Introducing Lorraine Horsley, WA author ambassador
How did you find out about The Footpath Library and what made you want to become involved as an Ambassador?
I’ve known Naomi Christensen for many years as work colleagues at ABC Radio and then for the City of Melville in Perth. When Naomi left the City of Melville, I asked where she was off to and she mentioned The Footpath Library and the great work they do. My ears pricked up. I’m a die-hard bibliophile and any mention of books or libraries and I’m in! When Naomi suggested I’d make a good ambassador I couldn’t say yes quickly enough! I’m really looking forward to helping to raise the profile of The Footpath Library via all my bookish ventures.
Where did your love of reading come from?
I’ve been a reader long before I could read. My earliest memories are of my dear dad reading me The Beano comic. It was delivered every Wednesday, and I’d wait for the ‘plop’ through the letterbox, scamper downstairs to retrieve it, then cuddle up in bed with Mum and Dad to hear all the exploits of Dennis the Menace and Gnasher (I even joined the fan-club!) My mum liked to read, and my dad was never without the book. They modelled for me the joy of reading and I caught the bug.
Can you remember a book from your childhood that had an impact on you - how old were you? What was the book and why has it 'stayed with you'?
When I was about seven my uncle dropped off a massive box of books that my older cousin had grown out of. I opened that box and it was like Christmas! So many books! I dug one out about a group of kids going on an adventure. I didn’t put it down until I’d finished it. I realised then it was part of a series called The Famous Five, and there were 21 books in all. I was hooked. So many of my childhood games and fun came from those books. My friends and I would act them out and create our own adventures. That was when I really realised the impact stories can have. They can be an escape and a way of exploring the world.
What inspired you to write children's books?
My early experience of becoming a reader was so positive. I learnt to read at a very early age and always had a home brimming with books. I know how incredibly lucky I was. Those Famous Five Books were great companions when I was home sick from school (and that was really often). I loved losing myself in a new book, whatever the genre, from Enid Blyton to the classics and onto books that were probably a little too old for me. I have never forgotten the magic of being handed a new book and the excitement about the promise it holds. I write children’s books as I really wanted to create that magic for kids. Imagine just putting words on a page and perhaps inspiring a child to start or keep reading – what a gift that is.
Why do you think reading is important for people of all ages?
My kids had library cards at six weeks old. (One son had his first overdue notice at 10 weeks. I explained he hadn’t read them all yet!) You are never too young to start enjoying books. When I walk through the library where I work and see the kids loving Rhyme Time and Storytime my heart sings as I know they have a lifelong adventure with books ahead of them. At the other end of the spectrum, I’m about to host an author in-conversation with an author in her eighties. Books bring us things that other things just don’t. We can journey with a character, see our experiences reflected in theirs, share stories with those we love, gift stories for birthdays and Christmas. Reading can be a quiet, self-reflective journey or shared over a glass of wine with a group. If we keep reading, we keep being curious, and curiosity is key I think to a full life.
I’m currently writing my first cozy crime for adults called An Inconvenient Murder – and I’m having a blast. It never ceases to amaze me that a few marks on paper can transport us to any time and place. Miraculous really.
And finally, what are you reading right now?
I’m soon to interview John McKechnie AO KC about his memoir, My Life in Crime: A Tapestry of Cases. I’m losing myself at the moment in the stories of courts, corruption and crime – fascinating stuff. That’s my non-fiction reading. And, on my bedside table is the fictional Hot Ground by lawyer and crime writer Lisa Ellery. I’ve known Lisa for years from when I lived on the Goldfields back when we were both aspiring writers. Hot Ground is a compelling read and is set in the Goldfields. I’m really enjoying being back in the red dirt!
Keep reading folks!