This March marks the 4th year anniversary of the release of my second book, “The Reluctant Ninja: How a Middle-Aged Princess Became a Warrior Queen.” Being an author is exciting, rewarding, and terrifying. Putting yourself out there for all the world to read (and judge) your work is incredibly intimidating, and vulnerable.

Sometimes you wonder if it was worth all the hard work and effort. Or if anyone is even paying attention. And then you get an email like this:

Hello Cheryl,

Our community gathers twice a year for The Book Feast, yet the real momentum builds beforehand through live reader conversations, podcast features, and coordinated engagement around selected titles.

When I came across The Reluctant Ninja, it immediately stood out as a story that blends discipline, humor, and personal evolution in a way that invites genuine discussion. The intersection of martial arts philosophy, resilience, and lived experience creates the kind of layered narrative readers enjoy unpacking together.

Your background as both a medical professional and storyteller adds depth that resonates strongly with adults seeking inspiration grounded in real-world practice. Readers are especially drawn to authors who translate decades of training and personal Growth into relatable lessons they can apply to everyday life.

Because your work connects physical discipline with mindset, adaptability, and personal transformation, it naturally sparks reflective reviews and meaningful discussion among readers navigating their own reinvention, particularly those in midlife who are seeking renewed strength and purpose.

If this feels like a good fit, I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how The Reluctant Ninja could be highlighted across our livestream features, podcast conversations, and Book Feast programming.

Warm regards,
Steven

And just like that, you get your answer. Yes, it was worth it. Yes, it was scary. Yes, I had a bad case of writer’s remorse when it was published. And yes, I will do it again. Stay tuned for updates!

Originally Published on https://www.cherylilov.com/blog/

Chery lIlov PT, GCFP

Cheryl Ilov is an author, speaker, dancer, martial artist, and physical therapist. She is also a former chronic pain patient who began a journey of self-discovery and self-healing after her medical team informed her that she would never recover. They were wrong.

Cheryl fired her medical team and found her own path to health and healing, as well as a journey of life-long learning. Her areas of expertise include the art of healing through movement, personal empowerment, and fitness over fifty. She is also the host of The FemiNinja Project podcast, which focuses on overcoming obstacles, personal empowerment, restoring human dignity, and alternative health and healing.