After more than two decades of writing, 42-year-old Lester Fritz has published his first book, Live, Life, Love – a poetry collection delving into identity, faith, love, conflict and the human experience.

“The book was inspired by the fascinating and ever-elusive nature of the human experience – an exploration of the paths that connect our beginnings with our ultimate destinations,” Lester explained. “I aimed to frame the meaning of life, living, and loving through the lens of experience. My inspiration comes from my creator and the expression of art in all its forms, such as music, paintings and movies.”

The poems, written over a 20-year period, were not pre-planned but drawn from real-life experiences. They reflect themes of resilience, longing, suffering, sorrow, love and the broader human condition.

Despite setbacks, Lester persevered and completed the collection with the support of a friend and established author Jeanette Naidoo, who assisted with the book’s structure, cover design, themes and afterword.

“It is a huge relief. It always seems impossible until it is done. I am confident this book will lift many from the ashes and inspire a generation to pursue their purpose and live a meaningful life,” he said.

Lester added that he had always received positive feedback on his poems and believed they were destined for publication.
“I never pursued it actively but kept writing, hoping that one day it would be published. It was not planned, but it was always meant to breathe and live outside of myself,” he said.

He also revealed that a second book – a novel – is already in progress.

To aspiring writers, Lester shared this advice: “Believe in yourself and your gift. Even when it seems like things won’t work out, don’t give up. Continue to pursue your purpose. Stay humble, but own your confidence. Ask for help, and offer help where you can.”

“God is not confined to time. It may not happen when or how you want it to, but if He says it will happen, it will. Have faith and never lose hope,” he concluded.