“How do you know you can’t if you have never even tried?” These are the words that encourage me at the end of every email Rita Aiken Moritz has sent me over the past three years.

Mrs. Moritz is a writer, poet, blogger, editor and inspirational speaker who often speaks at churches, civic groups and ladies’ conferences. She is also the founder and president of Writers Anonymous, a local group of creative poets who meet the first Thursday of every month in Pell City. Collectively, they have garnered over 75 poetry awards during the past year.

They have organized the Mid-Winter Writer’s Conference held in Pell City for the past three years. The conference has grown in attendance and offers an array of workshops for writers of every genre and level of experience. Moritz is the fearless leader, the perpetual cheerleader, the gentle guide, and tenacious teacher of this inspired group.

“I love words and the people who write them. I consider it a privilege to be able to encourage them and be a part of their success,” Moritz said.

Rita Aiken Moritz is the author of Precious Poems: A Journey of Hope which was published in 2013. She has been published in Educational Leadership, Indeed magazine, and Open Windows, and has won numerous awards for her poetry. She has recently published her second book, So You Love a Prodigal. Inspired by her personal journey which she chronicles in her blog “Precious Prodigal” that reaches over 25,000 people from all over the world every month, her newest endeavor has been years in the making.

According to her website, ritamoritz.com, the mission of Precious Prodigal is “to provide help, hope and encouragement to the families of prodigals so those families can grow spiritually and find peace, serenity and even joy in their lives. God uses broken things, and we believe God will use people in spite of and perhaps even because of their circumstances.”

In her book, Rita meets the readers where they are, in their brokenness, and walks with them through the heartbreak of loving a prodigal. With a conversational approach, she dares to address questions like, “Why my family?” and “Who’s to blame?” Encouragement, hope, and a call to action are the central themes of So You Love a Prodigal. Readers are assured with simple words and Biblical examples that God is still in control, their story isn’t finished and they are not alone.

“I am overwhelmed by the people who have lined up to support and promote this book,” Rita said. Her book has been endorsed by David Bennett, editor of “Homelife” and by Jennifer Rash, editor-elect of “The Alabama Baptist.” Moritz has been a consummate supporter of all of those around her, encouraging and reveling in their successes, so it is natural to support and encourage her in return.

Mrs. Moritz has lived in Pell City for 11 years with her husband, Harry Moritz. She has taught in the Alabama Court Referral Program for the past ten years, while pursuing her love of writing. She is a member of Alabama Writers’ Conclave, Alabama Writers Forum, Alabama State Poetry Society, along with other state poetry societies. She and her husband are also the editors of the Alabama State Poetry Society monthly newsletter, the Muse Messenger.

She will be attending an author expo and book signing at Chelsea General Store, 14555 Highway 280, Chelsea, AL on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. She will be featured along with other local authors, including Stephanie Rodda, Cabot Barden, Trailon Johnson, Ellen Sallas, Betty Smith, William Thornton, Marian Powell, Karen Allen, Shirley Aaron, Audrey Pitt and myself.

If you would like more information on her book So You Love a Prodigal please visit ritamoritz.com/takealook.