Episode 126: “Cherry Whip” with Michael Antman

Posted on by Wynne Leon

For anyone that has tried to get anything published, we understand the pain. Finding that right fit for you and your book, article or artwork is not an easy business. That’s why we really appreciate a “golden moment” that Michael Antman experienced with his book, Cherry Whip.

Michael published Cherry Whip 20 years ago. When that publisher was retiring, he accepted that Cherry Whip would go out-of-print. But then a podcast conversation led to an offer to republish the book with a new publisher. Wow!

In this episode of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, Vicki and I talk with Michael who tells us that story of the journey of his book Cherry Whip. The conversation delves into themes of self-awareness, the significance of personal experiences, and the cultural insights gained from living in Japan. Michael discusses the importance of humor in storytelling and the lessons learned throughout his writing journey.

Takeaways

  • Michael Antman’s journey with Cherry Whip spans over two decades.
  • Self-awareness is a recurring theme in all of Michael’s works.
  • The protagonist Hiroshi’s struggles reflect the complexities of the human condition.
  • Michael’s experiences in Japan greatly influenced his writing.
  • The humor in Cherry Whip serves to highlight serious themes.
  • Writing can take time, and patience is essential for authors.
  • Transformation is a key element in both literature and life.
  • Cultural perspectives can enrich storytelling.
  • Michael’s writing process emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge.
  • Future projects continue to explore themes of personal growth and identity.

Here’s Michael with a great elevator pitch for his great book, Cherry Whip:

Here are some ways you can listen and watch to the full episode:

HoTM Episode 126 transcript

Episode 129: Wish I Was Here with Ilsa Rey – Sharing the Heart of the Matter

Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson talk with author Ilsa Rey about her book, Wish I Was Here that will be released on December 23, 2025. The conversation delves into the thrilling narrative where Anna's best friend Isaac invents an invisibility pill and is kidnapped for it. In a desperate attempt to save him, Anna takes the pill herself, leading to a race against time to find him and secure the antidote before she remains invisible forever.Ilsa tells us about her 10 year journey of writing the book as well as all the ways she used rejection and feedback to grow. We talk about writing in the zone as well as the research that goes into great books like Wish I Was Here.TakeawaysAnna's best friend Isaac invents an invisibility pill.Isaac is kidnapped for his invention.Anna takes the invisibility pill to save herself.She has one week to find Isaac and the antidote.Remaining invisible could lead to insanity and death.Anna must follow clues left by Isaac.The story explores themes of friendship and urgency.The narrative is filled with adventure and suspense.The invisibility pill serves as a catalyst for the plot.The stakes are high as Anna races against time.Links for this episode:For show notes and more great inspiration, please see https://sharingtheheartofthematter.comVideo Trailer for "Wish I Was Here": https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Py-B0EbMMmEV3QBsxDHxVX4Pfr3d04wy/view?usp=sharingPurchase Wish I Was Here on Black Rose WritingIlsa's blog: Writing and Martial ArtsFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/
  1. Episode 129: Wish I Was Here with Ilsa Rey
  2. Episode 128: This is Your Body on Trauma with Meg Bowman
  3. Episode 127: King Copper with Lauren Scott
  4. Episode 126: Cherry Whip with Michael Antman
  5. Episode 125: Jade's Broken Bridge with Michele Lee Sefton

Links for this Episode:

Cherry Whip by Michael Antman | Goodreads

Cherry Whip: Twentieth Anniversary Edition: Antman, Michael: 9781069096579: Amazon.com: Books

From the Hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

21 thoughts on “Episode 126: “Cherry Whip” with Michael Antman”

  5. The protagonist in Cherry Whip reminds me of every generation that struggled through the uncomfortable process of trying to understand who that person in the mirror is. Fortunately, Michael figured it out! Congratulations to Michael on republishing a book that many, including myself, can relate to. 🙂

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    1. What a great comment, Nancy! You’re right – this is not a new problem and its fascinating to see how others work it out! Thanks for tuning in – your take on each episode is so good and I appreciate hearing what resonates for you!

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  7. Wow, so much here! I’ll admit that I’m curious about the art theme in this and how it shapes or moves the story forward. I really enjoyed Michael’s experience with tasting Japanese food which partially lead to the desire to live there for over two years, and being so happy there; all of which informs his novel (in reverse.) Michael’s publishing (and re-publishing) story itself is super interesting, too, being on the podcast etc. It just shows the power of the story; after 20 years! It sounds like he found his niche with the theme of self knowledge, or lack of it and has kept it running though later books. That’s an envious feat! 😊 Thanks so much to you both for finding Michael and Cherry Whip.

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    1. Melanie, you are a wonder. It is amazing all that you take away from a conversation! And maybe this is why Michael got his book republished from a podcast because he’s such an interesting guest. The power of story for sure!! Thank you so much for tuning in!

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  8. Dear Wynne and Vicki, I can’t wait to hear more of how the podcast revived Michael’s book. That is so inspiring and gives writers a little boost to keep trying. The title alone entices! 🙂 Thanks for introducing Michael to us, and Congrats to him on his success! ❤️

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  9. Stories about discovering self-knowledge are so fascinating. Loved this line … “the essence of good literature. And I think it’s the essence of life itself, because we’re constantly growing and transforming.”
    It was interesting to hear Michael’s story of finally getting published 20 years ago, and then because of a podcast conversation he got an offer to republish. This interview certainly gives authors hope, and is proof that anything can happen.

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  11. What a gift to be able to revisit and republish a work 20 years later, Wynne and Vicki. I love that you both continue to find interesting new stories and angles to explore in the creative writing process. To be able to immerse oneself in Japan and to draw from the culture for one’s work is also inspiring. 💕

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