Drawing inspiration from nature, Author Cheryl Scheffer Nilar has penned and published her debut poetry compilation titled Of Songbirds and Seasons (A Collection of Poems) with Xlibris Publishing.
Today’s Xlibris guest blogger shares her euphoria from writing and getting published with the leading Indiana-based publishing company. The newly published author, however, feels her poetry is no match for those of legendary poets’. This quality makes Cheryl a bona fide writer bent on improving her craft.
Cheryl tells Xlibris her writing process
Transferring thoughts to written words that rhyme brings me a sense of peace and relaxation. Oftentimes I would wake up at an hour with only the moon and stars for company, with a word or sentence beating a staccato in my mind, and know the only way out is to reach for pen and paper, leaving the warmth of my bed, to dance with words. As I go along, one rhyming line leads to another and I take the next step on a beautiful journey to places in the innermost part of my soul, and the words flow freely.
Over a two-year period I found myself with pages of thoughts, poured straight from the heart. I am hesitant to call my writings poetry in deference to the great poets of long ago. With no thought of being politically or grammatically correct, at the very untimely hours of inspiration, I found myself enjoying these moments of writing.
My writing is inspired by the beauty of nature and my love of music; If my book inspires one reader to pause for a moment and watch in breathless awe a sunrise and sunset, or run along the shore barefoot, or indeed breathe in and exhale a day that has wrapped one in the warmth of the sun; through the eyes of a child, I would be thankful.
The quest for the meaning of life is right before us, all around us. We just need to pause and inhale the sweetest fragrance of life which is kindness, compassion, tolerance, and love. When one loves and appreciates nature, thoughts, words, and actions entwine in thankfulness, thus making life beautiful.
Publishing with Xlibris unveiled more surprises
Once I finally decided to publish, things snowballed and I found myself on a roller-coaster ride. Suffice to say I learned a lot on the way. Moments of doubt and anxiety flooded me. What was before for ‘my eyes only’ was now heading for print. Looking back, I never wrote with the idea of publishing my work, hence my decision to publish was a bold one. I had a lot of support from my publishing team at Xlibris, and found that publishing a book is a very pleasant and rewarding experience that took me to dizzying heights.
Peace and love to all!
Thanks to Xlibris Author Cheryl Scheffer Nilar for putting her ideas into print and making her gift of words known to all.
More Xlibris authors are regularly featured here on the Xlibris Blog and the Xlibris Indie Authors Roundup. For writing, editing, and book marketing tips, visit the Xlibris Writer’s Workshop.