We were lucky to catch up with Cheri Kane recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Cheri, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I have always been of an entrprenerial spirit, cutting out comis strips and selling door to door for a nickly when I was 6 years old. Or, the time I charged admission for kids and parents to watch me do circus tricks on my swing set.
Later in life I had always been in some sort of public relations/sales. I got my first taste of public speaking when I had mentioned to an easter seals client that I had always wanted to be a motivational speaker. She told me to do it and I entered my name in a who’s who of speakers for some Southern Ca Speakers guide and it went from there. Never making the big time but happy for all the amazing speaking opportunities and people I have met along the way.
Writing a book is a whold different story in itself. I never paid attention to my English studies in school. I was a drama gal, sculture, art, dance class kinda student
How I even wrote my first and only bood so far is because of a true and very tramatic experience of my son being lost at sea off the coase of So Ca when he and 3 of his buddies decided to go out in search of the perfect wave.
This is a story of great turmoil, fear, guilt and of all things, undeniable miracles that cannot not be exlained.
Years later, I became very sick (I have Lupus) and was confined to my bed for about 3 months. I became very depressed and felt I was waisting precious time in bed. I had a deep impression that I should write this story. I laughed to myself thinking: I don’t know the first thing about writing and who the heck was I to even try. But the feeling turned more toward insistance as the next 3 years moved forward. This nagging impression would only grow stronger.
So, I did what I always do when I find my self intimidated to try something out of my comfort zone, I told my husband, children and everyone I knew, of my plans to write a book. I could tell by most reactions, that many though “Oh that’s nice” thinking I would never accomplish such a thing.
Well, here it is July 2023 and I published my book on Amazon.com under Merry Robin Publishing and I have sold over 100 copies. Not to mention other copies at a book signing at a street fair in South Jordan Ut.
The title of the book is
A BOY, HIS SURFBOARD AND THE STORM
I am thrilled that I held myself to this daunting task of the unkown world of writing. Most importantly, I feel like I have set an example to my children of courage not to be intimidated and to go ahead and reach for the elusive “Golden Ring” on the Merry Go Round of life!
My next book will be gear toward women over 60. Encouraging all that we are not invisible, so “Shine Deliberately”! This has always been the title of my speaking engagements.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Right now I am involved with a non profit charity organization called “Hope for Gods Children Africa. An orpahanage for children. The founders are Emmanuel Kaluuha and Agirai Williams, both Egandans. There are about 6 of us from the US working together in this effort. My part in all of this is to chronicle the process. We all meet together on live chat each Sunday morning to discuss the project and progress. 4 out of the 6 are flying out there at the end of this month with doniations and will be there to help build bunk beds and meet the people and childrren. My part in doing this will allow me to publish this and have all proceeds to towards this orphanage.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Almost embarrassing but yes I can share.
I was in my late, 30s and in a un healthy relationship. I had gone to Parker Arizona with this person to visit his family. Things got real nasty between us because of all things, he wouldn’t get me home as promised for a concert. Sounds silly, right.
Well the worst of it was when he and his whole family turned on me and kicked my out of the house and not one would give me a ride into town so that I might be able to find a way home.
I was litterally kicked out with my suitcase in the middle of the night. Hot summer night, wearing a pair of shorts and a crop top. My shoes, flip flops.
I made my was to the highway. I was crying and scared. I didn’t want to be out there with the trarantulas. I looked up to the heavesn ready to plead my cause regarding them when I noticed the sky was lit up in the most brilliant display of the stars. I haulted in awe at the wonder of the moment and felt a calm come over me. I knew I wasn’t alone.
I darted out when a car came closer hoping to flag it down, but no luck. This happened couple of times when finally a car stopped.
I opened the car door and spoke in my toughest voice. Don’t tough me or I will rip your head off. He was taken a back and promised to help me. When he asked where and was going and I told him my home in Californing, he replied that he was only heading into town. I began to cry realizing the peril of my predicament.
We drove on in silence for a few minutes and then he turned to me and said. I have nothing better to do tonight. I’ll drive you home. Relief swept over me. Funny but I knew I could trust this person.
Long stroy short. He needed someone to talk to that whole 5 hour drive home. He was going through a terrible divorce and didn’t want to loose his 2 small children. I became his listengin ear all the way home. We finally arrived at my home around 6am. Two weeks later he stopped by to introduce me to his adorable little girl and boy and thanked me for being someone he could confide in that night. I never saw him again and always kept a prayer in my heart for his welfarre and happiness. 
Contact Info:
- Website: i need help
- Instagram: cheri_kane
- Facebook: cheri kane
- Linkedin: Cheri Kane
- Twitter: I need help
- Youtube: @cherikane (nothing there)
- Yelp: more help please