Cheril N. Clarke - Exploring Midlife Journeys Through Fiction, Growth, and Empowerment

Season 5 Episode 12:

Are you ready to dive into a world where midlife characters reflect real-life growth, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships?

Welcome to Mature Allure.

In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by Cheril N. Clarke, a seasoned writer. Cheril shares her journey from corporate America to creative storytelling and how her midlife characters reflect the real-life journeys of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. We discuss her decision to write about women in midlife, her creative process, and her characters' unique insights into love, lust, and personal fulfillment. Cheril also opens up about the power of storytelling as a means to explore emotional depths and the importance of understanding sexual wellness and relationships from a holistic perspective.

Join us as we explore how Cheril crafts stories that resonate.

Cheril N. Clarke is a multi-faceted writer for over 22 years. Starting her creative journey at 19, she has penned several novellas, short stories, children's books, and award-winning stage plays. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, such as Curve magazine, NPR, and Philadelphia Gay News.

What we discuss:

[01:35] – Cheril's background in writing and her corporate-to-creative journey.

[04:35] – The inspiration behind writing midlife characters and exploring their unique journeys.

[06:04] – Character interviews: bringing her fictional characters to life for her readers.

[09:59] – Defining sexual wellness and how it plays into her characters’ lives.

[12:30] – Exploring “Trip,” a novel where the main character embarks on a transformative, mystical journey.

[16:04] – How writing about midlife characters has influenced Cheril’s own self-discovery.

[20:25] – Navigating life’s imperfections: how Cheril’s characters mirror real life.

[27:22] – Cheril’s tips on maintaining physical and mental wellness in midlife.

Key Takeaways:

• Cheril's stories challenge the notion that desire fades with age.

• Embrace Imperfection: Unrealistic expectations can block opportunities.

• Intergenerational Wisdom: The value of connections with both older and younger individuals for a well-rounded perspective.

Learn more about Sherri O.:

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Instagram: @mature.allure

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