maite martínez liñero is very specific
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is creativity embodied. I started following her on Instagram because of the photos she posts on her story: she has such a minimalistic and stunning eye, a sense of style I find so inspiring. She is a person who seems to have an inherent understanding of beauty and composition and color. And then I discovered Maite’s Substack, her diaristic collection of thoughts that feel both spontaneous and meaningfully curated. I was so so thrilled when she agreed to share some of the details behind her beautiful book (and gorgeous book party!) as well as her favorite film, shops, cafes, thoughts on writing, and more—a really generous interview from the singular Maite!Please state your name for the record.
Maite Martínez Liñero
You recently published your first book! It’s beautiful. Can you tell us a little about it?Sure! The book is named Posted, and it’s tied to the act of sending letters and how the addressee keeps changing. I’ve always wanted to write a book—I write constantly. I took a trip in December that didn’t turn out as expected, and that forms the introduction. The rest of the book is made up of snippets from my life—what I wrote daily in my iPhone Notes app—and letters I wrote between December and February.
It’s an invitation to cherish a moment and write to friends and the people we love, knowing some will stay and others might vanish.
I envisioned the book like a Substack translated into a physical object—text alongside images. A friend introduced me to the designer, Jorge de Cruz. For the final page, Ashley Kao, a friend, illustrated a stack of letters since I tend to send them in batches. Amelia Marran-Baden, another friend, helped with editing.
My friend Clara owns a cheese shop (I always describe it as the Aesop of cheese). I told her about the book, and she offered her space for the launch. That gave me a deadline.
Cheese plays a role in the book too—something I eat often—so we featured a selection that’s part of my life, like Hornkäse cheese. I love setting the table; it’s a form of care. We used pieces from some of my favorite brands, like Anina + Major, Hay candles, and Serax.
Butter was also a key detail—it brings me joy and even appears in the book.
I invited friends, family, colleagues, writers, and some Substack readers. It all came together naturally and felt special.
The book is postcard-sized—something small and portable. The cover paper has a subtle lined texture I find comforting. We also designed some postcards. The book is wrapped with thread, like in Ashley’s illustration, reminiscent of how my grandfather used to wrap cakes and pastries.
You’re also the creative mind behind @fits.onset. Can you share a little about how you came up with this concept?
Thank you! I’m a producer and have always been fascinated by how people dress on set—it says a lot about them. I like hiding identities—no faces—and respecting NDAs, so you only see the looks of people on set. I’m drawn to objects like a great vintage RTW piece, heirloom jewelry, or trendy sneakers. I even made some socks. It’s a small, niche community.
What time of day and where do you most like to write?
Early mornings or late at night. I usually write on my phone when something catches my attention, but I also love having coffee and writing in the early hours—or in bed at night. Those are the moments when I’m free from tech, offline, and truly present.
What’s your favorite vice?
I’d say coffee, especially paired with early mornings. I like being alone when the world is quiet, going for a run, or doing something without the noise. Also, a good manicure will always be one of my vices.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon?
I like Sundays, but I really dislike the afternoon. It feels like the time we’re meant to rebrand ourselves—kidding, but truly, I tend to be at home preparing for the week. Sunday afternoons are sacred for me. I usually sleep early and catch up on rest.
What’s your favorite shop?
For what? I’m very specific and detail-oriented.
In Mexico or Madrid, I’d say the farmers market—it makes me happy and sustains me through the week.
For other things: Formaje in Madrid for cheese, La Oficial for ceramics.
For books: Daunt Books in London.
And honestly, any stationery store anywhere—for a good pen or envelope, like Astier de Villatte in Paris.
Dogear or bookmark?
A mix. Depends. I tend to lose bookmarks, so I’ll use a postcard or receipt. If I don’t have either, I’ll dogear—but this is more rare.
What’s your favorite cafe?
Depends on the city, but here are three that make me happy:
In London: HR Higgins—classic and done with care.
In Paris: Telescope—elegant, with the best yeasty baguette (sadly not open on weekends).
In Madrid: Depends on what I’m craving—I tend to rotate.
Text or call?
Call—for quick, straightforward things.
But if I need to express something with depth, I’ll text. I like writing; written words don’t fade.
What’s your favorite method of procrastination?
Walking. I’ll walk endlessly and forget public transportation exists. Just walk and think. Also, music. I spend most of my day accompanied by it.
What’s your favorite item in your closet?
Coats—I love winter wear.
Also, white T-shirts and shirts. I don’t own much, but I like good clothes.
I will not be able to choose between my top three pieces: a Loewe shearling coat, a pair of Isabel Marant jeans (I wasn’t sure when I got them, but they’re super flattering—wide-leg, high-rise), and a violet Acne Studios sweater (not into color, but this one works with my pale skin and dark hair).
What’s your most controversial opinion?
Waking up early is great.
What’s your favorite film?
The Graduate—it always stays with me.
What’s your favorite line from a movie or song or book?
One that’s stayed with me comes from the song Mountain to Move by Nick Mulvey: “When everything you were looking for was already looking at you.”
A friend gave me a book years ago, and on the first page, he wrote something similar:
“What you want is already in front of you.”
What is your most treasured possession?
A ring from my grandmother—gifted by my grandfather. It’s very modern for its time.
Share something from your notes app?
Recommend a book to me?
I’m currently reading The Craftsman by Richard Sennett. I use my Kindle, buy books, and sometimes read them on my phone. This one’s on my phone—great for reading on the bus or plane (I recommend that too!).
I haven’t finished it yet, but it’s a solid read. I’ve been highlighting a lot—it discusses the value of craftsmanship.
I’d also love to recommend Agua y Jabón by Marta D. Riezu, but it hasn’t been translated yet—hopefully someday!
Maite Martinez is a Mexican producer who enjoys writing. She has a Substack and just published her first book, Posted.
Thanks for reading! See you next week for a surprise. If you’d like to support my writing, you can preorder my first novel here. 💖❤️🔥❤️❤️🩹💖❤️💝💌