how do I get the cord to stay in the iron (rowena) so it will heat up?

Your question is not too clear but I'll try to help. Is this a cordless iron? Do you find that when you disturb the base unit in some way the iron does not get power? It does sound like a faulty lead which is the most common fault with just about all irons. Please be aware that faulty leads and connections often come about by twisting of the cable and also from repeated connection and disconnection of the iron on the base unit if indeed it has a base unit. There is a fire hazard associated with this because of the amount of power being pulled by the iron's element. I would strongly recommend you put the iron in for repair with a good electrician do do otherwise would be folly. A cheaper option would be to buy a new iron if you can do that.

Tony (Qualified engineer and electician)
May 2007