Debut non-fiction author, Maggie Wallem Rowe is a transplanted Illinois farmgirl, who has adapted well to the South’s laid-back lifestyle and it’s rich southern soil. Now nestled in the foothills of North Carolina’s Great Smokey Mountains, she and her husband enjoy bluegrass, mountain dancing, and Bar-B-Que.
She’s had a number of interesting careers, including ten years of teaching speech at the university level, directing women’s ministries in New England’s six states, and working as a book publicist for a dozen years.
Her most unique job, however, was as a country-western DJ for a radio station outside of Boston in the late 70’s. “I was hired because I was a farmer’s kid (and I worked dirt-cheap.) We also lived through a few years when all five kids we raised were teenagers (emphasis on lived through).”
Maggie has loved to write since she was a child. Books were almost her entire world, and reading stories inspired her to write her own. “At eight, it was stories about fairies, at nine, animals, and at ten, I graduated to mysteries. My mom typed them up and submitted them to children’s magazines. None were ever published, but I received some nice rejection notes from the editors.”
Fast forward to her mid-sixties, when Maggie received her acceptance letter and added author to her list of careers. This past May, at nearly 67 years of age, she released her first book, This Life We Share: Journeying Well with God and Others. with NavPress. She’d spent about 12 months actively writing her book’s 260 pages, but says, “In a very real sense, I’ve been writing this book my entire life.” From the time she signed her contract, until she’d leaf through the pages of her life’s work, it would be 2 ½ years.
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Publishers usually encourage authors to narrow the focus of their audience, but with Maggie’s book, they requested “a big waterfront.” This Life We Share is for women in every season of life. It speaks to those starting a career or entering assisted living, single or married, raising kids or “childfree.” It’s about paying attention to our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It addresses caring for others and being cared for in return. Most importantly, This Life We Share is about loving God and receiving His unconditional love and fathomless grace.
Maggie is now writing her second book, which will release with Tyndale House in February 2022.
When asked what advice she would offer someone who is struggling with their first book, she said, “Attend a writers conference! More than one, if you can. They are invaluable for receiving advice, encourage, inspiration and networking.”
Maggie invites you to connect with her on her website at www.maggierowe.com and to check out her book on her Amazon Author page.
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“Maybe you’ve done the math of your life and all you see is division and subtraction, fractured relationships and lost opportunities. But God is the master of multiplication. You see what you lack; he works with what you have. What we surrender, he reproduces: time, energy, material resources.” —This Life We Share: Journeying Well with God and Others.
Today’s author worked for a radio station as a country-western DJ. “I was hired because I was a farmer’s kid, and I worked dirt-cheap.” Check out this week’s Author Snapshot and meet Maggie Wallem Rowe. Share on X
Great interview. I am originally from the mountains in Tennessee that are around the Great Smoky Mountains. Love the area and will be back there in October. We all need encouragement in our life and writing.
Hi Kathy! The Smokies truly are a beautiful place to live, and to write. Inspiration abounds! I invite you to join me for my “Views from the Ridge” once weekly at http://www.maggierowe.com.
Yes, we do. Thank you for stopping by to encourage me. Blessings to you!
Daphne has been an absolute ROCK STAR on our launch team! I call them the BLTs – Beloved Launch Team. She has helped and encouraged me in so many ways as a debut author. How much I would have missed if I had not attended the Asheville Christian Writers Conference and the BRMCWC!
I’m sure she has. She does a lot of things well. You’re both awesome!
Hi Kathy! The Smokies truly are a beautiful place to live, and to write. Inspiration abounds! I invite you to join me for my “Views from the Ridge” once weekly at http://www.maggierowe.com.
Maggie’s book This Life We Share is a morning staple for all women seeking encouragement and strength for their day.
Aw, thanks for the affirmation and encouragement, Joleen!
Thank you Starr for introducing us to Maggie and her writing!
A pleasure to meet you, Ben!
I really think God guided me to join Maggie Wallem Rowe who was sitting alone during meal time at BRMCWC 19’. I was running late and plenty of places to sit when I spotted her. I’m so glad I did. Maggie is a delightful person you’d want for a friend. I felt a connection. Clearly her life has been an exciting adventure and writers love story. Her book had not been published but when she told me about it I was drawn in and told her I’d like to be on her launch team. At the time it seemed like a casual remark though sincere. It has been a joy being involved in “This Life We Share”. 😉
Daphne has been an absolute ROCK STAR on our launch team! I call them the BLTs – Beloved Launch Team. She has helped and encouraged me in so many ways as a debut author. How much I would have missed if I had not attended the Asheville Christian Writers Conference and the BRMCWC!