Award-winning writer Lynette Norris Wilkinson was born to write. From the time she won her first writing contest at the age of 11, she always sought self-expression through writing that inspires, influences, and informs. Born and raised in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, her sixth grade teacher encouraged her to enter writing contests in the local paper. She won. For her efforts, she received a stuffed animal and a little cash. From that, she learned the value of the written word. After college, she married and moved to Dallas.

In August 2005, Lynette found herself with 16 family members and friends on her doorstep when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans. They had nothing but the clothes on their backs and the few possessions they had in their cars. But they had their lives, and they had each other. Through this experience, Lynette learned what really matters.

Seeing the devastated Lower Ninth Ward, she had the God-inspired idea to write a book that celebrated hurricane survivors from that area and donate the proceeds to organizations that are helping residents recover. She says, “You see me as I am now, but there was where it all began. These are my roots and my people. How could I not use my gift to do what is within my power to help?”

And so the book, UNTOLD: The New Orleans 9th Ward You Never Knew, was born. Since then, UNTOLD was named Book of the Year by the Sankofa Literary Society and received film credit in two National Geographic documentaries. The author says, “If this is the best and biggest thing I ever do in my life, I will be happy.”