Though she now lives in Fort Pierce, Fla, Faunsdale native Angie Cox-Sands credits her first published book, “Poetry of a Forgiven Heart,” to her time growing up and attending school in west Alabama.

“I’ve always loved writing, even in high school there in Alabama,” Sands said during a telephone conversation Tuesday. “While I was at Stillman (College in Tuscaloosa), I entered a writing contest and I won.”

She said that accomplishment, plus the encouragement of one of her professors there, kept her moving in the direction that has led her to this book.

But more than that, she said her friends, family and especially her Autistic son Antonio, have inspired her.

“Because of him and God, personal things I’ve gone through, and my friends and family who stood by me through those rough times – all that is in there,” she said of the book of inspirational poems.

She describes the poetry as a reflection on “moments of love, ultimate betrayal and the greatest of them all, spirituality.”

The book, due to be released May 9, is not going to be her last, as she is already working on a children’s book, a fictional novel and a second book of poetry.

“The children’s book is short, but it’s inspired by my kids,” the teacher’s aid said. “I love working with my kids.”

Sands explained that while she works with all the children at Parkway Elementary School, her primary duties are with the children in the special education program.

“In between school, the kids and my kid, I try to work on the book,” she said.

The second book of poetry, though not formally set for publication, will probably come out before the fiction book because inspiration for poems comes to her daily.

“I’ve already got about 20 poems since I submitted the book for publication,” she said. “As for the novel, it will take longer because I keep revising and editing,” she said. “I’m looking for it to be done probably late next year.”

“Poetry of a Forgiven Heart” will be available on Amazon.com and at Barnes and Noble bookstores.