Years ago Bermudian Kathleen (Anne) Crump had reached a crossroads in her life and career. Then one day the answers came to her while reading in the library.“I said to God ‘I need to be doing something more’ and at that point I picked up a few old books of poetry,” she said. “I don’t even remember what the name of the books were, but they inspired me to write a poem of my own in 1986.“That poem called ‘Your Face’ won a prize in a small contest in Chicago that got me $100, and needless to say I was ecstatic.”Since then Ms Crump has been experimenting with her poetry; some of her latest works will be included in her first book, ‘Anne’s Poems’.The author said most of her writings had a spiritual message of hope and aim to inspire people to tap into their own creativity.“I also want people to know that they are not alone. There are other people going through the same kinds of struggles and challenges in life,” she explained.Her prize-winning poem ‘Your Face’ was about the feeling she gets when she is able to tap into the love and grace of Jesus.Another piece called ‘Don’t Worry, It’s Done’ serves to help people let go of their anxiety and worries and simply surrender the issues to a higher power.She said her aim is to empower individuals to take back control of their lives. For instance ‘My Attitude’ is about a person who finally realises their negative attitude has contributed to their bad hand in life; they decide to transform their way of thinking.Ms Crump, who currently lives in Philidelphia, said her collection of writings have even served to transport her mood from time to time.“I feel very inspired, like I can refer back to all the poems I write, because sometimes I get into an old situation where you need to be motivated or encouraged.”‘Anne’s Poems’, $21, are expected to be at the Bermuda Book Store, Hamilton, within a few weeks.For more information about the author or to purchase the book online, visit: http://www.innerchildpress.com/k-ann-crump.php.