Write On! interviews author Jody Reign
Jody says: “I’m an author and advocate dedicated to giving a voice to those who have been forced into silence. My writing focuses on the lived experiences of children and the social responsibility we share to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. Through my work, I aim to transform pain into a platform for healing and change.”
WO: How would you describe your writing to someone new to it?
JR: My work is raw, empathetic and deeply rooted in social advocacy. I write to shine a light on the ‘silent cries’ of children, offering a perspective that challenges society to listen more closely and act more bravely. It’s writing with a purpose – breaking cycles of silence and fostering a culture of protection and understanding.
WO: Can you tell us a bit about your latest book, No More Silent Cries?
JR: No More Silent Cries is a non-fiction work exploring the often-unheard voices of children facing hardship and neglect. It highlights the reality of their suffering but also provides a roadmap for how communities can turn those cries into a call for action. It’s a plea for empathy and a reminder that a community is only as strong as its ability to protect its children.
WO: What inspired you to write in the first place and what inspires you now?
JR: I was inspired to write by the realisation that so many children suffer without anyone knowing their story. I wanted to create something that could speak for those who cannot yet speak for themselves. Today, I’m inspired by the resilience of survivors and the belief that sharing these stories is the first step towards real societal change.
WO: Recently Write On! explored the theme of Choices. With that in mind, what would you say were pivotal moments in your writing journey?
JR: A pivotal moment was the choice to stop being a bystander and start being an advocate through my words. Writing this book was a difficult choice because it requires facing painful truths, but I don’t regret it. Choosing to publish No More Silent Cries was about choosing the children’s needs over the comfort of staying silent.
WO: What one piece of advice would you give an aspiring writer?
JR: Write the story you feel is missing from the world. If there is a voice you aren’t hearing, or a truth that is being ignored, let yours be the one to tell it.
WO: Can you tell us anything about future projects?
JR: I’m continuing my work in advocacy, focusing on developing resources that help communities implement the changes discussed in my book. My goal is to keep building platforms where ‘silent cries’ are met with immediate and compassionate responses.
WO: Lastly, if you could choose one fictional animal/creature to be a pet or companion, who would it be and why?
JR: I would choose a Phoenix. It represents the ability to rise from the ashes of past pain and start anew, which is exactly the kind of hope and rebirth I want for the children I write about.
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Issue 29 of Write On! is out now. Featuring an interview with travel author Tharik Hussain the theme is ‘ Borrowed’ and you can read it online here. Find it in libraries and other outlets. You can find previous editions of our magazines here.
You can hear great new ideas, creative work and writing tips on Write On! Audio. Find us on all major podcast platforms, including Apple and Google Podcasts and Spotify. Type Pen to Print into your browser and look for our logo, or find us on Podcasters.Spotify.com.
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If you or someone you know has been affected by issues covered in our pages, please see the relevant link below for information, advice and support: https://pentoprint.org/about/advice-support/
