Lorraine Richards (60) is Wentworth’s very own ‘mother Theresa’ for local writers, helping them realise their dreams by spending most of her days editing and helping them through the publishing process.
“I’ve always had a curious mind and took a strong interest in writing from as young as 10 years old. I studied journalism years ago. I enjoyed that chapter of my life quite a lot but did however find myself exploring other ventures and even studied veterinary science which was inspired by my love for animals.” It was 10 years later, after the loss of her son in an accident that she went back to her love for writing as a comfort during her grieving process. The first book she edited was Give me Shelter from the Storms by a Wentworth writer, Cyril James. “That book won a Minara Literary award last year. As soon as he became popular, there was just this overwhelming influx of people coming to me, asking me to proofread, edit and help publish their work, including Clare King’s Brown Sugar which has been included in the Texas Book Festival,” she said.
She has since edited a number of manuscripts and books regardless of whether the writers could afford to pay her for her valuable service at the time. The warm and vibrant soul has lived 60 years of adventurous experiences and is a true people’s person. She knows talent when she sees it and doesn’t turn her back on a struggling writer as she finds joy in seeing people tell their unique and controversial stories to the world.
“I don’t know when I’m going to stop but what I do know is that I love helping people and seeing them flourish, especially those from Wentworth, as it gives hope to others,” she said.
Aspiring authors that are serious about getting their work published are welcome to contact Lorraine on 072-534-9074.
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