Von Soltwedel of Altamont, son of Alan and Sharon, has had his first book published, "A Look Inside".  His second book, "Late Night Confessions," he hopes to have published soon.

Von, who stated that he uses poetry to work out both his and the world's problems, recently donated a copy of "A Look Inside", to the Altamont Public Library.  In the book, Von deals with drug use, suicide and depression, using contemporary poetry.

He began writing after graduation from Altamont Community High School in 1998, giving him good use of his spare time.  He tries to write 30 minutes each day; however, he has written as many as 40 poems in four hours.

Soltwedel is planning to finish a college degree in computer technology in the future, as he feels he can't make a living as a poet.

"A Look Inside" is availabe at the Village Wine Shop in Effingham or online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Walton Books.