An Interview with Cheryl Stahle: Author 

 

Sylvia: Welcome Cheryl. Please give our readers an introduction of yourself and a little about your book.

Cheryl Stahle

Photo Credit: Cheryl Stahle

CherylHi Sylvia. Thank you for interviewing me. My name is Cheryl Stahle and my current book is “Multitasking Writer Teaches, Writes and Laughs”.  This 6 word memoir describes my life and mission.  I am also author of “Slices of Life: The Art and Craft of Memoir Writing”. I included a companion book to my workshops which help authors both experienced and aspiring to create and capture their life stories.  I use a variety of journaling, Zen tangle, doodling and prompting to dig out the life gems that we all have buried inside our minds.

 

Sylvia: Sounds interesting! What inspired you to write your first book?

Cheryl:  I’ve been writing and publishing since a teenager so writing a book was inevitable; however, the book that fell out of me was on teaching people how to write their life stories that mirrored my conversational, relaxed teaching style.  This book was the one that needed to come out before I wrote a memoir about my world as a single parent to an adopted child.

 

Sylvia: I commend you for adopting a child. Both of you are blessed to have each other.  Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Cheryl:  I want people to know that they can write a life story and that everyone does have something interesting and inspiring to share.

 

Sylvia: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Cheryl:  Be ready for the adventure of a lifetime.  Since my book came out in July 2012, it has become the center of my life.  This “little book” has landed me on TV, radio, print as an internet blogger and has labeled me an “expert”.  Make sure to carve out time for writing once the publicity tour takes off.

 

Sylvia: That’s very interesting and very encouraging to new authors. What marketing techniques have you used to sell your books and which ones have been most successful?

Cheryl:  My web presence has certainly helped.  While requiring a lot of time to manage, building that name recognition has built me an audience and opened up opportunities for workshops and speaking engagements.

Locally, really networking, finding a trigger price for workshops and programs and being ready to work hard has generated sales.

 

Sylvia: You are busy, making a name for yourself online and offline. Both are very important… but very time consuming. Good job! Why should we buy your book?

Cheryl:  Quite simply, this is the most non-threatening book I’ve seen on memoir writing.  One of the reviewers said that reading it was like talking with me at Panera Bread over tea which is exactly what I wanted.  I also am practical and give many options for writers of various experiences.  You do have a story to tell and Slices of Life:  The Art and Craft of Memoir Writing leads you down a gentle path to create the type of life story fit for you.

 

Sylvia: What a nice compliment from a happy reader.  Is there a special place that you prefer when you write?

Cheryl: My writing falls out of me when it’s ready regardless of the time of day, or night.  If the sun is out, I will go to a coffee shop where there is background noise.  If it’s the middle of the night, then I like to write with my cat curled up with me.

Slices of Life The Art and Craft of Memoir Writing by Cheryl Stahle

Image Credit: Cheryl Stahle

 

Sylvia: What projects are you currently working on?

Cheryl: I’m working on several projects at present.  My son is leaving for college this year so we’re chronicling the empty nest journey which I see evolving into a “how to” book.  I’m also writing more for magazine about topics of interest to women such as relationships, single parenting and adoption.  But my favorite project is blogging about the upcoming changes in my life.  Just a peek…the big 5-0, marrying the man I should have 25 years ago, picking up my life and moving it many states away…you can check the blog out at www.yourbestwritinggroup.com  This is a labor of love and fun.

 

Sylvia: Well congratulations on finding Mr. Wonderful; and being one of those brave mothers preparing for the ‘empty nest.’ Actually, I’ve been going through it for the past few years. I have 5 children and all but one is at home. It can be an adjustment. By the way, I like the book idea.  What is your POWER WORD? Why this word?

Cheryl:  TRANSFORM.  My life is built around change and more change tied to growth.  When I feel in the middle of transformation, I experience more dynamics in my life and more joy which open me up to fabulous adventures.

 

Sylvia: What a powerful word. 

If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realitiesMaya Angelou

Thank you for sharing your life and great tips for other authors.  Please share your social media and book contact information. 

Cheryl: This has been great. Thanks again. My contact is below.

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