A WRITER has turned her inspiration of the Jurassic Coast into her first book poetry.

Sarah Acton, who works at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis, has self-published her debut poetry collection, The Ammonite: Poems from the Cliffside, and is hoping to sell all 50 limited edition copies within a month.

Sarah's poetry was inspired by the World Heritage Site, after moving to the area from Bristol in February.

The keen rower spent the summer enjoying walks on the Jurassic coast path and early morning writing before work.

Sarah also graduated with a masters degree in Professional Writing in September.

"This gave me the confidence to not only publish this poetry collection, but enjoy learning the process," she said.

"It was a real challenge but I've been grateful for advice along the way.

"I am so proud to see it in the book shop."

Sarah said her obsession with local maritime history allowed her to write the poetry, after setting up her own publishing imprint, Black Ven Press.

She said: "Black Ven Press is a vehicle for these poems and my other writing.

The sea and coast are always present with me.

"I'm obsessed with local maritime history and coastal culture in the Beer and Lyme Regis area. Since moving here, I've spent as much time as possible on the coastal paths between West Bay and Sidmouth. 

"The Jurassic Coast is more than a stunning view. I'm drawn to the wild nature of the cliff path and seascape below, and the resonance of its history."

The Ammonite: Poems from the Cliffside collection contains 23 poems along with ‘Notes from the Cliffside’, a diary of Sarah’s summer, and her observations. 

Sarah performed at the first Vittals and Verse performance poetry night at the Galley, Lyme Regis, last month, and will be reading again at the November event.

Ammonite: Poems from the Cliffside is £3.50 on sale in Serendip, Lyme Regis, The Book Shop, Bridport, and Beer Village Stores. All copies are numbered for this limited press of 50.