Welcome! I’m glad you’re here.

My name is Mary Roblyn. I’m a writer. I’ve always been a writer. But things happened. Life happened. I was interrupted. Maybe you were, too?

Maybe it was:

• Raising a family

• Making a living

• Caring for a loved one

• A death in the family

• Anything else.

This is life, and it’s wonderful. But life doesn't follow a straight path. We get interrupted. You put the pen or brush down, and when you go back, you can’t find it. You think it’s gone forever. But that’s not true.

You were interrupted. And my message to you is simple:

Interruptions don’t last forever.

How do I know this? Why Writer, interrupted?

After the MFA and the beginning of a successful writing career, life happened. And when my husband of 43 years was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, I cared for him. It was a hard, painful time.

When he died, grief opened my heart. I began to write again. I learned that writing, like grieving, is an act of love. More than anything, I wanted to share my story, and to connect with others who may be mourning a loss. And with those who, in pursuit of a dream, had to put down that pen or that brush. Who got interrupted.

I found that place here on Substack.

My husband died in April, 2023. Six months later — with no subscribers — I sent out my first post. Now, I’m humbled to say, my writing has moved people. Touched them. Writer, interrupted is now a vibrant community of more than two thousand. It is a place to share our stories. I read and respond to every comment. Many bring tears to my eyes.

Before he died, my husband asked for one thing.

“Promise me you will keep writing. Never stop.”

I promised. And I promise to give you my very best writing.

Writing, and grieving, are acts of love. Interruptions don’t last forever.

Join me, and join the community.

Why subscribe?

Free subscribers receive my newsletter delivered to your inbox about once a week. You can also read it on my website. Most often, I’ll send a personal essay. I write about what it was like to care for my husband and to lose him after a long and loving marriage. I write poems about things that may make you smile. (Socks?) I write about Mini, my beloved cat. About the gift of a star magnolia blooming in spring. Writer, interrupted is a thoughtful, supportive community of readers, and the Comments section is the place where you will meet them. Subscribers have access to all of my posts, and can read and comment on them. You have my undying gratitude.

Paid subscribers receive all of the above, plus a few extras, such as the opportunity to engage and connect with me and the Writer, interrupted community.

Although I’ve been a writer all my life, I had never before earned an income from my work. Your financial support shows me that you value my work enough to pay for it.* It gives me, for the first time in my life, the privilege of calling myself a paid writer. That means the world to me. You have my undying gratitude.

*We live in a world of economic inequality and uncertainty. If money is an issue, let me know and I will comp you, no questions asked.

Still not sure?

Just five months after I sent out my first post, Writer, interrupted was chosen by Substack editors as a 2024 Featured Publication. I am grateful beyond words.

Here are some comments from readers:

“This is writing which has soul, depth and quiet passion. ”

Jeffrey Streeter, English Republic of Letters

“I love Mary's thoughtful, honest and beautifully written pieces that always leave me with the impression of a fascinating conversation that has just begun.”

Ann Kennedy Smith, Cambridge Ladies' Dining Society

"I have not experienced losing a spouse. The topics you have chosen to share simultaneously demonstrate exquisite pain and craft. Melding the two in your work is pure art. I feel privileged to read your work. " ~ Colleen Burns Durda

"I don't remember the last time I read anything that touched me the way your writing does. Thank you immensely for sharing your beautiful words." ~ Celeste

“This is so lovely. If you want to know how to write creative nonfiction, look no further.” ~ Nancy Myers Rust

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