Meet Wendy Reed | Author, Illustrator, Educator, Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wendy Reed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wendy, why did you pursue a creative career?
Writing has always been an important piece of my life, so writing, illustrating, and publishing my own books was a natural progression in my creative endeavors. I wrote often as a child, led children in writing as an elementary teacher, and now lead teachers in writing and designing writing instruction for their students. My life as an author/illustrator merges seamlessly with my career as an educator. I have found much joy within the intersection of this work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I write and illustrate children’s books, along with picture books for adults. Although I’ve always written – poetry, short stories, academic and pedagogical writing – I didn’t publish my first children’s book until May, 2022. I had always wanted to write and publish a children’s book, but I wasn’t sure how to navigate the process of illustrating and publishing. A kind local author shared her platform for publishing, which opened doors for me. I taught myself how to digitally illustrate (including creating illustrations with my own photography), making it possible to design and illustrate all my own books. I’m still learning much about marketing my books and finding my audience. These are challenges that most authors face, and even so, I’m enjoying the journey. I’ve now written, illustrated, and published over 30 books for children and grown-ups, with no plan to slow down. Additionally, I offer editing, illustrating, and publishing services to fellow authors and have to-date designed over 20 books for others, helping to make their dreams come true.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many fabulous local places and delicious restaurants to visit! Planning an itinerary for my best friend’s visit would certainly include the sites at Huntington Beach State Park (which inspired my book “Gators, Waders, and Wings”), Brookgreen Gardens, the beach (Surfside Beach is my favorite), the shops in downtown Conway, Georgetown, and Market Common, local bookstores (“Our Next Chapter” in Conway and “Back Again Bookshop” in Myrtle Beach), the Marshwalk in Murrells Inlet, and maybe some miniature golf as well. We might take in a show at the Carolina Opry or Medieval Times, play games at Dave and Buster’s, and do a bit of shopping at Tanger Outlets or Dillard’s. We’d enjoy noshing some delicious meals at Bonfire Smokin’ Taqueria, Bubba’s Fish Shack, Bubba’s Fish Camp and Smokehouse, Blueberry’s Grill, The Original Benjamin’s Calabash, Gulfstream Cafe, Sea Captain’s House, Sol Y Luna, Dead Dog Saloon, Conch Cafe, Benjamin’s Bagels and Bakery, Shikki Sushi, 10/Fold Biscuits, J Peters, and Drift. There’s no limit to the wonderful restaurants and places to go in this area!

In closing, I want to extend an offer to elementary schools, libraries, and bookstores. If interested in either a virtual or in-person Author Visit, I’d be happy to connect!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh my goodness – there are more amazing people who have been impactful in my journey than I could ever name. I’ve had wonderful mentors, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances whose lives have intertwined with mine, nudging my experiences in one direction or another. As a writer, I owe a big shoutout to the other local authors I’ve met and come to know, and to the people who have invited me to showcase my books. I’ve had the honor of being part of a few local author’s groups. As a member of the Carolina Forest Author’s Club, I’ve learned much from the wisdom and vast experience of other writers in the group, and for that, I’m extremely grateful. Additionally, connecting with and sharing ideas with multiple talented local authors has been extremely informative and valuable. I also hold much gratitude for the local businesses that have invited me to share and display my books. Those include Back Again Bookshop (in Myrtle Beach), Our Next Chapter Bookstore (in Conway), Flamingo Porch (in Murrells Inlet), Carolina Nature Nook (in Pawleys Island), and Surfside Shore Decor (in Surfside Beach). I also greatly appreciate the Palmetto Literacy Council, Freedom Readers, Myrtle Beach Elementary School, the Socastee Library, the Carolina Forest Library, the Surfside Beach Family Festival, and several schools around the country for inviting me to feature my books at their events. Without connections and outlets to share my books, they would remain invisible, and so, I am ever-grateful for these groups!

Website: https://reflectivepress.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyreedauthor/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-reed-4a226a90/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wendytheteacher

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendyReedAuthor

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wendyreedauthor/