American poet inspires Welsh win

Eigra Lewis Roberts won Monday's main literary prize

The winner of the crown competition at the National Eisteddfod was inspired by the work of American poet Sylvia Plath.

Eigra Lewis Roberts wrote the winning series of poems under the title 'Fflamau' (Flames) about the life of Plath, who killed herself aged 30.

Mrs Roberts, an author, from Dolwyddelan in Conwy, has published 27 books in both Welsh and English.

She said she entered the poetry competition as she liked a challenge.

Mrs Roberts, who is originally from Blaenau Ffestiniog in Gwynedd, said she hoped her work would encourage people to discover more about the work of Sylvia Plath whose life story was portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow in the film 'Sylvia' in 2003.

I enjoy doing something completely different, I've written a novel in English this year for the same reason, anything new is a challenge Eigra Lewis Roberts, Crown winner

"Its not essential to know about her and her work in order to appreciate what I've written, but it does help to get more out of the experience," said Mrs Roberts.

"I'd especially encourage people to read a book about her life called Bitter Fame," she added.

Sylvia Plath's poems were "difficult" to appreciate at first glance said Mrs Roberts, but it was worth persevering.

On her own winning poems Mrs Roberts said there was a deliberate attempt to make sure the work contained many experiences from the very emotional to the "very hard".

A professional author by trade Mrs Roberts said she relished a challenge and that was the reason she had competed in a poetry competition - against 28 other people - in the crown competition at the eisteddfod.

"I enjoy doing something completely different, I've written a novel in English this year for the same reason, anything new is a challenge," Mrs Roberts added.