Story & Lesson Highlights with Emma Leigh Reed

Emma Leigh Reed shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Emma Leigh, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Always my grandchildren.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
E.L. Reed (Emma Leigh Reed) received her MA in English and Creative Writing with a concentration in Fiction at Southern New Hampshire University. She grew up in New Hampshire being an avid reader and spending hours at the local library, even working there one summer. We all have struggles in life, but Emma took her struggles and the emotions that came with them, and poured them into her books. Writing was not only cathartic, but became a way of connecting with readers who can relate.

Emma’s writing career started in 2010 and now she has published six romantic suspense books, two women’s fiction under the pen name of Emma Leigh Reed, and four in crime thrillers under E.L. Reed. Emma has also co-authored children’s books in the past geared towards children with sensory issues.

She lives in Middle Tennessee where she teaches English at a local community college full time, and part time at a university in Nashville. She spends her time when not writing or teaching reading, studying mythology, and watching hockey (go Preds). She spends time back in New Hampshire with children and grandchildren.

Emma belongs to the Sisters in Crime organization. You can find her at emmaleighreed.com or elreedauthor.com, as well as on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship with my three children. All of them inspire me in different ways. My oldest is fearless. She has started three businesses and is raising 2 children. My middle child has put herself through PA school while raising a new baby and has just embarked on her career. My youngest showed me how to view the world differently as raising an autistic child really made me rethink the way I look at things. All three of them have inspired me to go out of my comfort zone and to try new things, embark on new projects and adventures, and to enjoy the journey.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
My life has never been easy. I have suffered from depression since I was a teenager, attempted suicide, been in abusive relationships all of which have almost–almost–broke me. However, how I truly healed from all of this is through my writing. I am able to put a piece of me in every book. Writing is cathartic.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My maternal grandmother who is now passed had a quiet strength to her. She endured many things with dignity and pride. I seek daily to emulate that quiet strength.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Working as a teacher. I would continue to write full time and travel. We always think there is more time, but time runs out. I’m not ready for it to run out before I have time to travel and write more books for my readers.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Author photograph by Racine Photography (New Hampshire)
Book covers by Kenny Holcomb

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