Student Spotlight: From First Draft to Published Novel at 72 (With Cheryl Arko)
Discover how a 72-year-old data scientist overcame perfectionism to publish her debut science fiction novel after decades of dreaming about it.
In this episode, I'm joined by my client Cheryl Arko, who just published her debut sci-fi novel, Touch of the Elegrian, at 72 years old. Tune in as Cheryl takes us behind the scenes of her incredible writing journey, sharing exactly how developmental editing transformed her manuscript from "good" to "unforgettable."
She'll reveal her biggest mindset shifts, including letting go of perfectionism and trusting her creative instincts. You'll also learn why she chose self-publishing over traditional publishing, despite interest from literary agents.
You'll hear exactly how Cheryl overcame her biggest writing roadblocks, including structural challenges, deepening her antagonist, and the crucial lessons she learned about balancing big-picture storytelling with detailed wordsmithing. Plus, she'll share practical insights on staying productive under tight deadlines.
So, if you're looking for proof that it's never too late to finish and publish your novel, tune in for an uplifting, relatable episode filled with actionable advice and plenty of encouragement. Cheryl's journey proves your dreams are within reach—no matter your age or previous experience.
Meet Cheryl Arko:
Cheryl Arko is a science fiction author and senior data scientist whose debut novel, Touch of the Elegrian, was a Killer Nashville Claymore Award Finalist. Combining her IT background with a lifelong passion for sci-fi, Cheryl creates stories that explore what makes us different—and what makes us the same. When she's not writing or analyzing data, she trains her six beloved Airedale Terriers on her serene Minnesota property, an activity she's been passionate about since 1965. This unique blend of analytical thinking, storytelling, and patient training has given her the perfect skill set to bring her imaginative worlds to life after decades of dreaming about it. Learn more about Cheryl on her website at www.cheryl-arko.com.
Topics covered in this episode:
- [14:31] The reverse outlining technique that revealed why Cheryl’s scenes weren't working (and exactly how to fix them)
- [17:47] The two-phase writing approach that freed Cheryl from perfectionism paralysis (and helped her make twice the progress in half the time)
- [20:39] How developing her antagonist into a more three-dimensional character solved plot problems Cheryl had been stuck on for months
- [29:35] How entering a writing competition boosted her confidence and validated her manuscript's potential (and earned her a finalist spot!)
- [35:01] The practical reasons Cheryl chose self-publishing at 72 (and how to decide what's right for you based on your timeline and goals)
If you've ever dreamed of publishing a novel—but struggle with self-doubt, perfectionism, or overwhelm—this episode will show you exactly how to overcome these challenges and move forward with your writing dreams!
🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode:
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