Author Interview – Cheryl DaVeiga – picture book

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Author Interview – Cheryl DaVeiga

When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

I didn’t know I wanted to be an author until I started writing my first book. Before that, I was fully immersed in the corporate world. The creative spark came unexpectedly—one day, I told my then 6-year-old nephew we could write a song. Neither of us really believed it, but we sat at the piano and came up with a melody and lyrics about superheroes (his idea!). Through a series of happy accidents, that song—The Craziest Dream—got produced, complete with guitars, drums, banjos, and harmonies. We were both shocked… and I was hooked.

I threw myself into songwriting, taking every class I could find in New York City. I wrote all kinds of styles, but I kept coming back to funny kids’ songs. Eventually, I realized—my songs were stories. What if I wrote a book to go with a song? That idea became War at the Ice Cream Store: Mustachio Pistachio vs. Bully Vanilli, co-created with my songwriting partner in Nashville. We laughed the whole way through. That’s when I knew—I had found my next passion.

When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?

I’m in love with the game of golf, and if I’m not writing, you’ll find me on the golf course or connecting with friends over a little red wine.

What is your favorite genre to read? What about that genre draws you?

I’m drawn to books that explore the intersection of science and spirituality—where curiosity meets the cosmos. I’ve been asking the big questions for as long as I can remember, so I love stories that challenge how we think about the world and our place in it. I also have a soft spot for historical fiction, which lets me time-travel while learning something new. And I’m a big fan of personal growth books—especially ones with humor. Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass is a favorite because it’s both wise and laugh-out-loud funny. I find humor in almost everything, so her style speaks to me.

What is your favorite thing about this time of year? And why?

Hallelujah, it’s spring? What’s not to love! I spend my winters and early spring in Arizona and head back to my home state of New Jersey for the summers. Spring in the desert is magical—full of unexpected color and life. The cacti bloom, the Palo Verde trees burst into bright yellows, and the mountain colors even change. Then it’s off to Jersey, where I plant my backyard pots and watch a greener kind of color take over. I love spring for its sense of renewal and the promise of new beginnings—and I’m all about new beginnings.

What historical figure do you admire and why?

I deeply admire Viktor Frankl. As a Holocaust survivor, psychiatrist, and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, he endured unthinkable suffering and still chose to believe in the human spirit.

What inspires me most is his unwavering belief that even in the darkest circumstances, we have the freedom to choose our response—and that meaning can be found in how we face life, not just in what happens to us.

Who did you have in mind as you wrote the book?

Vanilla, strawberry, custard, pistachio, sprinkles, gummy bears, sugar cones, fudge and bananas.

As a former K-12 school librarian I have to ask—what is your favorite children’s book?

I’ve always adored the Winnie the Pooh books. A.A. Milne’s writing is deceptively simple— layered with warmth, wisdom, and a gentle humor that speaks to all ages. His stories are filled with tenderness, friendship, and subtle life lessons, all wrapped in the sweetness of the Hundred Acre Wood.

What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer?

You know writing is meant for you when you lose track of time doing it. Everyone has something to say—your voice matters. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking writing is only for someone bigger, better, or more talented than you. That’s just not true. If you feel that pull to create, trust it. Oh—and dare to write badly. Everything I write is not a gem worth saving. Write it, tweak it, polish it, and if it doesn’t work, throw it away and start again. Half the fun is in the process.