Picture a storyteller who swapped a psychologist’s couch for a writer’s desk, weaving tales that grip your heart and mind—meet Maggie Smith! This Wisconsin-based author burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, Truth and Other Lies, a twisty women’s fiction gem that’s as thought-provoking as it is page-turning. With a knack for crafting complex women and a passion for amplifying new voices through her podcast, Hear Us Roar, Maggie’s journey from Oklahoma to literary stardom is one you’ll want to follow.
The Making of Maggie Smith
Born in Oklahoma, Maggie grew up in a world of shifting women’s roles, clashing with her housewife mother over dreams of a journalism career. After studying in Chicago, she carved a diverse path as a journalist, psychologist, and founder of a national art consulting company, ArtSource. When her business was acquired in 2017, Maggie seized the chance to chase her lifelong love of storytelling, trading corporate life for the thrill of fiction. Her varied experiences—probing human minds and curating art—infuse her stories with psychological depth and vivid detail.
Maggie Smith’s Unforgettable Stories
Maggie’s debut, Truth and Other Lies (2022), is a women’s fiction triumph set in Chicago, blending politics, journalism, and family secrets. The story follows Megan Barnes, a young reporter navigating a web of deceit involving her mother’s congressional campaign and a mentor’s plagiarism scandal. Critics, like Hank Phillippi Ryan, praised its “twisty, timely” narrative, earning it awards like the NIEA Juror’s Grand Prize and a Foreword INDIES Gold Medal. Her second novel, Blindspot (2024), dives into psychological suspense, chronicling a prosecutor’s hunt for a stalker, only to be framed for his murder. Reviewers lauded its “velvety-smooth prose” and shocking denouement.
Maggie’s style is a masterclass in balance: fast-paced plots, flawed yet relatable characters, and themes like journalistic integrity and generational feminism. Her background as a psychologist shines through in nuanced portrayals of women facing ethical dilemmas, while her journalism roots ground her stories in real-world grit. Whether exploring mother-daughter tensions or the cost of ambition, Maggie’s novels resonate with readers who crave smart, suspenseful tales.
Why Maggie Smith Matters
Maggie’s impact extends beyond her books. Through her bi-monthly podcast, Hear Us Roar, she’s interviewed over 240 debut women’s fiction authors, offering aspiring writers a treasure trove of insights on craft and publishing. As managing editor of The Write City Magazine and a Chicago Writer’s Association board member, she champions indie bookstores and global voices. Her work challenges stereotypes, celebrates women’s resilience, and inspires a new generation of storytellers, cementing her as a vital force in contemporary literature.
- Born: Oklahoma, USA
- Key Works: Truth and Other Lies (2022), Blindspot (2024)
- Awards: NIEA Juror’s Grand Prize, WFWA Star Award for Debut Fiction
- Fun Fact: Maggie’s home office is lined with Agatha Christie mysteries gifted by her husband!
Snag Truth and Other Lies and dive into Maggie Smith’s thrilling world of secrets and suspense—you won’t put it down!