Tell us about yourself.:
Hello! My name is Cheryl Ilov, and I am the author of two books, which still manages to surprise me. I never planned on becoming an author, nor did I consider myself a writer. However, I have always had a passion for storytelling. I suppose my writing career began by chronicling medical documents and progress reports for thousands of patients as a medical professional in both respiratory as well as physical therapy. Along the way, I discovered that weaving stories along with treatment modalities helped educate my patients and was a powerful tool in their recovery and ongoing progress.
I reluctantly started a blog in 2011, when a marketing "expert" I was working with set one up for me even though I had no idea what a blog was or why I would possibly want one. Once I was able to figure it out, I began writing about health, fitness, and life in general. My open, friendly, and sometimes whimsical writing style captivated my followers, and several years later I began writing short stories, several of which have been published in "The Pueblo Chieftain," a local newspaper, as well as "FINALLY! Magazine," an international online publication for the over fifty population.
I wrote my first book, “Forever Fit and Flexible: Feeling Fabulous at Fifty and Beyond,” in an attempt to share my personal and professional experience as a physical therapist in private practice to help people in every stage of life enjoy a healthy, vibrant, active, and pain-free lifestyle. Although my intention in writing the book was to establish myself as an expert in my field, attract new clients, and reach a larger audience with my positive message of hope, the book made me an award-winning author and was a #1 Best Seller on Amazon.
My professional career as an author was launched, at the tender young age of sixty-one.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I grew up in a small steel town in Western Pennsylvania in a household full of estrogen and female energy. My father was a immigrant from Eastern Europe. My mother was born in the United States, the daughter of two immigrants. I have two older sisters and two younger sisters, and we grew up with a lot of storytelling, love, and laughter.
Books and stories were very important to us, and we were passionate about everything we did and experienced. I believe this is what launched my writing career, and I am currently working on a series chronicling my family history.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, although I often get inspiration for great ideas at the strangest times. Like when I'm driving or at the grocery store, which causes me to talk out loud and have vibrant conversations with myself. It's not a problem when I'm alone in the car, but it seems to make the other shoppers uncomfortable, because they get out of my path in a hurry when they see me coming their way.
What authors have influenced you?
I grew up in a small steel town in Western Pennsylvania in a household full of estrogen and female energy. My father was a immigrant from Eastern Europe. My mother was born in the United States, the daughter of two immigrants. I have two older sisters and two younger sisters, and we grew up with a lot of storytelling, love, and laughter.
Books and stories were very important to us, and we were passionate about everything we did and experienced. I believe this is what launched my writing career, and I am currently working on a series chronicling my family history.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes! Focus on the process of writing rather than the end result. Enjoy the journey, and don't second guess yourself along the way. If you need help, hire a reputable writing coach, and a good editor is a must. When you feel stuck, walk away from the project and go for a walk, get some exercise and fresh air, and you will come back with a renewed sense of creativity and energy. Finally, don't give up and don't doubt yourself. There is an audience out there just waiting to hear from you!
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Start moving and keep moving, in every aspect of your life, including writing. Even if it means writing for only fifteen minutes a day.
What are you reading now?
Verbal Judo, The Aware Athlete, and Mosaic Heart.
What’s your biggest weakness?
Every now and again that little voice of sell-doubt with start to make itself heard. I have to tell it to be quiet, go away, and mind its own business.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Fried Green Tomatoes.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
Dancing, hiking, martial arts, and hanging out with my handsome husband and Italian Greyhounds.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I remember the first story I ever heard, which I eventually learned to read for myself, much to the relief of my mother and two older sisters, because I made them read it to me over and over again. It was the beautiful poem, "The Sugar Plum Tree," by Eugene Field. It is full of lovely memories for me, and I have written a short story about it which is on my blog. That Sugar Plum Tree has been with me my entire life, and it has never lost its magic for me, even as a mature adult.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
I think it's my sense of humor and whimsy, as well as my love for stories which have an important but subtle life lesson at the end. Again, many of them are on my earliest blog posts and helped me discover and hone my writing style.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a follow up book to "The Reluctant Ninja," which shares many of the secrets, philosophies, and life lessons I learned in my training which readers can use to apply to every aspect of their lives without spending twenty years in a smelly dojo like I did. I took the hits so you don't have to.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
Websites which bring authors and readers together, podcasts, in person as well as online events.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Along with a follow-up book to "The Reluctant Ninja," I am also working on a series which chronicles my family history, from its origins in the Carpathian Mountains of Eastern Europe to the hills of Western Pennsylvania.
How well do you work under pressure?
Surprising well. I think that my experience as a medical professional working in critical care taught me a lot about performing under pressure.
How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
I typically use the same tone of openness and candid honesty, especially since I write nonfiction. However, as my writing evolves, I may expand into fiction as well as historical fiction, so that could change.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
That I think of them often, especially when I am writing. I always wonder how my stories can impact them in their own lives and relationships, and how I can shine the light of hope and truth through my own experiences and perspective, to encourage them to find their own way to health, vitality, and personal empowerment.
Cheryl Ilov’s Author Websites and Profiles
Website
Amazon Profile
Goodreads Profile
BookBub Profile
Cheryl Ilov’s Social Media Links
Facebook Page
Twitter
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LinkedIn
YouTube Account
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