Through years of earning degrees and raising children, this Southeastern alumna never gave up her dream of becoming an author. 

Wendy Woods, mother of two, published the children’s book, “Welcome Home, Indigeaux: A Louisiana Adventure,” last October and the sequel, “Yo-Heaux Indigeaux,” will be coming out Oct. 1. She predicts her first adult novel “As Time Goes By,” a Christian fiction, will be out this January.  

“Now that I have more ‘me’ time that my kids are older, I’m finding more time to dedicate to serious adult fiction,” said Woods. “I absolutely love being an author. It’s an honor. I don’t do it for the money. I just want to share my stories with others. It’s really an obsession.”

Woods earned her bachelor and master’s degrees in education in 1995 and 2000 respectively. She initially began writing a historical fiction novel, but set her work aside as children entered the scene. Having spent a lot of time with kids as the assistant principle at French Settlement Elementary School in Livingston Parish, she decided to try a children’s book series. 

Woods has a 10-year-old son, a nine-year-old daughter, two dogs and a cat, all of which featured in her new children’s book. Indigeaux, her Australian Shepherd, served as her primary inspiration for her first book series, of the same name.

“Indigeaux’s mischievous and comical ways led to an adventure,” said Woods. “Being in education for 19 years, I’ve read my share of children’s books. So I decided, ‘why not?’ I took the plunge and wrote the first book.” 

Sherry Martin, Woods’ aunt-in-law and Southeastern alumna, served as the illustrator for both children’s books. 

“We make a great team,” said Woods. “She makes my stories come to life. Without her beautiful artwork, ‘Indigeaux’ wouldn’t be possible.” 

Martin earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in elementary education in 1997. She currently serves as a Talented Visual Art instructor for Livingston Parish. Though she struggled to find time to work on the illustrations, she explained her love of drawing animals and anything related to Louisiana culture.  

“Wendy’s dog Indigeaux was so cute that I could not resist. I plan to illustrate more in the future, maybe for the next ‘Indigeaux’ book or whatever comes my way,” said Martin. “I also hope to find the time for my own personal art. I want to retire one day and spend my time painting.”

After writing children’s stories, Woods took a new direction with her latest novel, “As Time Goes By,” which provides a realistic view of life, faith and daily struggles. The story centers on a woman who struggles in her relationship with God after the death of her child and losing a friend to cancer. According to Woods, the plot comes from personal experience as well as the experience of her family and friends. 

“The book appeals to anyone looking to strengthen their faith or searching for a good, clean book,” said Woods. “It’s not a preachy book, so people don’t have to be intimidated by it. My own struggles with faith might inspire others to know we all falter at times.”

While she is enjoying her status as a published author, the journey to writing success had plenty of bumps along the way.

“Struggles would be in the form of rejection letters by the dozen. Publishing is very competitive, and many companies require an agent,” said Woods. “Also, I would say one of the biggest problems as a writer is being stuck in the middle of a manuscript with no ideas of where to go next with your story.”

Woods went on to describe the unfinished historical fiction novel which currently resides in a drawer because she “can’t seem to finish it.”

Through reading and writing about countless classics for her English courses, Woods believes she was shaping into a better writer.

“Most college students think, ‘Why do I have to write a research paper?’” said Woods. “It’s simple: writing has been a way to communicate since time began. You use these skills everyday of your life. Why not perfect it or at least become effective at it? You never know where life will lead you.”

When asked to give her best advice for aspiring writers, Woods encouraged the development of persistence. 

“Don’t quit. Don’t let rejection letters deter your talent. Keep a journal at your bedside and a notebook in your purse, backpack or car,” said Woods. “Ideas will pop into your head at the oddest times. Write about what you know, but challenge yourself to dig deeper. Everyone has a story to tell!”

The first “Indigeaux” series book is now available on Amazon in Kindle and hardcover editions. Woods also sells her book locally at Bayou Booksellers, located in downtown Hammond.

Wendy Woods, Southeastern alumna and children’s author,
used her Austrailian Shepherd Indigeaux as the primary
inspiration for her children’s book series “Indigeaux.”
Courtesy of Wendy Woods