Maren Higbee is an Emmy-nominated producer, award-winning novelist, and storyteller who’s spent her career crafting memorable narratives. Her work spans from hit TV shows like The Deadliest Catch, Oprah's Big Give, and Jockeys, to novels including Lana Fray and the Grand Plan and the cozy mystery novella, The Clock Strikes One.
In 2017, Maren’s life was upended when her husband was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, facing a 6-inch tumor and the whirlwind of hospitals and chemo. Searching for humor and humanity in the caregiving experience, she turned to her writing. Her latest novel, A Cancer Patient’s Wife, is a fictionalized version of their journey, blending raw honesty with moments of levity to support others facing cancer or caregiving. With her trademark humor and heart, Maren hopes to bring relief, inspiration, and maybe even a laugh to those navigating life’s toughest challenges. This one-on-one interview shares Maren’s background and experience writing A Cancer Patient’s Wife.
Tell us about A Cancer Patient's Wife.
Luke's cancer diagnosis is a twist that video producer Maggie never saw coming.
As the married couple navigate a maze of long hospital stays, tests, and a life completely interrupted, Luke holds true to his stoic nature while Maggie struggles to embrace her new starring role as a cancer caregiver.
With a cast of characters—including their German shepherd, Westy—spanning supportive to downright despicable, Luke and Maggie learn that sometimes healing from an illness is only half the battle.
How do you fight the turmoil? Why, with humor of course!
What inspired you to write A Cancer Patient’s Wife?
When my husband was diagnosed with Lymphoma, I went into full researcher mode, looking for support and information to be the best caregiver I could. However, as I searched for materials, most of what I found was either too clinical or just plain boring.
As a writer who’s spent years crafting stories for TV and commercials—and who had just published my first book, Lana Fray and the Grand Plan—I figured, why not use those skills to help others?
So, I fictionalized our story, partly to make it more relatable and partly to protect the identities of the, let’s say, “creative” people who handled our cancer journey in their own quirky ways. This book is my way of saying, “I get it, caregiving is hard, weird, and sometimes downright hilarious.”
My hope is that it brings comfort, laughs, and maybe a little sanity to anyone navigating this unpredictable, emotional rollercoaster.
What is one message you would like readers to remember?
In writing this book, my goal is for readers to find inspiration and support, no matter what challenges they’re facing.
For cancer caregivers and patients in specific, I want you to see yourselves in these pages and feel a little less alone, maybe even a little lighter. This journey is tough, and sometimes the only way through is to laugh—even when nothing feels funny. Because let’s be honest, life has a way of throwing you into absurd, frustrating, and downright ridiculous situations, and it’s okay to laugh at yourself or the chaos around you. In fact, it might be the best medicine we have.
If this book can bring even a moment of relief, a smile, or the realization that you’re stronger than you think, then I’ve done what I set out to do.
Purchasing the Book
A Cancer Patient’s Wife has received positive reviews from well-known literary organizations, authors, and reviewers around the world. Ashley Yesayan, CEO and founder of OneVillage.io, cancer survivor and caregiver writes, “Maren Higbee is a master storyteller . . . her book is the perfect dose of humor and strength for caregivers looking for a path forward.” In addition, author Martina Dalton writes, “A heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking novel, A Cancer Patient's Wife offers a rare and intimate glimpse into a caregiver's life.”
The book is available for sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online bookstores. Readers are encouraged to purchase their copy today: https://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Patients-Wife-Maren-Higbee/dp/1633153126/
To connect with Maren and learn more about her work, visit: https://www.marenhigbee.com/. You can also find her on Facebook, LinkedIn and BlueSky.
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