Mary Beth and Julie thank you, I was captivated from the very first line "The first book that made me think, “I want to write a book like that” was High Tide in Tucson by Barbara Kingsolver" for me, almost every other book she's written too!
Susie, I can agree to the letter - almost every other book she's written. ;) There was just one that missed the mark for me, if I'm remembering correctly. And I have, I believe, read all of them. I think it was just luck that had me read her nonfiction essays first, because it felt within reach for me in ways fiction does not (which is why I revere the magic that Julie is able to do).
Haha. I'd have to answer that by singing the praises of the (checks notes) sixteen others that very much hit the mark, and let you sleuth it out. I worship her too much to say anything negative. 🤣
I think I am missing two or three so cannot guess at which point she didn't astonish. I am not certain I wish to know since I cannot imagine such a book written by her... perhaps I will find out?
On the note of fiction, I agree, I also am incapable of such imaginings, Julie is masterful, I content myself with simply dreaming of being so.
It held up over the years. I reread it during the pandemic and I feel certain it's going to feel just as relevant to you now as it did to me in 2001 when I first picked it up.
Loved this interview, and reading through the comments-
first: Mary Beth, your insights and experiences resonate with my world: childhood in the Northeast, attachment to the natural world & marine mammals; but more than that I admire your ability to write about these things with depth, insight and sensitivity.
Adding to the comments of others- love a lot of Barbara Kingsolver's work but not all. Barry Lopez a personal hero. Have just finished reading Horizon, his last book, written as he was dying and feel even more bereft at his passing.
Coming late to this as I've been saving it until I could give it the time I knew it would deserve. Thank you both so much.
Mary Beth, I loved reading your perspective on bringing personal narrative into science writing. I'm also a scientist, a chemist, and later a data scientist before it had that name, and wrote those awful passive voice reports and, later, software documentation. Writers like Elizabeth Rush, Bathsheba Demuth, and CJ Hauser showed me another way and have been my inspiration. I've found few male role models.
I'll stop before this comment turns into a micro essay, so just thanks for the inspiration.
I was just rereading Barry Lopez's essay on the stranded sperm whales in 1979, and I'd call him a role model of mine. But, as I'm sure you picked up on, I tend to prioritize the names of women when listing artists... and they tend to flood my reading list and leave little room for books by men. It's true of my Substack feed as well, but you're a notable exception, John! :) Thanks for reading.
Alas I'm coming so late to this way of writing that I didn't discover Barry Lopez in his lifetime. My reading list and Substack feed look much like yours, and the same is true of my subscribers and followers and extends to my volunteer life where the vast majority of the federal, state, and local agency staff I work with are women. I'm an exception in many of those spaces and most of the time I forget until something like your piece here comes along to remind me. I wouldn't want it any other way!
I love this interview - as I love all I've read of your writing. Thank you for all you contribute to illuminating beauty and wisdom. And this sentence: "I write knowing that the graver mistake is not to admit the obvious kinship I share with non-humans." YES!
Well done, Mary Beth. "I am not building a case or persuading the reader of something." A powerful statement in tone and purpose. Makes me want to sit and ponder what is the outcome of a position like this. Likewise, this idea to not give, "up hope, though they [authors mentioned], like me, seem undeluded about where things stand." So well-articulated and grounded.
Mary Beth and Julie thank you, I was captivated from the very first line "The first book that made me think, “I want to write a book like that” was High Tide in Tucson by Barbara Kingsolver" for me, almost every other book she's written too!
Susie, I can agree to the letter - almost every other book she's written. ;) There was just one that missed the mark for me, if I'm remembering correctly. And I have, I believe, read all of them. I think it was just luck that had me read her nonfiction essays first, because it felt within reach for me in ways fiction does not (which is why I revere the magic that Julie is able to do).
Ooooo! Spill the tea! Which of her books “missed the mark”? Curious. 🤨
Haha. I'd have to answer that by singing the praises of the (checks notes) sixteen others that very much hit the mark, and let you sleuth it out. I worship her too much to say anything negative. 🤣
Dang it!! 😅
I think I am missing two or three so cannot guess at which point she didn't astonish. I am not certain I wish to know since I cannot imagine such a book written by her... perhaps I will find out?
On the note of fiction, I agree, I also am incapable of such imaginings, Julie is masterful, I content myself with simply dreaming of being so.
🥹
Love it! Agree, big Kingsolver fan and yet I have yet to read that one. Guess it’s time!
It held up over the years. I reread it during the pandemic and I feel certain it's going to feel just as relevant to you now as it did to me in 2001 when I first picked it up.
Loved this interview, and reading through the comments-
first: Mary Beth, your insights and experiences resonate with my world: childhood in the Northeast, attachment to the natural world & marine mammals; but more than that I admire your ability to write about these things with depth, insight and sensitivity.
Adding to the comments of others- love a lot of Barbara Kingsolver's work but not all. Barry Lopez a personal hero. Have just finished reading Horizon, his last book, written as he was dying and feel even more bereft at his passing.
Dawn, thank you so much for these kind words. And I will have to bump Horizon up my list of TBR.
Yes, Dawn, I agree that Mary Beth is a writer of extraordinary talent. Wait till her memoir comes out! Meanwhile, thanks for being here.
Coming late to this as I've been saving it until I could give it the time I knew it would deserve. Thank you both so much.
Mary Beth, I loved reading your perspective on bringing personal narrative into science writing. I'm also a scientist, a chemist, and later a data scientist before it had that name, and wrote those awful passive voice reports and, later, software documentation. Writers like Elizabeth Rush, Bathsheba Demuth, and CJ Hauser showed me another way and have been my inspiration. I've found few male role models.
I'll stop before this comment turns into a micro essay, so just thanks for the inspiration.
I was just rereading Barry Lopez's essay on the stranded sperm whales in 1979, and I'd call him a role model of mine. But, as I'm sure you picked up on, I tend to prioritize the names of women when listing artists... and they tend to flood my reading list and leave little room for books by men. It's true of my Substack feed as well, but you're a notable exception, John! :) Thanks for reading.
Alas I'm coming so late to this way of writing that I didn't discover Barry Lopez in his lifetime. My reading list and Substack feed look much like yours, and the same is true of my subscribers and followers and extends to my volunteer life where the vast majority of the federal, state, and local agency staff I work with are women. I'm an exception in many of those spaces and most of the time I forget until something like your piece here comes along to remind me. I wouldn't want it any other way!
I'm really enjoying eavesdropping on this conversation, Mary Beth and John. A match made in Substack heaven!
Thanks for your hospitality, Julie!
It's so fun to learn more about you here, Mary Beth!
Thanks for reading, Sarah. Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you Mary Beth! This moving interview was the absolute best way to start my day. (Thanks for the recommendation Julie Gabrielli).
Thank you, Amy! I'm so glad you found it.
Thanks for reading. Glad you enjoyed it. 💚
Loved the straightforwardness of this interview! You do not mince words, Mary Beth.
Thanks, Dudley! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I love this interview - as I love all I've read of your writing. Thank you for all you contribute to illuminating beauty and wisdom. And this sentence: "I write knowing that the graver mistake is not to admit the obvious kinship I share with non-humans." YES!
Thanks so much, Leah! I am so glad that line resonates.
Thanks for reading, Leah. Glad you enjoyed it. 💚
Lovely essay. What an inspiring way to start the day!
Thank you, Christine!
Delighted to hear it. Thanks for being here.
Well done, Mary Beth. "I am not building a case or persuading the reader of something." A powerful statement in tone and purpose. Makes me want to sit and ponder what is the outcome of a position like this. Likewise, this idea to not give, "up hope, though they [authors mentioned], like me, seem undeluded about where things stand." So well-articulated and grounded.
Right?! “Undeluded” is my new favorite word.
Thanks Stacy! As for me, I have to let go of outcomes or I go right back to the agenda. ;)
Beyond facts, feelings.
Sea cows, sirens, whales, women.
Our kinship, obvious.
Thank you, Marisol. I appreciate you reading!
Beautiful!
Thanks for interviews.
Our whale songs in resonance.
Caring humans calls.
https://marisolmunozkiehne.substack.com/p/fierce-faithful-feminine-flock