Chelsea L. McGowan
cmcgowan@weatherforddemocrat.com
Barbara Reed drew on her life experiences to craft the love story of Katie and Adam — the tale that is the basis for her recently released novel, “The Island of Haunting Memories.” Reed said her childhood spent in Weatherford had a big influence in how she developed her characters.
“My book includes several visits to Weatherford by the main character to visit a great aunt that lives there,” she said. “She has many wonderful memories of spending Thanksgivings at her aunt’s house. Her aunt has had a lot of influence on her over the years as she became a woman. It was important to me to incorporate the town into my book, as it molded me into what I am today.”
In particular, one childhood friend from Reed’s time in Weatherford was a particular inspiration on her work.
“I attended Travis Elementary where I met by life-long best friend, Sarah Busby Brennand,” Reed said. “I think some of the traits I’ve given the main character in my book are a lot like her. She inspired me through the years and pushed me when I needed to be pushed. There will never been another friend that has had the impact on my life that she has.”
It was this friend’s loving pushes that encouraged Reed to write her book now, so much later in life.
“I finally have the time and the chance to put my words on paper,” she said. “It was a dream I’d always had, and being teased by Sarah about the black sheets of paper and pen I used to carry around with me on my clipboard all the time inspired me even more. Also, I’ve always wanted to do something to make my parents proud. Even though I lost them both while I was a teen, I still feel like they watch over me and know what I am doing.”
South Main Street and the more rural parts of Weatherford are featured in the story, and Reed said that’s because she’s always considered Weatherford to be her hometown.
“My childhood memories of Weatherford are of days spent exploring the creeks, woods and many long summer days at the parks,” Reed said. “As I grew older, they are of the wonderful friends I made there. South Main was a big part of my life, as it was most of the teens who grew up there in the ‘80s. When I write, I think back to some of those that I met over the years there and I’ve used even more characteristics from them.
“I left Weatherford in 1996 for the final time. While I left, I feel I have taken its residents with me to each place I’ve lived since. I am currently residing in central Texas, but I return each chance I get, as there is nothing else like going home. My daughter was born there and I’ll always remember how great of an experience that was, too. It will always remain ‘our hometown.’”
