Page 44 - Novelist Post – J.D. Barker and more

Cheryl Williams Shares How Her
Healing Journey as a Nurse Inspires Her
Powerful Poetry and Children’s Books
Cheryl Williams discusses how caregiving, nursing, and personal experiences shaped her writing, leading to heartfelt poetry and impactful children’s books that teach life lessons, resilience, and coping with grief.
Award- Winning Author Blends Compassion, Creativity, And Care Through Poetry And Storytelling
and an artist at heart, Williams draws from the well of personal experience to craft poetry and children’s literature that speaks deeply to the human condition. Her work is tender, powerful, and strikingly sincere — a rare blend of emotional depth and universal relevance. Wheth-
44 II NOVELIST POST
Cby Carly Preston
heryl Williams is a literary force whose words offer both healing and hope. A nurse by profession
keep me sane.
Writing was always my safe space so it made perfect sense to combine them.
Given how stressful nursing is as a profession, writing remains a healing remedy for me.
How did caring for your mother influence your choice to pursue nursing professionally?
Caring for my mother’s medical needs at the age of eleven was extremely difficult. My neighbor, who was a registered nurse, taught me how to measure mom’s blood pressure.
I was then responsible for administering her medications, monitoring her blood pressure, and accompanying her on doctor’s appointments.
I was her biggest advocate.
It was so rewarding to care for another person in that capacity and that was when I decided I wanted to pursue nursing professionally.
Can you share the process behind creating “A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life”?
My goal for writing this book was to share some of my life expe- riences alongside the experiences of those who crossed my path on life’s journey. I wanted to combine poems addressing various aspects of life — poems of pain, sadness, hope and purpose and poems that portrayed the magnificence of nature altogether in one place.
It took me a total of three months to complete this book.
As the title implies, ‘A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life’ takes the reader on a rollerco- aster ride through all aspects of life — the good, the bad and the ugly.
I needed to write a book that would give my readers the strength
to make it through the tough times and help them remember that life’s storms don’t last forever.
Even after a storm passes, you get to witness the beauty of a rainbow.
What was your experience like writing your first children’s book, “A Lesson A Day: A Child’s Way”?
Working as an elementary school nurse for six years gave me the opportunity to teach children im- portant life lessons while they sat in my office waiting to be treated.
Over the years, I witnessed first-hand how empowering and edifying those moments proved to be.
I thought it would be a great idea to share those valuable lessons in a book format allowing children everywhere to also benefit from it.
I felt a sense of overwhelming joy and satisfaction knowing that kids would learn and grow through the pages of this book.
The book is dedicated to all the beautiful children around the world.
In what ways do you see the arts as a form of healing, both personally and professionally?
I fell in love with poetry at the tender age of four. At age eleven, I dealt with the heartbreaking situati- on of my mom’s illness. I had to become a caretaker for her and a mother to my younger siblings.
I fell in love with the arts because of its ability to help relieve stress and decrease the pain. It brought me joy and purpose.
Even though my job as a registe- red nurse is unbelievably stressful, I will always have a safe haven in the world of arts. This is a place of peace and tranquility represented through the pages of my poetry.
How did winning the Top
er she’s writing about grief, growth, or the quiet strength that emerges in moments of despair, her voice remains steadfast and nurturing.
Her debut collection, A Collecti- on of Poems: A Journey Through Life, introduced readers to a soul unafraid to explore life’s peaks and valleys. With A Lesson A Day: A Child’s Way, she extended her gift to the youngest hearts among us, teaching essential life lessons with creativity and compassion. And now, with The Brightest Star that Shines Tonight, Williams steps into the delicate world of childhood bereavement, offering comfort where it is most needed. Each book is more than a publication — it is
a heartfelt offering to readers of all ages.
In this exclusive interview, Cheryl Williams opens up about the inspirations behind her work, the impact of caregiving, and how her dual roles as nurse and writer beautifully intersect. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative force of art.
What inspired you to combine your passions for nursing and writing in your career?
My passion for nursing came from a place of healing. When my mom was ill and I became her caregiver, I needed a source of strength and inspiration to help