Lorraine Martin, 72, fulfilled a promise to her late granddaughter, Allana Raine King, by completing the 19-year-old's debut novel Land of the Free, after Allana tragically passed away in 2018 from encephalitis.
Allana had written 90% of the novel before her death, but Lorraine, with no prior writing experience, took on the emotional challenge of finishing it.
The futuristic novel follows a hero's fight against oppressive traditions.
Lorraine’s dedication brought Allana’s dream to life, with half the book’s proceeds supporting Encephalitis International.
Land of the Free is available at Bristol’s Waterstones.
Allana had written 90% of the novel before her death, but Lorraine, with no prior writing experience, took on the emotional challenge of finishing it.
The futuristic novel follows a hero's fight against oppressive traditions.
Lorraine’s dedication brought Allana’s dream to life, with half the book’s proceeds supporting Encephalitis International.
Land of the Free is available at Bristol’s Waterstones.
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FunTranscript
00:00My name is Lorraine Martin. I live in Weston-super-Mare. The journey for me, it was from the beginning, more or less straight from Lana's passing, that I made a promise to her that I would finish her book.
00:15It was something she was writing on just up to her untimely passing. I'm not even sure how I was going to go from this point because I've not done any writing or got any writing experience myself.
00:25But I was determined. So lucky enough, Lana had lots of notes I could go by and I had some insight into her book because she asked me to read it and go through with her.
00:34I was even thinking about getting a ghostwriter. I couldn't do realisation. I'm probably the only one who's going to be able to do it.
00:40So I just locked myself in the office and shut the door. I retyped all her words out again. And then it just come to me. I just, the words started just flowing.
00:52And I enjoyed it. I was in the zone and I felt she was with me at the time. I felt she was connecting to me and guiding me through.
01:01It was something she loved. It gave me focus to help me through the grieving process. And I think it's because it was something belonging, it was that connection to Alana.
01:13And that gave me the courage and determination to not give up and get this done for her. That was her dream. And I wanted to fulfil her dream. No qualifications in that field.
01:22So, yeah, I found it challenging, but I enjoyed it at the same time. I used to come out of the room feeling on a bit of a high, but it was challenging.
01:31I'm proud to see the book and hold the book in my hand for the first time. I just, well, it's floods and tears. It was just so surreal.
01:39Even now, when I hold the book in my hand, I can't believe it's true and it's happening. And someone out there, you know, helped me to get this published.
01:48So I'm eternally grateful for that and a legacy for Alana.
01:53I've been there for Alana.