Cheryl Williams Shares How Her Healing Journey as a Nurse Inspires Her Powerful Poetry and Children’s Books
PHOTO: Author Cheryl Williams, whose inspiring books bring healing and hope to readers of all ages, blending poetry, compassion, and life experience.
Award-Winning Author Blends Compassion, Creativity, And Care Through Poetry And Storytelling
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.
Cheryl Williams is a literary force whose words offer both healing and hope. A nurse by profession 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. Whether 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 Collection 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.
Cheryl Williams is a gifted storyteller whose compassion, authenticity, and healing spirit shine through every page of her heartfelt, impactful books.
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 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.
“Writing was always my safe space so it made perfect sense to combine them.” — Cheryl Williams
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 experiences 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 rollercoaster 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 important 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 situation 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 registered 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.
“The arts… help relieve stress and decrease the pain. It brought me joy and purpose.” — Cheryl Williams
How did winning the Top Female Author award in 2019 impact your writing career?
Winning the Top Female Author award placed me in the category of an ‘Award Winning Author’ and allowed many doors to open for me.
There was a certain level of respect from my readers, followers and the literary community as a whole. I felt proud to be honored and motivated to continue telling my story through my writing.
What is the significance of using animals and inanimate objects in your children’s stories?
I chose this format as children generally love animals. They also interact well with toys and other inanimate objects. I felt that they would be able to relate and find comfort with this book.
The photos of the animals are also vibrant and real to life.
The book is written in the format of a fable as there is a lesson in every story.
I recently read this book for a group of three year olds and they were very interactive and absolutely loved the visuals and stories the book had to tell.
‘A Lesson A Day’ also won first place in Children’s Poetry, and honorable mention in the fable category from The Bookfest. The book was also featured on a Times Square billboard.
How has music played a role in your life and creative process?
Music has always been my first love. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember and it was also instrumental in getting me through some dark times. Music puts me in a hopeful headspace — it allows me to connect with the inner me and gets my creative juices flowing.
“Music puts me in a hopeful headspace — it allows me to connect with the inner me.” — Cheryl Williams
What keeps you motivated and inspired to continue writing and making a difference?
The constructive feedback on my work and how my books have inspired and empowered others is my greatest motivation. People’s lives have been touched in positive ways because of my writing and this motivates me to continue making a difference.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to share their personal experiences through writing?
I would advise aspiring authors to follow their hearts and never be afraid of being vulnerable.
Someone out there needs to connect with their story.
I would also caution them to always be aware that they will not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Eventually they will find their people and their people will find them.
I encourage them to be consistent and to never give up on their dreams.
The Brightest Star that Shines Tonight
This touching story gently helps children understand and cope with the loss of a loved one. Through a father’s comforting explanation, it reassures that although the person’s body is gone, their love and spirit remain close, shining like a star. It offers hope and comfort during difficult times.
