An Interview With Cailyn Wolberg

Bubbling liquids and burning acids, and chemist words that I do not know; is love a chemical? The Serein Lark dances and flutters about. There are whispers and laughter, soft and intimate, wishing not to be secret. Behold! A new writer lies on the marble floor, whole but yearning, yearning, grasping for the chemical's name. What is this text? The writer does not know...

These interview introductions are getting more and more difficult with every new writer! And a new writer there is! Cailyn Wolberg, a scientist during the day, a writer at night, enters the Serein Lark Review landscape with a tale to share. Her creative non-fiction piece, 'Asking Too Little,' releases this coming Monday!

The third creative non-fiction piece in a row, 'Asking Too Little' comes with words of loyal love and passion; it is short, it is sweet, and the writer, Cailyn, has me eager to read whatever next she sends me.

There is little more to say other than welcome, Cailyn! Let us get to know each other, shall we?

Can you introduce yourself? Who are you, Cailyn?

I'm a person who values variety. Professionally, I'm a chemist, but I'm also deeply interested in literature, linguistics, music, health, and cooking with underused ingredients. Most of what I do in my free time is related to one of these in some capacity; otherwise, I'm probably spending time with friends or, more likely, with my husband. We're both from the US originally, but we've now settled in Southern Germany. 

What would you like to tell the reader about 'Asking Too Little'? Why should they read it?

Well, it's short, for one, so there's not much to lose! I find many recent pieces about marriage are quite cynical, so I hope it's refreshing to get a different perspective. 

I often get the impression that someone is asking about my partner only out of politeness and that I'm expected to give some vague, five-word answer. I'm obviously biased, but I find the details of his habits or niche hobbies really interesting and wish I could share that instead. There's this balance between expressing love and understanding what's reasonable in social situations. I also find it irritating when people imply we're only happy together because we're young, etc. "Asking Too Little" is just a short expression of these small frustrations.

For how long have you been writing? What has your writer's journey been like?

I've been writing for about as long as I can remember but only recently started to think about sharing my work. I actually drafted a novel over the past few years and am currently in the process of reworking it. In the meantime, I'm focusing on shorter works and playing with different genres. 

My favourite question: do you have any habits when you write, such as always having a cup of tea by your side or a special place you must write for the sake of the creative juices (or something more peculiar, like Victor Hugo's alleged need to write nude)?

Oh, I wish! My first attempt to answer this sounded a bit like Dr. Seuss's Green Eggs and Ham. Basically, I jot down fragments whenever and wherever I feel inspired, sometimes as a voice memo or on the back of a napkin, etc. Longer writing sessions are squeezed in wherever I can fit them, a warm beverage preferred but not required.

What do you enjoy reading? What are you reading right now?

I'm currently reading Eco's The Name of the Rose alongside a bunch of shorter pieces from my favorite lit journals. My favorite authors include Haruki Murakami and Halldór Laxness, but I also spend a decent amount of time reading novels in German these days.

Do you have any other publications you would like to point our readers to? Or is there someplace readers can follow you for updates on future work?

One of my pieces will be included in the Autumn 2026 edition of Superpresent Magazine. Otherwise, links and updates will be added to cailynwolberg.wordpress.com on an ongoing basis. 

A fellow writer recently told me they wished more scientists were writers. I just want to leave that here in case there is anyone reading who sees their day job as a barrier to fully exploring a more creative side of themselves. 

If all scientists write words like you do, they had better start publishing right away - because the Serein Lark will want to read it! Thank you, Cailyn. My heart tells me this will not be the last time we read your name on a list of writers. Bestselling author in the making? The Serein Lark Review is honoured to have you on board.