Awww, Mary! There is, indeed, something about her. Gorgeous writing, wisdom, and an abundance of literary citizenship all in one. What a treasure to see her here on the Enpress’
Reading Marys Substack interview feels like having a coffee with a close friend who somehow manages to be wise, witty, and disarmingly honest all at once. Every answer she gave was so her—full of clarity, sharp intelligence, and that dry, perfect wit that makes you smile while also underlining something quietly profound.
It’s no surprise, really. If you’ve read Who by Fire, you already know the kind of writer she is: unflinching, charming and lyrical. Thanks for making our day, ladies !
Hi Mary, there is so much zest for life in this interview. I would love to meet Ruth ( it was Ruth, right? your aunt) who sounds delightful, a force of nature! And I feel a kindred spirit in the idea of allowing ourselves to be amateurs in creative artistry, accepting that we may never be great. I fell into poetry last year, totally out of the blue, at 62 years old, and writing poems has brought me such joy and such solace in difficult times.
I didn't know "resolve" was a music term. Interesting fact of the day!
And, oh dear, I think my TBR pile is going to grow even more.
Alisa and Mary, thank you for this wonderful interview :) Francesca xx
Oh, how lovely, Francesca: your note and your discovery, and I want to add: the poetry at age 62. Rita is the "Ruth" you refer to--and know, as we say above, that any time you read and comment on my site, I will hop to yours, as well: one of my practices on this site that I think helps us build a literary community. 💕 ~ Mary
"Who By Fire" is an astounding read!! I was lucky enough to find Mary's work near the beginning of her weekly postings, and have been nothing less than enthralled each week as she has graciously posted each chapter. Though flawed, each character is relatable in some way, shape of form. And the slow unfolding each week gives me time to savor the exquisiteness of Mary's writing. A true writer with a masterful understanding of language - something that is becoming more rare these days. 😍
Oh, Susan, my heart goes out to you for such generous words that lift me up and give me hope. I'm so glad we have found each other via Substack and, now, the wonder that is Alisa Kennedy Jones!
Mary!!! What an absolute treat to see Mary on the Empress. I, too, have been fortunate to have connected with Mary and have been warmed by her generosity and attentive reading ear and have learned from her stunning talent as a writer.
Thank you, Mary. Thank you, Alisa, for including here.
Oh, Holly, gift that your are! I have to admit to being a bit scared and hopeful, too: Alisa is such a force and such a vulnerable heart and so are you!
Omg omg omg yes!!!!! Mary and her Who By Fire are Empress musts! This thrills me to no end. Mary, like you, arrived in my life when only a few of my Substack seeds had been planted. Tentative. Searching. Through her generous heart and ferocious intelligence, I’ve been studying, learning and growing through her offerings ever since. ❤️
You, my dear Kimberly, are a gift in my life. I would never have found you without this site -- am enriched every day by every reader but more by the "connections" -- Alisa (Joy, btw) a spirit and soul that define goodness and the love of creativity wherever she finds it and celebrates it! What an original she is!
Awww, Mary! There is, indeed, something about her. Gorgeous writing, wisdom, and an abundance of literary citizenship all in one. What a treasure to see her here on the Enpress’
Ah, Holly, talk about makin' a girl's day!
Reading Marys Substack interview feels like having a coffee with a close friend who somehow manages to be wise, witty, and disarmingly honest all at once. Every answer she gave was so her—full of clarity, sharp intelligence, and that dry, perfect wit that makes you smile while also underlining something quietly profound.
It’s no surprise, really. If you’ve read Who by Fire, you already know the kind of writer she is: unflinching, charming and lyrical. Thanks for making our day, ladies !
Oh, Tenny, what grand and generous words. Heart to heart!
She’s remarkable. Fun and informative interview.
Ah, Maureen, how generous!
Hi Mary, there is so much zest for life in this interview. I would love to meet Ruth ( it was Ruth, right? your aunt) who sounds delightful, a force of nature! And I feel a kindred spirit in the idea of allowing ourselves to be amateurs in creative artistry, accepting that we may never be great. I fell into poetry last year, totally out of the blue, at 62 years old, and writing poems has brought me such joy and such solace in difficult times.
I didn't know "resolve" was a music term. Interesting fact of the day!
And, oh dear, I think my TBR pile is going to grow even more.
Alisa and Mary, thank you for this wonderful interview :) Francesca xx
Oh, how lovely, Francesca: your note and your discovery, and I want to add: the poetry at age 62. Rita is the "Ruth" you refer to--and know, as we say above, that any time you read and comment on my site, I will hop to yours, as well: one of my practices on this site that I think helps us build a literary community. 💕 ~ Mary
one can never get enough of Mary! 💫
Oh, Appleton, aren't you a love! 💕
"Who By Fire" is an astounding read!! I was lucky enough to find Mary's work near the beginning of her weekly postings, and have been nothing less than enthralled each week as she has graciously posted each chapter. Though flawed, each character is relatable in some way, shape of form. And the slow unfolding each week gives me time to savor the exquisiteness of Mary's writing. A true writer with a masterful understanding of language - something that is becoming more rare these days. 😍
Oh, Susan, my heart goes out to you for such generous words that lift me up and give me hope. I'm so glad we have found each other via Substack and, now, the wonder that is Alisa Kennedy Jones!
Agree!! So glad to be connected with such BRILLIANT women!! 💖
What a dear you are and so glad to be connected to your originality and spirit!
Such a wonderful interview. Put a smile on my morning!
Amanda, what a dear you are.
I was delighted to see you here, Mary!
Women who pivot late in life are part of my pantheon of heroes. Congrats on roping Mary's novel into the Empress Editions universe, it's a "get!"
Oh, goodness, I so hope so!
Thanks, lady. ❤️ I think we both feel so lucky to have each other!
Mary!!! What an absolute treat to see Mary on the Empress. I, too, have been fortunate to have connected with Mary and have been warmed by her generosity and attentive reading ear and have learned from her stunning talent as a writer.
Thank you, Mary. Thank you, Alisa, for including here.
Oh, Holly!!! My whole heart is with you on this! We’re all so lucky to have found each other!!!❤️🙏✨
Oh, Holly, gift that your are! I have to admit to being a bit scared and hopeful, too: Alisa is such a force and such a vulnerable heart and so are you!
♥️♥️♥️
Omg omg omg yes!!!!! Mary and her Who By Fire are Empress musts! This thrills me to no end. Mary, like you, arrived in my life when only a few of my Substack seeds had been planted. Tentative. Searching. Through her generous heart and ferocious intelligence, I’ve been studying, learning and growing through her offerings ever since. ❤️
You, my dear Kimberly, are a gift in my life. I would never have found you without this site -- am enriched every day by every reader but more by the "connections" -- Alisa (Joy, btw) a spirit and soul that define goodness and the love of creativity wherever she finds it and celebrates it! What an original she is!
I just looked it up in Webster. Right below the word Goodness is a picture of Alisa.:)
Hahaha, hoo, boy... I do not think my father would say that. 😂 However, Joy is a bit of a family name. :)
Of course there is! 💕
Yes! Tentative, tender, and searching! And I'm so thrilled about this edition. It's going to be beautiful! ❤️
Rita sounds like a true Empress role model. Recognizing her makes her so much bigger. I hope she reads this.
Wonderful interview. Exquisite answers.
Oh, CK, Thank you so much for the generous comment on the answers. Rita is a marvel! 💗
I'm so thrilled I can barely breathe. Love, Mary
Me too! And I love that it happened on Mother's Day! Love, Alisa ❤️❤️❤️