When I went to schedule a podcast recording with author, Cheryl Oreglia, she said I could pick the time and quipped about her husband of 40 years, “Because I just have Larry [to keep entertained] and he can be left alone for short amounts of time.”
It’s indicative of the great humor she uses in her just released book, Grow Damn It!: The Feeding and Nurturing of Life. She navigates the poignant and prosaic moments of life with such perspective, participation, and laughter that I found I grew (damn it!) just reading the book.
From car accidents, car dealership negotiation, caring for family, grief, and being a good sport, she writes such an evocative account of life that brings out the best while being totally real – and very funny. She weaves the magic of an author that knows herself, has the guts to tackle feelings, and can wrap things in words to bring it all together.
Here are the things I took away from our conversation:
What I learned – That a lot of fun and magic happens along the way when we lean in, love, and care for each other.
My favorite quote – “You simply give yourself permission to become a seeker, move into spheres normally dominated by the heart and go in search of you.” – Cheryl Oreglia
How I felt after our conversation – enriched. Cheryl’s warm and loving approach to life rubbed off on me and I am the better for it.
I can’t wait for you to listen. Join us on your favorite platform or follow this link: Episode 7: Grow Damn It to listen on Anchor. You can also find our podcast on Apple, Amazon, Spotify and Pocket Casts by searching for Sharing the Heart of the Matter. Please subscribe!
Then I hope you’ll come back here and share the take-away gems that you glean!
Link to Podcast: Episode 7: Grow Damn It!
Amazon link to Grow Damn It!: The Feeding and Nurturing of Life (if you love the book, please leave a review – it really helps authors)
Cheryl’s blog Living in the Gap can be found at https://cheryloreglia.blog and she can be found on Instagram and Twitter @cheryloreglia
The Heart of the Matter 
What fun – a thoroughly enjoyable listen, Wynne and Cheryl. Chock full of insights, humor and inspiration. Thank you both! 😘
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Thank you so much for listening, dear Vicki! Isn’t this journey amazing? 🙂 ❤
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It was delightful…and honestly, too short. So, so good! 🥰
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I had tons of notes and quotes – we should do another one! 🙂
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😘😉😘
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I just found these comments! Better late than never. Thank you, Victoria, it was so much fun working with Wynne. I thought recording a podcast would be nerve-wracking, but I was fairly relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed the process. So glad you enjoyed the podcast! Hugs, C
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😘❤️😘
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Congrats on continuing to grow your podcast series, Wynne. And that smile of you is just so winning… or should I say, wyneeing!
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Ha, ha, ha – so clever, Ab! Thank you!
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Hi Ab, I so agree, her smile is Wyneeing! Wynne is gifted, generous, and such a joy to work with. I was surprised at how much fun I was having, just talking, and exchanging stories. I never wanted it to end! Hugs, C
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Loved the stories Cheryl shared. Asking her dad for help when her mom was on the ground in the rain. “Your bride is getting wet and on the grass,” or whatever exactly it was. That’s precious. The “please don’t run the vacuum while I’m watching Magnum P.I.” Oh my goodness. I’d like to know the name of this non-Napa wine place for future reference. I also wonder if Cheryl would be willing to share the email from the publisher guy about the pros/cons of self vs traditional publishing, too, if possible. I know, I ask a lot here. 🙂
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Here you are, I found you, Parenting Is Funny! So glad you enjoyed the stories and found the humor embedded in those potent moments common to us all. The non-Napa wineries that we frequent are located in beautiful Lake County, we own a cabin on the shores of Clearlake and love spending time up there with our family. And, of course, wine tasting.
As far as the pros and cons of traditional publishing vs self-publishing, here is a summary of my publishers’ message:
I fully understand the advantages of self-publishing and having more control, and of course, making more profit in every facet. However, Black Rose Writing is a very innovative and flexible publisher, where we are always asking ourselves from an author standpoint, why publish with Black Rose Writing when I can do it myself?
Number one, we can offer authors opportunities that might be exclusive to traditionally-published authors, or simply discounted from what a self-published author would spend out of pocket. For example, we might select your title to be featured on NetGalley, marketing from your publisher that you would have to budget for. And if we didn’t select your title, you can still participate through our cooperative marketing and save over $200 with our discounted rate for a NetGalley slot. This is just one example, but there are many aspects of promotion and marketing that Black Rose Writing authors can access – ranging from representing a booth at the LA Times Festival of Books at no cost to attend (typically thousands of dollars) to attending the Book Expo America at a reasonable rate and free badge.
Number two, publishing with a reputable Indie Press like Black Rose Writing can create an automatic assumption of quality by bookstores, librarians, and media that have previously read or supported a fellow Black Rose Writing author, especially in terms of editing. If you are a self-published author, a bookstore or library would have to spend more time vetting your book to ensure it is professionally edited and of high quality, whereas if they consistently work with a publisher they know puts out quality material, there’s a built-in advantage.
Number three, the quality of our book covers and design aspects create a more appealing and better-selling product—professionalism and quality always have a place in the market.
And lastly, while the term self-published and the stigma that comes with it has been lessened in the past years, there are still bookstores, book festivals, and many opportunities that still require an author to be traditionally published. Just having the resources and support of a publisher can increase an author’s visibility and success rate. Our media lists, contacts, press kits, and other educational information on what works, where to save time and energy, and what works best for each project.
Hope that helps, hugs, C
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Oh, I love this publisher versus self-publishing list. Thanks, Cheryl. This might be a crazy thought – but I also wondered if the wineries you visit regularly and list in your book might want to have a stack of your book to sell to other patrons?
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That’s a great idea Wynne, I might have to mention it to a few of them! Thanks! Hugs, C
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That’s a great idea, Wynne! My mom co-wrote a book with her father about his sailing adventures around the world and got them into sailing supply stores–whatever exactly those would be called.
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Thanks, Cheryl! I’m copying and pasting all this in an email to myself for future reference. Greatly appreciate it!
~Betsy
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