From Classroom to Crime Scene
AUTHOR BIO
Devil in the Dunes is Wendy Byard’s newly released, page-turning suspense novel, already installed in the prestigious Library of Michigan.
A newspaper columnist and former journalist and marketing pro, Wendy Byard brings decades of insight into human nature and a knack for a compelling story to her fictional work. From the bustle of Chicago advertising to the vibrant classrooms of Michigan, Wendy Byard's career journey has always been guided by a singular mission: to make a bigger impact.
After two decades of teaching English and publishing a book for educators (Teach and Reach for Classroom Miracles), she has taken the lead in her own narrative, channeling a lifelong love of storytelling into a page-turning crime novel. The result, Devil in the Dunes, is a suspenseful thriller with deep themes, rich characters, and a strong female lead set on the dazzling, but sometimes deadly, West Michigan coast.
A dedicated public servant and community leader, Byard now thrives by connecting with the community through her writing, proving that a lifelong desire to write and teach can become a powerful new story all its own.
Byard earned her bachelor and master's of art degrees from Michigan State University and studied overseas in London as part of MSU's Journalism Program. She is a member of International Thriller Writers. She resides in Michigan.
WENDY BYARD FULL BIOGRAPHY
Wendy Byard is a Michigan-based author, writer, former educator, and marketing professional. She is best known for her suspense thriller Devil in the Dunes and her work in education and local journalism.
Professional Background
Literary Career: Byard’s novel Devil in the Dunes, a kidnap suspense thriller set on the West Michigan coast, was published in 2025. The book received recognition when it was installed in the prestigious Library of Michigan collection through the Michigan Notable Books program. She recently appeared on Fox2 Detroit. Wendy Byard has participated in numerous author festivals, signings, and promotional events for Devil in the Dunes, including:
· Major Festivals & Series: She was a featured author at the Third Coast Author Festival and kicked off the Grand Haven Summer Book Series.
· Author Showcases: She has participated in various author showcases, including a featured event at the Silver Sands Resort and Hotel.
· Book Signings: S he has held numerous book signings at various venues, including local bookshops and libraries. Her 2026 tour includes scheduled signings at:
o Pages Bookshop (Detroit, MI)
o Port Betsie Lighthouse (Frankfort, MI)
o Schuler Books (Okemos, MI)
o Lilley Manson (Spring Lake, MI)
· Author Talks: She has provided numerous author talks and presentations at various locations, including Mott College.
In addition to these specific events, Byard has engaged in broad media outreach, including appearances on Fox2 Detroit, ABC12 News, WNEM TV5, and Channels 9 & 10 in Traverse City, as well as cover features in Grand Haven Tribune and Women2Women magazine.
Writing & Journalism: In addition to her fiction work, she writes the column "Beyond Our Backyards" for The County Press. Her previous experience includes serving as a magazine writer for On the Town magazine, a special writer for The Flint Journal, and a reporter for the Capitol News Service.
Education: Byard spent over two decades as a college English and composition professor, including a long tenure at Mott College. She is also was a former high school English and history teacher. In 2009, Teach and Reach for Classroom Miracles, an inspirational book for educators, was published by CSS Publishing.
Marketing & Business: She is the owner of Wordgirl Marketing, a business providing graphic design, website creation, writing, and research services. Earlier in her career, she worked as an advertising and marketing account executive for Group 243 in Ann Arbor and Grey Advertising in Chicago.
Education & Early Life
- Degrees: Byard holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (with minors in history and political science) and a Master’s degree in English Education, both from Michigan State University. She also completed a journalism program at the University of London.
- Early Influences: She grew up in Flint, Michigan area, and developed an early love for storytelling and mysteries, often citing the Nancy Drew series as a foundational influence on her interest in creating strong female protagonists.
Community & Public Service
Beyond her professional writing and teaching, Byard has been deeply involved in her local community in Lapeer, Michigan:
- Public Service: She served as an elected school board trustee for the Lapeer Community Schools for seven years, where she chaired the teaching and learning committee.
- Advocacy: She has been active as a speaker and marketing director for various community organizations, including Vice President of the Women’s Fund.
- Public Speaking: She is a frequent public speaker, presenting at venues ranging from local high school graduations to book events to regional symposia on topics such as children's mental health and education.
AUTHOR OF TEACH AND REACH FOR CLASSROOM MIRACLES & A DEVIL IN THE DUNES
I am the author of two very different books! One is for educators to encourage them to implement intentionally caring practices into their classrooms. The second is a crime thriller set in West Michigan!
Teach and Reach for Classroom Miracles and A Devil in the Dunes.
COLLEGE WRITING INSTRUCTOR
For 20 years, I taught English Composition 1 and 2 to students who added to my heart in immeasurable ways. As I sought to love them, we all experienced the power of relationship.
BUSINESS OWNER & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Once I retired from Mott College, I opened my marketing and graphic design business Wordgirl Marketing. I love helping clients realize their dreams. I create websites, logos, business cards, brochures, and more and provide photography, writing, proofreading, and research. I also share my marketing and advertising knowledge gleaned from working at Group 243 Advertising in Ann Arbor and Grey Chicago.
SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE & COMMUNITY ACTIVIST
Serving as a school board trustee for seven years and chairing the district's teaching and learning committee grew me as an educator. I'm also a member of and Marketing Director for the Women's Fund and a member of the Lapeer County Democratic Party Communication Committee.
PUBLIC SPEAKER
From appearing on a local radio show to high school graduation speeches to talks at Saginaw Valley State University, the Genesee County Teachers as Writers Association, the
annual Children's Mental Health Symposium, and the annual Genesee County Counselors' Association, among others, public speaking has enriched and clarified my views. Go to 29:30 at Find Out More below.
WRITER: ON THE TOWN MAGAZINE
I was a staff writer for On The Town Magazine in Genesee County, MI. I've written about human trafficking, a breast cancer warrior and cancer camp for children, an urban farm for at-risk youth, and many other subjects. These experiences have added insight to my educational views and practice.
Michigan State
From Michigan State University, I earned a Master's Degree in Critical Issues in the Teaching of English, a Bachelor's in journalism and history, and a 9-12th grade Teaching Certificate Also while at MSU, I wrote for The State News. "On the banks of the Red Cedar, there's a school that's known to all . . . ."
WENDY BYARD WILL APPEAR ON WILX STUDIO 10 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, AT 3 PM!