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

Writing songs was my first love. Back in about 2011, I started writing kids ‘songs, when my nephews were 7 and 5. I recorded them under the alias CADi Grace, which stood for Cheryl Anne DaVeiga’s inspiration and Grace for my late mom. I called my creations “story songs” because each one told a little story. At some point, I began to think that I should expand on story songs and make story books as well.

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

When I’m not writing books, I’m writing songs. When I’m not doing any of that, I’m playing golf, tasting new red wines, and connecting with friends. And I love a good sing-along!

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

Maybe age has gotten me thinking more about who we are and the purpose of life. I love books that explore the physics of consciousness, where physics meets spirituality, and finding purpose…so I’m a bit in the non-fiction world right now.

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

I spend summers in New Jersey, and the rest of the year in Tucson, Arizona. I love both places, but after the beautiful leaves begin to turn, I head west and connect with friends I haven’t seen in a while. My friends feed my soul.

What historical figure do you admire and why?

I’ll go with Helen Keller. How can anyone think they can’t overcome life’s challenges when witnessing that kind of bravery and persistence?

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

This book is a tribute to a beautiful man. About 7 years ago, I met the love of my life, a gentle, wonderful man, whose passion was the practice of dentistry. I admit I found it hard to understand how he could love it. To me, the thought of working inside people’s mouths each day could hardly be enjoyable. Yet, Tom spent his evenings watching webinars, constantly improving his knowledge and skills. He called every patient personally after difficult procedures, and he lived for the practice he created. During COVID, he put his own health at risk to treat people in need. Sadly, he was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, but even during his grueling treatment, he continued to see his patients.

Tom and I had a shared love…dolphins. I knew it was a sign when I first met him and found out he had a painting of dolphins above his bed. We had dolphin Christmas ornaments; he gave me a heart necklace shaped with two dolphins, which I treasure; we had dolphins everywhere.

When it became clear he was not going to make it, he told me he would send me dolphins from the other side. Tom was in short, the kindest man I’d ever known, and loved intensely by his long-time patients and staff…and me! He lives in this book.

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

I am the biggest fan of Winnie the Pooh books. I can tear up at the kindness embedded in those books. They are filled with wisdom to be treasured.

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

It’s easier than you think! I never in a million years believed I would be a songwriter, let alone an author. But be ready for a bumpy learning process, but find coaches and mentors. You’ll need a thick skin, because not everyone will like what you write. And that’s okay! Be authentically you.

Thank you so much Library Lady for featuring my blog and reading The Dolphin Dentist. I hope you enjoyed it.

Thank you, Cheryl. It was a joy getting to know a little bit about you. 

Views expressed in this interview/guest post do not necessarily reflect the views of this blog host.