Interview with Cherie Barnes

Author of Awake

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I am originally from Chicago where I reside on the South side of the city.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I became an accidental author after losing my beloved. It is by my own experiences that this journey began. In order to calm the chatter in my head I began to write journal entries. Those journal entries became sentences, those sentences became paragraphs and this lead to me publishing my first book, 12 Lessons of Healing Through Grief.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My books are self-help and inspirational books with the hopes of helping others heal from loss and grief.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Individuals who have lost loved ones are who are most likely to identify with the topics I write about. When you lose a loved one you are looking for comfort, support and a connection to help you keep moving one. One that will give you hope and inspiration as you move along your journey.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I learned that It was very easy after I sat down to begin writing. Yet hard to understand the intricate process of formatting, finding an editor and being comfortable during the entire process.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

That everything happens for a reason. You are not always in control but how you move forward is what matters!

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I would like for as many people as possible to read my books. Grief is a constant in our society so I am hopeful that by reading my books, one would find inspiration and hope to follow them along the journey.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

My biggest challenge has been trusting the process as it has been unfolding. Life is a teacher of lessons that sometimes we don’t want to learn.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest strengths are knowing that what I say comes to life in words to help others with hope.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I am thankful that I do have help with publishing and have some marketing experience since publishing my first book.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I am in the process of writing my next book, The Grievers Guide To Healing: Walking in Your Grief Journey. It is scheduled to be released by the end of the November 2019.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I have used an awesome publishers for my books, however I am self publishing my latest book myself and am really excited.