Change! It eludes rejection. Embrace it - but not too tightly. Only long enough to savour its flavour. Release it for it must move on in order to return transformed. - Shawnette Somner

Shawnette Somner has had a passion for creative writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she relished expanding her vocabulary; experimenting with words, and practising various styles of handwriting. By the time she reached high school and was exposed to Latin she says she was “on a roll”.

Sharing her writing with her family and friends as she grew up invariably led to the same response:”Why don't you write a book?” Finally, she decided to do just that.

Her first book of poetry, ‘Visions,' by S. Purnell, was published in 1995, and immediately sold 200 copies, followed by 300 reprints.

“One poem in particular, ‘I'm Fabulous', really promoted the book,” its author says.

“It is about a young boy who, despite his life challenges, has much potential but needs guidance.

“I have a particular concern about the difficulties young people are facing through no fault of their own, and particularly boys. ‘I'm Fabulous' inspired a few fathers to become more involved in their children's lives, so that made me feel that the book was worth the effort.”

Now her second book, a collection of poem and short stories entitled ‘Changes', has been published. As with the first book, its title is based on the content of Ms Somner's writing.

“ ‘Visions' signified the various points of view people have about a particular topic, while ‘Changes' is simply reflective of the times in which we now live,” she says.

In fact, Ms Somner says she has never experienced difficulty in either writing her poems or choosing her subjects.

“Writing comes very easy for me. Every situation and every object gives me inspiration to write. I could look at a piece of crumpled paper and create a meaningful poem from what I see.

“I also prefer rhyming poetry of a relevant nature, and write about real situations which are pertinent to anyone's life. I will also write for any special occasion upon request.”

But Ms Somner's creativity doesn't end there. She has also turned three of her poems, all of which were written for specific occasions, into studio-recorded songs.

Thus far she is pleased with the reception ‘Changes' has received.

“Feedback has been extremely positive,” she says. “My writing generates conversation, and a lot of what I write helps people either to focus on their own lives or shift their concern to assisting others, which makes what I write all the more worthwhile.

“I can be a very deep thinker, and I have the ability to use ‘big' words, but I keep my writing simple enough that even children can understand it.”

As to what advice she would give aspiring writers, Ms Sumner responds: “Poetry is on the rise in Bermuda, and I have discovered that there is a wealth of talent in the community when it comes to writing poetry, so I would encourage anyone who has that talent to simply use it and spread the word.”

As firm believer in giving back to the community, just as she did with ‘Visions', Ms Somner will be donating part proceeds from the sale of ‘Changes' to a local charity - in this case The Family Learning Centre “because they are committed to working with young people and their families”.

'Changes' is available for $18 at True Reflections. There will also be a special book signing today at the Bermuda Industrial Union building from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to which all are invited. For further information ( 236-9499)