1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

My name is Cheryl Gillespie, and I live in the beautiful, hospitable region of Atlantic Canada. I am fortunate to have one of the most rewarding occupations as I am a private piano teacher and educator in music theory.

As far back as I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed the craft of writing, from the journaling I did at age 12 or 13, to the assignments I was given in high school. Of course, the love of reading is a strong asset which for some, can be a pathway to writing.

When my niece was a little girl, I recall reading stories to her which sparked the idea of writing about the antics of my two cats. Therefore, my first published work was a children’s book entitled, Tigger and Jasper’s New Home, a tale of 2 mischievous kittens who were adopted by a young blind woman. Yes, it is a true story, except in this case the cats are able to speak to each other.

2) What inspired you to write your recent book?

The word that comes to mind is – serendipity. Following my children’s book, I had no designs on a second publication. However, my music mentor who was in the process of writing his memoir, suggested my own story is one which should be told and that it may be of great interest to many. After jotting down my thoughts and a fair bit of reflection, I made the decision to write, I Feel Your Stare: An Autobiography.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Everyone has their life challenges, whether economic, social, physical or other, so I hope readers can identify with this to some extent. I think one message is that breaking down societal barriers is best achieved with a positive determination, rather than to approach it with a negative, griping attitude.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Quite simply, I tend to relate better when writing my own experiences. For instance, the comic-like episodes that took place with my cats in the children’s book, actually happened. Then there are the lifetime hoops I’ve had to jump through in order to attain an education, receive proper healthcare, or to gain my independence as revealed in my autobiography.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

Of course, as this is an autobiography, I have had interactions with each of the players. There are some, however, to whom I’d like to give an earful as an adult since I was unable to defend myself as a child.

But, perhaps the person I’d choose is the superintendent of the residential school for the blind in Halifax, the one who told me in no uncertain terms, “You’ll never make it in a sighted world.”

My questions: After uttering those words to a child, did you feel like a big man when you went home to your cozy house that night? And second, how did you feel when I completely defied you, exposed your lies and proved you wrong?

My reasons for asking: I would want to make it absolutely clear that not a single drop of credit is owed to him for my successes. They belong to me, along with the help of caring people throughout my lifetime.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

This is an issue for me, given how time consuming it is for blind individuals to navigate through these visual platforms. I guess I would have to say Facebook where I can be located, and where information has spread to readers the most.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

First, do your own research. There are a lot of good author blogs and writing tools out there, so take advantage of them. Personally, I perform best when making relevant notes from what I’ve learned, then mapping out the direction I’d like my writing to flow.

Second, editing is a must. Seek recommendations on collaborating with an editor you can trust.

Third, take your time. Write because you love it. 

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~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~

In her home province of New Brunswick, Canada, Cheryl Gillespie, along with her cat Mattie, will often be found basking on the backyard deck beneath the warm sunshine. Here, in this very spot is where many of the chapters for her award winning autobiography, I Feel Your Stare were written.

A childhood diagnosis of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and associated blindness, coupled with physical and societal barriers, has proven only to strengthen her resolve. Following graduation from Fredericton High School, Cheryl advanced in her private studies through the Royal Conservatory of Music, attaining First Class Honours in piano, theory and history. 

Today, well established in her teaching career, she takes pride in the education of her students, highlighted by a two-time provincial medal winner through Mount Allison’s Local Centre Examinations Department of Music. Through her active role within the Fredericton Music Teachers’ Association, Cheryl has built invaluable, longstanding friendships with her colleagues. In 1993, Cheryl was the recipient of the Stanley B. Cassidy Memorial Award, presented by the Fredericton Music Society, recognizing her dedication to excellence and personal achievements.

Cheryl’s first work for adults, I Feel Your Stare, gained literary status in 2023: a winner in two categories through The Firebird Book Awards, earned a RED RIBBON from The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, and was a finalist in the Independent Author Network Book of The Year Awards! This title was preceded by her children’s book, Tigger and Jasper’s New Home, and likewise is a Firebird Book Award winner, and a cover art finalist with The Wishing Shelf Book Awards.

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