Auckland author and school librarian Kate S Richards shares some of her journey as an author writing for readers aged 10 to 15.
It was not unusual for me to be called “a scatterbrain”, “a daydreamer”, and a “chatterbox” in my school reports. It was the ’70s, and that was allowed. But I loved my English teachers, and literature was always my favourite subject. I’ve written since I was a kid but I only started to think about writing a book when I reached my thirties. My career has taken many diversions. I started out studying PR and media studies and worked in PR/copywriting for about a decade. I completed a BA in English and Psychology during my early motherhood years, hoping it would lead me in a new direction.
I’ve had many life adventures, including emigrating with my husband and two kids to New Zealand, Aotearoa, nearly fifteen years ago. This led to me finding my vocation as a primary school librarian. I love working at a school and sharing my passion for stories with children.
Another adventure was in writing my first book, not realising four books would follow. I’m so grateful to those who have embraced my books. Trainsurfer and Saving Thandi were added to a list of recommended books for secondary school literature many years back. Teachers used Trainsurfer as a novel study, and it was the #NZReadaloud book for Year 9s a few years ago. The first two books in my trilogy are included in a home school curriculum in South Africa. Nikau’s Escape was my first love letter to New Zealand and is third in the trilogy Adventures of Jabu & Friends.
An excerpt from my YA novel, Call Me Madeleine, was recently used in an exam paper for high school students in Germany, and will be included in a study guide coming out soon. Quite a surprise!
My latest book, Maia & the Mermaid Princess, has received good reviews. It’s a fun fantasy yarn with environmental themes around overfishing.
I’ve tried to write stories with substance, and I am grateful when schools, librarians and parents share my books with young people. Thank you, and thank you to Kate at the Kiwi Kids’ Bookstore and the author community for your support.
