Well hello! I’m so glad you’re here. Here are some compelling reasons to subscribe. See you soon, Susanna
What is It’s Not Just You?
I write inspiring and often funny columns about all the ways Paris tries to humble me, starting over a new country with a couple of suitcases and a dog that I was about to call elderly, but I think he’s probably my age in dog years. In any case… I sold my Brooklyn apartment and moved here in 2024 with this sweet, cosseted creature who was delighted to learn that he can go to restaurants with me—and is often served water before I am.
I’ll send you an essay at least once a month, and never more than once a week, promise. And while I’m here in Paris, I won’t always write about subjects like what Parisians hate most (hint: it’s not tourists) but I’ll take advantage of Europe’s delights and include some photos to prove it, plus a little dose of cultural context.
Readers describe It’s Not Just You using words like: wry, quirky, beautiful, hope-inducing, witty, and honest. Links to previous editions and more from current subscribers below. And I swear they’re not ALL my friends This newsletter was born at TIME magazine where I was a columnist and executive editor. And now I’ll be coming to you from here at Substack. (You’ll find links to previous editions below.)
Why should I subscribe?
You’ll be part of an extraordinary clan of more than 17,000 kind and brilliant people (like you) all over the world, from Tasmania to India, Canada, and the U.S. (For the next month, all subscribers will have access to all features.)
Can I see some of your writing before I sign up?
You can read my essays and reported pieces on TIME.com, The Washington Post, and Sports Illustrated. Herewith, some of my favorites: on loving someone who battles inner demons, an interview with writer Anne Lamott about staving off cynicism, the benefits of being imperfect and unfinished, the emotional blowback to Adele’s 100 lb. weight loss, Simone Biles and why we all get the twisties, on Justine Bateman’s book about why women don’t need to ‘fix” their aging faces, the Mars Rover and the science of awe, when the earth tilts toward hope about the winter solstice, our post-pandemic bucket list, when my oldest child came out, why rage is contagious, a reported yarn in which I go to the Moroccan Sahara for an all-female motor race across the Sahara, and my afternoon with Stormy Daniels.
What do your readers say about the newsletter?
“This is so beautiful. What a gentle note to read in the morning” —Sonali
“Quirky, entertaining, relevant, diverse and always relatable.” —Carole
“You did it again. You spoke from the heart and touched mine.” —Dave
“I’m absolutely loving following your road trip - you write so eloquently & the photos are gorgeous.” —Ella all the way from freezing Tasmania
“Our shoulders are sore from tensing for so long waiting for “normal” to arrive like a summer that’s always six months away”. Beautiful text by @SusannaSchrobs —Leila
“I love this newsletter so much! Everyone needs to sign up now.” —hhalepis
“Please know that [It’s Not Just You] has brought me joy in so many ways.” —Tom
“Wry, witty, reassuring.” —TIME reader survey
“The humor, the easy-going tone that Susanna presents with is always so welcome. I feel like I'm just having a chat with her,” —TIME reader survey
“Wow. Just plain WOW; I am blown away by this beautiful edition. You grabbed my soul and gave it life again. Thank you.” —Susan
I must know more about you!
Before starting It’s Not Just You, I was a writer and executive editor at TIME magazine, Newsweek, and NBC Universal. At TIME, I edited all kinds of stories, videos and interactives from the 2017 Person of the Year: “The Silence Breakers” about the women who started the #MeToo movement, to a cover on Mattel’s attempt to save itself by redesigning Barbie.
I was sent to Paris as an near-child, an fetus really, when TIME magazine sent me to digitize their many European offices (that’s when magazines had overseas offices and I was on the cutting edge of tech). I eventually got to report all over the continent, becoming what I like to call the TIME’s spandex correspondent as my areas of coverage included Olympic figure skating gymnastics, very famous rock bands, and prostitutes. When transferred me back to New York, I swore I’d return to this city. Two kids, one divorce, and three media companies later, I finally made it back. I just pulled the nest out from under my recent-college grads and fled the country like a bandit.
Now you’ll find me in an apartment on the banks of the Canal Saint Martin in the north of the city. I suspect I love these four rooms more than my ex, but that is another story. The came with me, and what an asset. Turns out Parisians are wild about these creatures, they will drop to their knees to pet him and I’ve ridden his coattails into semi-acceptance in this neighborhood.
Message me by replying to this email, or post in the comments. And find me on Instagram: @SusannaSchrobs. See you soon, Susanna
