An Interview with Author Wendy Haller
- Donna Carbone
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
What happens when a lifelong storyteller finally answers the call to write? In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Haller, a former special education teacher turned multi-genre author, to explore her inspiring journey from the classroom to the page. From her emotionally rich novel The Flannigan Girls to her upcoming release Regret No More, Wendy shares how love, trauma, and personal experience shape her stories for both children and adults. We dive into the art of writing across genres, the influence of teaching and motherhood, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Honest, heartfelt, and full of insight, this conversation is a must-listen for writers looking to follow their joy—and their voice.
SHOW NOTES:
Biography
Women’s Fiction
Impact of Teaching
Multi-Genre Writing
Personal Connections in Writing
Writing Process
Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Biography
Wendy has always been a storyteller at heart—even if life took her on a few detours before she found her way to the page. After a rewarding 19-year career as a special education preschool teacher, she’s thrilled to be living her dream as an author.
As a mom and former teacher, Wendy crafts children’s books that spark curiosity and inspire meaningful conversations between parents and kids—all wrapped up in fun, engaging stories. Her novels, on the other hand, are heartfelt escapes: emotionally rich, coming-of-age tales that are raw, real, and relatable.
When she’s not writing, you can find Wendy out in nature, flowing through yoga, or cozied up on the couch with a cup of tea, a good book, and her two cats vying for lap space. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and two children, who keep her days full and her heart even fuller.
Women’s Fiction
Could you give us a synopsis of your novel From This Day Forward released last May?
How did you approach the development of Jay and Emmaline's characters in light of the significant challenges they face? Which do you consider the main character?
What inspired you to explore the themes of resilience and the transformative nature of love in the context of trauma? Can you share any personal experiences or research that influenced your portrayal of this relationship?
Could you give us a synopsis of your novel The Flannigan Girls that debuted in 2024?
What message do you hope readers take away regarding the relationship between past experiences and present choices?
Were there any specific personal experiences or societal observations that influenced the writing of this book, particularly regarding family relationships and personal growth?
You have an upcoming book, Regret No More, set to release in Spring 2026. What can you tell us about this story, and what themes will you explore in it?
Impact of Teaching
With your background as a special education preschool teacher, how has that experience influenced your approach to writing, particularly in crafting children’s literature that sparks curiosity and conversation?
Multi-Genre Writing
As a multi-genre author, what inspired you to write both poetry and fiction for children and adults? How do you navigate the demands of writing in different genres?
How do you approach the process of switching between genres? Are there specific techniques or rituals that help you transition from children's stories to more complex adult fiction?
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while navigating multiple genres? What has been the most rewarding aspect of this multifaceted approach to writing?
Personal Connections in Writing
How do your personal experiences shape the narratives you create? How does being a mother and wife influence the stories you choose to tell?
Writing Process
Can you walk us through your writing process for poetry versus fiction? Are there distinct methods you find particularly effective for each genre?
Do you have a set schedule to write?
Lessons Learned the Hard Way
As an author, what are some valuable lessons you’ve learned the hard way during your writing journey? How have those lessons shaped your approach to storytelling and your writing career?
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS
SOURCES & LINKS
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Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com
Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/
Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com
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