insightful conversation?
Tha, I want to tell you again how honored I am that you chose to ask me these questions. They are the best kind of questions, the kind that make me look deep inside myself and think about who I really am, and what my life means. I’m humbled that you see me as an inspiration. I see you as one!Thank you, Tha, for being part of the blessed community. It's a great privilege to have you here. I appreciate these questions so much. They gave me the opportunity to examine not only my work on Substack, but my values and life. ❤️
I loved this charming woman. A woman is the only complete part of nature without a beginning and an end.
Tha, I feel so honored that you chose to share my story. Such kind words. I can’t thank you enough. You are one of my favorite people, and not just on Substack! Your work is generous, thoughtful, and inspiring.🙏❤️