Welcome Cheryl  Arko, author of Touch of the Elegrain!

Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you live? What do you do when you’re not writing?

I’m a science fiction author. (I can say author now, because my debut novel was released March 25, 2025!) I am also a senior data scientist and a seasoned dog trainer. Touch of the Elegrian is my debut novel and was a Killer Nashville Claymore Award Finalist for best Science Fiction/Fantasy. During my long career in IT and medical data analysis, I have co-authored three peer-reviewed papers published in medical journals. My lifelong passion for training and competing with my beloved Airedale Terriers has led to national rankings, and I have contributed as a guest columnist for the American Kennel Club Gazette.

What inspired you to start writing fiction? How did you choose sci-fi as your genre?

I have enjoyed reading science fiction ever since I could connect letters into words, devouring everything from Andre Norton to Edgar Rice Burroughs (he had an Airedale!) to E.E. “Doc” Smith, as well as many more authors through the years who have shared their thought-provoking ideas of imagined places and alternate realities. I love imagining who we might find out there in the universe, to explore what makes us different—and what makes us the same. I believe in a universal community and in the inherent good that exists in the universe to balance against darkness.

What’s your most recent published book? What is it about? How would you categorize it for readers (for ex, sci-fi with romantic elements)? Is it part of a series?

My most recently published book is my debut science fiction novel, Touch of the Elegrain. The story introduces telepathic Elegrian Erys, a near-human alien who must uncover a saboteur and solve a medical system failure that threatens the lives of a human colony’s children. Erys is a deeply conflicted figure shaped by his heritage and the heavy burden of his family’s legacy. Forced into an unexpected partnership with Kaytee Kessler, a brilliant and determined human tech designer, he navigates the complexity of human emotions and layers of mistrust as he learns not only to confront his legacy but also to challenge the prejudices that keep both humans and Elegrians shackled in fear and misunderstanding. The series will follow Erys and Kaytee as their adventures continue and their evolving relationship defies tradition and societal norms.

What has been the most challenging part of being an indie (self-pubbed) author? How have you tackled that challenge?

I’ve found the most challenging part of being an indie author is keeping track of all the tasks that seem outside of the actual storytelling. For me, the solution was to find the right support services to handle all of that—and then be willing to give them the freedom to do what they do best. In a way, I had to take a lesson from my book’s protagonist, Erys—one of the things he had to learn was to let go of trying to control everything and trust others.

What has been the most fulfilling part of being an author?

The most fulfilling part of being an author has been telling the story I wanted to tell, and hearing back from readers that they enjoyed it. It is especially thrilling to get feedback from readers that shows that they understand my character and his struggle. For me, the characters—who they are, and why they do what they do—are always the best part of a story.

Tell us a bit about your process. Do you write every day? Where do you like to write? What’s your routine?

I tend to alternate between “thinking” time and “writing” time. One of my favorite ways to work out story details is to think about them while taking my Airedales out for a walkabout in the “Big Yard” – a couple of fenced-in acres surrounding my tiny house which is tucked into rows of old Norway pines that were once part of a tree farm. I like to wear my headphones and listen to themed playlists while I walk the fence line and sip a mug of tea (or sometimes wine😊 ), playing the scene I’m working on in my head like a movie, and the dogs romp and play. Sometimes the dogs get into a single file line and follow me as I stroll along, as if they are part of an army troop marching dutifully behind their leader.

What tips do you have—things you’ve learned—that you like to share with fellow authors?

One of the most important things I had to learn was to separate drafting—just telling the story—from “smithing”—getting all the words just right. My tendency is to try to do both at the same time, and that makes it take a very long time to get anything written. I’ve come to learn that if I just tell the story without worrying about the words, but rather get the feel and mood onto the page in my own colloquial language, the story is there, nice and clear. Then I can take a more analytical approach to mold the words into the form I want. Taking this two (or more) pass approach has freed me to say what I really want to say.

What was it like working with Two Birds?

Working with Michele and Andrea was an exhilarating experience! They seemed to understand what I wanted to say and helped me so much to clarify and express my ideas. Their advice included suggestions to tighten wording and also to expand when needed. I learned a lot and look forward to working with them again on the next book in the series.

How did you end up choosing to work with us? What is the most helpful tip you can offer to authors who, like you, want to find the right editor for their books?

Another author in my writing group, as well as our group leader, recommended Two Birds. I was very fortunate to have that head start in looking at potential editing services, as there are many options out there and it can be overwhelming to try to choose which might be the best fit for your book. Michele and Andrea did not disappoint and I am very pleased to have found them.

Where can authors and readers connect with you, and find your books?

I’m active on Facebook and Instagram, and I also have a website and a newsletter which is still in its infancy. You can find updates on my upcoming books in all of these places.

Is there anything we haven’t asked but that you’d like to add?

Something Keri-Rai Barnum of New Shelves (publishing consulting) told me when I was feeling guilty for being so focused on my book when so many other things are going on in the world: “Even when the world seems to be crumbling, I find that art continues to be made and that’s what makes life worth living. Keep on keeping on.”