Behind the Byline: Lindy Rybloom

You know the stories. Now meet the people behind them.

Behind the Byline is a Press Play Salem feature introducing the writers who help make Press Play possible. Driven by curiosity and a love for this community, they follow the questions, ideas, and rabbit holes that lead to the stories we share.

First up: Meet Lindy Rybloom, a Salem-raised writer, recent college graduate, and dedicated list-maker. 

For Lindy, writing has long been a way to understand the world around her. She first began imagining writing as a career after a high school English teacher (she’s a proud South Salem Saxon) ignited her love of language. She studied at the University of Oregon for a year before transferring to the University of Puget Sound (the size was more her style), where she recently graduated.

Back in Salem for the summer, Lindy was looking for a way to keep writing while becoming reacquainted with the community where she grew up. A little encouragement from her mom led her to Press Play Salem, where our local arts, culture, and storytelling offered a natural next step.

As a contributor, she is following her curiosity, exploring Salem with fresh eyes, and finding new stories in a place she has known most of her life.

What’s your favorite kind of story to write/topic to write about?
In college, I fell in love with feature stories. Writing and editing for the features section of our student-run newspaper allowed me to meet local artists, jazz club organizers, non-profit business leaders, bar goers, and everyday people. Features writing has allowed me to understand the core of the people in my community and helped strengthen my appreciation for the places I have called home over the last few years. 

Is there a topic you’re hoping to dig into next?
I’m always interested in the local music scene and would love to learn more about Salem’s. I spent three years as a radio DJ and journalism intern for our student-run station, which helped me get a finger on the pulse of artists of all different calibers and genres. 

Outside of writing, what are some of your interests?
I love to read; my favorite authors include James Baldwin, David Sedaris, and Joan Didion. I’ve been playing tennis for years and am addicted to following Grand Slam events in my free time. I also have a record of 846 films logged on Letterboxd, so if you can’t find me, I’m probably at the movie theater!

What are you hoping to do next, personally or professionally?
As a recent graduate, I’m enjoying not being in school for the first time since I can remember. I’ll be spending the next few months exploring the East Coast and Europe! After I’ve gotten the travel bug out of my system, I look forward to landing an internship or full-time position with a publication in a larger city.

Is there anything people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a voracious list-keeper. I do the usual: books I’ve read, concerts I’ve seen. But some of my more niche lists include: best bathrooms I’ve been to, things to appreciate about winter, and a record of all of my previous Halloween costumes. 

Favorite Salem spot.
When I’m working on writing stories, I love to set up a spot upstairs in Gov Cup. The plants and natural lighting somehow make me more productive. When I need a break from work, I love to take a stroll through Bush’s Pasture Park or just play among the trees near the rose garden.

Favorite way to spend a day “off”
Especially during the summertime, my days off usually consist of lounging in various spots around town. I often start by reading a book in my backyard until I take a walk through Minto Brown Park. My idea of a perfect day includes setting up my hammock in the trees of Bush’s Park and listening to funk music while I journal. Of course, every good day ends with a sweet treat, preferably ice cream. 

Current recommendation: A book, movie, podcast, album, restaurant, or anything else you think people should check out.
I’m currently reading The Uncool by Cameron Crowe, who was a journalist for Rolling Stone by the age of fifteen. His memoir follows his impressive life involved with the California music scene in the 1970s. On that note, I recommend the Rolling Stones album, Tattoo You, but specifically that back half. It’s a perfect summer listen. 

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Author: The Instigator