Exclusive interview By Sophie Swain Stand Up For Southport
A woman from Southport is fulfilling her lifelong dream of releasing a debut novel, inspired by the town’s ‘beautiful area and landscape’ and her personal experiences.
Zoë Richards, 62, will release her new book – Garden of Her Heart – on 20th June 2024 which she has been working on since February 2022.
The book follows the story of Holly Bush – inspired by Zoë and the question, ‘what masks do we wear?’ – who decides to visit a retreat after a brutal attack. It is described as an ‘uplifting story of healing and recovery that will warm your soul’.
Speaking about the release date Zoë said: “It’s scary and exciting because I’m jumping into the unknown.
“I’ve never done anything like this before but it has been a lifelong dream since I was six years old.
“I was inspired to write the book based on my experiences of recovering from being a suicide survivor. It’s important to talk about recovery and I wanted to be true to mental health experiences.
“During my recovery, I used to walk for miles on the beach and around Formby pinewoods. For me, surrounding myself with nature and getting into the garden was what helped me recover but that journey is different for everyone.
“I just want to encourage others to seek help and know that it is out there while also writing about how we are blessed by beauty in our local area.”
Zoe Richards’ window display at Broadhurst’s bookshop in Southport
After finishing the first copy of her book, Zoë went through an in-depth process of editing and proofreading which she described as ‘nerve-wracking but wonderful’ as she was able to hear other people’s opinions which created a ‘whole new outlook’.
She is represented by Clare Coombes of The Liverpool Literary Agency, her ‘first choice agent’ as everything is local.
This Friday (14 June 2024) Zoë is hosting her first pre-launch event at Broadhurst’s bookshop on Market Street in Southport town centre from 6pm to 8pm.
She will be reading excerpts, signing copies and chatting with readers – those who cannot make the event but would like to reserve a signed copy can get in touch with the shop.
Zoë said: “I used to go into Broadhurst’s as a child, it’s a beautiful bookshop.
“I am blown away by their support – it’s huge. I handed them a proof copy of the book and they suggested the event to me, I was blown away.
“It’s beyond an author’s dream to see the huge display of my books in their window.
“I remember telling the late owner, Laurence Hardman, about my plans to publish a book. He said ‘you’re a local author, we’ll show it off properly’ but I wasn’t expecting this.
“I don’t know how many people to expect – but if there’s 20 that would blow my mind. “Southport’s a lovely town full of supportive people, I’m sure it’ll be a great night.”
Zoe Richards
Zoë has also had a huge amount of support from family and friends, old and new.
Her mum, who passed away only four weeks ago, was incredibly supportive and one of the very first people to read a copy.
Members of The Travelling Book Club, based across Southport and West Lancashire, are also huge supporters and will be attending Zoë’s signing.
On launch day (20th June 2024) Zoë will also be hosting a launch event at Waterstones in Liverpool, which is a ticketed event.
She is already in the process of writing a stand-alone sequel, with the working title named ‘Tell it to the Bees’ which she hopes will be released early next year.
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