Cheryl Williams: A Healing Voice in Poetry and Children’s Literature

Photo: Author Cheryl Williams, whose books blend empathy and artistry, bringing healing, wisdom, and inspiration to both young and adult readers.

Blending Compassion, Creativity, And Life Lessons To Empower Readers Of All Ages

Cheryl Williams draws from her nursing background and personal experiences to create heartfelt poetry and children’s books that teach resilience, healing, and hope, offering comfort to readers across generations.

Cheryl Williams brings a rare blend of healing and hope to literature, weaving the compassion of a nurse with the creativity of a writer. Her poetry and children’s books resonate with sincerity, drawing deeply from her personal experiences in caregiving and nursing. Each piece she pens reflects a profound understanding of human emotion, resilience, and the transformative power of words.

Williams began her journey in care early in life. At just eleven years old, she was already managing her mother’s medical needs, learning to measure blood pressure and administer medications under the guidance of a neighbour who was a registered nurse. That early sense of responsibility and purpose laid the foundation for her professional path in nursing — and would later ignite her voice as an author.

Her writing is not a departure from her nursing career but an extension of it. “Writing was always my safe space so it made perfect sense to combine them,” she says. For Williams, the written word serves as a form of therapy — a remedy for the stress of her demanding profession and a way to share the lessons and strength she has gathered along the way.

Cheryl Williams is a gifted writer whose heartfelt storytelling empowers, heals, and deeply connects with readers through compassion, courage, and authenticity.

Her debut poetry collection, A Collection of Poems: A Journey Through Life, offers readers a vivid emotional landscape. With themes ranging from pain and sadness to hope, purpose, and the beauty of nature, the book captures the full spectrum of life’s journey. It was completed in just three months, a testament to the urgency and clarity of her message: that storms do pass, and rainbows follow.

Extending her reach to younger audiences, Williams drew upon her experience as an elementary school nurse to write A Lesson A Day: A Child’s Way. She had often used the time children spent in her office to share small but meaningful life lessons — moments she found deeply impactful. This inspired her to compile those teachings into a format children everywhere could access. The result was a joyful and empowering collection dedicated to “all the beautiful children around the world”.

“Writing was always my safe space so it made perfect sense to combine them.” — Cheryl Williams

Her work in children’s literature is both imaginative and purposeful. Through the use of animals and inanimate objects — familiar and comforting elements for young readers — she crafts modern-day fables that are rich in moral teaching. The vibrant illustrations bring these stories to life, making them accessible and memorable. The book has earned accolades, including first place in Children’s Poetry and an honourable mention in the fable category from Bookfest, and was even featured on a Times Square billboard.

Creativity in Williams’ life does not stop at writing. Music, she shares, has always been her first love and plays a vital role in her emotional and creative wellbeing. It connects her with her inner self, lifts her spirit, and helps her find inspiration during dark times.

Recognition for her literary work came in 2019 when she was named Top Female Author, a milestone that opened many doors and deepened her credibility within the literary community. Yet, for Williams, the real reward lies in the feedback from her readers. Knowing her words have inspired and empowered others fuels her motivation to keep writing and sharing her truth.

“The arts… help relieve stress and decrease the pain. It brought me joy and purpose.” — Cheryl Williams

Her most recent book, The Brightest Star that Shines Tonight, delves into the sensitive subject of childhood bereavement. Once again, Williams brings comfort through compassion, offering young readers a way to process grief with grace and understanding.

To aspiring writers, her advice is rooted in authenticity. “Follow your heart and never be afraid of being vulnerable,” she says. Not everyone will relate to your story, she cautions, but your audience will find you — and you will find them. Above all, she urges new authors to stay consistent and never give up on their dreams.

Cheryl Williams is a remarkable example of how lived experience, when channelled through art, can become a force for healing. Whether through poetry or stories for children, her words continue to offer strength, peace, and inspiration to readers of all ages.

Source: Novelist Post Interview with Cheryl Williams