Her Story
About Mary
Mary Nelen is a reporter and author residing in Plainfield, Massachusetts. She began her career after earning a theater degree from Skidmore College, working first as a reporter for Us Magazine for two years and then for a technology publication in Boston covering the dot-com era. After obtaining a master's degree from Western Massachusetts and teaching briefly, Nelen spent 12 years involved with antiquities through Antiques Roadshow alongside her husband. She later focused on local food reporting in western Massachusetts with her Valley Locavoir column, reviewing restaurants and interviewing farmers and chefs. Currently, Nelen is authoring a cookbook that builds on her food writing and completing a one-act play. She also participates in vote outreach and education efforts in her region. Nelen attributes her path to her parents' influence and supportive bosses, and she values developing a personal writing voice while emphasizing respect and authenticity in her work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mary
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success and decision not to have children to my mother's example as a working mom with five kids, which showed me it was not a good deal. I also credit great bosses and my parents who were good parents and good bosses.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice came from interviewees who praised my articles for not misrepresenting them, especially in complex tech reporting. I followed my own path, always asking questions and being nosy as a reporter.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If you want to be a writer or reporter, develop your own personal voice so that you'll stand out. Read as much as possible, find out what style of writing inspires you, and then do your own version of it to find your own voice.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI is a big challenge because it makes mistakes and fabricates information, but humans will prevail as people seek authenticity and creativity. AI will make human art and writing more exclusive and valuable.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
It is important not to be critical of other people's work or points of view, to be respectful because we all come from different beginnings. Writing is hard and lonely so you have to stick with it, and meditation helps access creativity and originality as David Lynch promotes.
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