Mary Jo Thayer’s life as a writer began at an early age. She dabbled with poetry as a young girl before rediscovering the passion that would define her creative journey after turning 50.
In 2014, she was woken from her sleep around 3 a.m. and felt prompted to write the prologue for her first book, “Close to the Soul.” That novel, which later became a bestseller and won three literary awards, was born of an experience that traced back to her high school years. It also followed her through her life as a high school teacher and mentor to women.
“’Close to the Soul’ is ultimately a story of rape and redemption, hope and healing,” said Mary Jo. “One of my goals was that women of all ages would read it without feeling threatened.”
It is her hope that grandmothers will read with their daughters and granddaughters, as the book looks at the life choices of many women in many generations.
“The book also gives all the men in the story a chance to do the right thing,” she said.
For Mary Jo, writing was not simply a means to tell a story. It was a way to serve others. That was confirmed after an encounter with a reader at a funeral.
“A man came up to me and said, ‘You nailed how a victim feels,’” she explained. “The man went on to tell me that he himself had been a victim of sexual abuse. I had tears in my eyes, and thought, ‘This is God’s work. I have to let him work through me.’”
Many readers — male and female, young and not so young — have reached out to Mary Jo to tell her that “Close to the Soul” has healed them in some way. She knew while writing it that every story, no matter how painful, has the power to heal. She gives God all the glory for that.
Mentoring as ministry
Beyond the pages she writes, Mary Jo has long embraced mentoring as an essential part of her life. Over the years, she has become a confidante and guide for high school students, young mothers, the widowed, and even people seeking advice on health and life choices.
“God just puts people in my life,” she explained. “I have a huge empathetic heart and I really feel for people.”
Mary Jo feels that because she herself has been blessed with good people who have helped her, it is only right and good that she uses God’s time to do that for others, if she can.
Whether she is teaching in a classroom or hosting a Bible study in her home, Mary Jo’s natural ability to listen and offer guidance shines through.
In her teaching days, Mary Jo organized classroom activities that went beyond the standard curriculum. The lessons emphasized the importance of real dialog over partisan bickering.
“I set up speed debates to help students learn to argue both sides of an issue,” she recalled. “The debates were more than just academic exercises. They were a way to instill respect for differing perspectives. I would remind them that, at the end of the day, they were still classmates and friends.”
Mary Jo’s mentoring extends into her life even now that she is well beyond 50. By sharing her own experiences, including the vulnerability of writing about difficult subjects, she offers others a chance to find their own voice.
“I want to encourage people to use their gifts and share their stories, if they feel called to do so. I desire healing for everyone.” she explained.
Teaching and transformation
Mary Jo’s background in education provided the foundation for her lifelong commitment to learning and growth. Starting out as a kindergarten aide and moving on to work with middle and high school students, she always had a passion for not only imparting knowledge but also meeting people where they were at.
“I really enjoyed working with 7th, 8th and 9th graders,” she recalled.
Her first teaching job was for 8th, 9th and 10th grade English. Tenth grade is where she would land after she raised her children and earned her master’s degree, but she didn’t teach English. Mary Jo was offered a job teaching moral theology where she could introduce her students to complex topics and help them discover all they were created to be.
“I wanted them to want to be the best versions of themselves,” she explained.
Her framework for teaching theology in such a way was ignited by her from her studies on “The Theology of the Body,” a philosophy of the human person given to the world during the first five years of Pope John Paul II’s pontificate.
Renewal after 50
Entering her 50s marked a new chapter for Mary Jo. Beyond teaching, writing, and public speaking, she also began to explore fresh pursuits that invigorated her mind, body and spirit.
“After I turned 50, I decided to take my life in a new direction,” Mary Jo said. “I started getting my health in order, both emotionally and physically.”
This has made all the difference in Mary Jo’s ability to enjoy and live life to the full. “I started to embrace new activities, like golf and pickleball, and I am still water skiing at 65.”
As far as her creative endeavors, Mary Jo said, “I do most of my writing in the summer at the lake or in the winter while I am in Florida. Balancing family, volunteer work, catching up with friends, sports, and allowing myself writing time is essential to my well-being.”
This time of renewal also deepened her commitment to her faith. She has become more prayerful, and that has given her even more clarity. Mary Jo believes that taking charge of her health and creative life is a way of honoring the gifts God has given her. She wants to become the woman God created her to be.
‘Close to the Soul’
Mary Jo’s debut novel, “Close to the Soul,” tackles the deep scars of trauma while illuminating a path toward healing. The book tells the story of a young girl in the 1950s who endures a violation of trust and innocence. It is a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and ultimately redemptive.
Its outpouring of emotion created an authenticity that has resonated with readers. The story describes the emotional aftermath of trauma, yet also offers a message of hope that even the deepest wounds can begin to heal.
“Close to the Soul” highlights the complexity of human emotions, family, faith, and living a good life after trauma.
Legacy of guidance
Today, Mary Jo is not only known for what she writes, but also for the lives she touches through her mentoring. It has taken many forms, depending on the needs of the person standing before her. She usually finds that she is there with them when they might not have anyone else, something she does not take lightly.
“I’ve been blessed by people who trust me with their hearts, and I try to honor that trust by simply being there and holding what they tell me in my heart,” she explained. “I try to love them, lift them up, and occasionally offer advice if they ask for it.”
Her approach to mentoring is rooted in her own experiences as a teacher, a writer and a lifelong learner.
With regard to helping others who might wish to write, she offers this point of view. “I learned early on that every person has stories worth telling. My best advice is that if you think you have a story to write, just get it on paper. There’s always an editor to fix it.”
Whether it’s through one-on-one conversations or leading a discussion in a small group, Mary Jo’s guidance is marked by empathy, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to helping others find their way.
She desires to do this well, especially with her family, which includes her husband, four children, their spouses, and nine grandchildren (so far). Mary Jo understands that strong family bonds can offer support and offer perspective even in the toughest times.
“My husband and I tried to make our dinner table a place for sharing, learning, and laughter,” she explained. “One of the things we did was send the children to get the dictionary or an encyclopedia to look things up.”
Mary Jo and her husband both enjoy lively discussions around their table. That spirit of togetherness and shared growth is central to the legacy she and her husband are building — one that emphasizes the importance of community, faith and continuous learning.
“I will always let God’s people come first, primarily our family and close friends,” she said. “But I also make room for others who might need a listening ear. My writing is secondary to the people in my life.”
As Mary Jo looks to the future as a writer, she remains optimistic about her creative process, which continues to surprise her.
“I’m working on my second novel and maybe it can be as good or better than the first,” she said.
Everyone has a unique gift
Mary Jo’s journey is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of mentorship. Her life reflects the belief that every person has a unique gift and has a story that can change the world.
“We are here to serve one another,” she said. “By sharing our stories and our struggles, we lift each other up and remind ourselves that we are never truly alone.”
In a world that can often feel divided and disconnected, Mary Jo’s work as a writer and mentor offers a beacon of hope and unity. Her gentle guidance and heartfelt words encourage others to embrace their vulnerabilities and to trust that every experience has purpose.
As she writes her next chapter of her life, Mary Jo remains dedicated to lifting others up, one word, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time.
For more information
People can connect with Mary Jo at:
- Website: www.maryjothayer.com
- Email: maryjothayer @ gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/maryjothayerauthor
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/maryjothayerauthor
Mary Jo’s book, “Close to the Soul” is available on Amazon, Goodreads and in other bookstores.
If you order a copy of Mary Jo’s book from a link above, Forward From 50 may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.