Meeting Inspiring Authors: Sheri Poe-Pape

Christian Women Living Magazine would like to introduce you to another wonderful author in today’s “Authors Who Inspire” segment. A wonderful children’s author from Illinois; meet Sheri Poe-Pape.

Cyndi Kay Green: Please give us a brief introduction.
Sheri Poe-Pape: Though I have written many internet articles about people in the arts and in history, “Cassie’s Marvelous Music Lessons,” “Cassie Pup Takes the Cake??” and “Cassie Pup’s Favorite Lady and Snake Stories” are my first three children’s books. I have also been Director/Educator of the Pape Conservatory of Music for the past forty years. I am a graduate of Northern Illinois University where I studied Music, English, and Creative Writing. I live with my family in Northern Illinois, where I continue to write and to teach music-alongside Cassie. My children’s book awards include:

2013 Midwest Publishing Association Children’s Book Award.
2017 Illinois Central College Distinguished Alumni Award.
2018 Royal Dragonfly Children’s Book Award.
2018 Story Monsters Approved Children’s Book Award.
2018 Purple Dragonfly Children’s Book Award.
2018 New Apple Literary Children’s Book Award.
2019 Reader’s Favorite International Book Award.
2019 Story Monsters Approved Children’s Book Award.
2020 B.R.A.G. Medallion Children’s Book Award
Cassie’s Marvelous Music Lessons ranked #1 for Music eBooks (Kindle) on Amazon~
Cassie Pup Take the Cake?? ranked #1 for both USA and UK for Children’s Dog eBooks on Amazon~
Cassie Pup’s Favorite Ladybug and Snake Stories Amazon #1 Best Seller-Kindle.

CKG: Can you give us a summary on your journey with Christ — from the time you accepted Christ, to how you started in ministry.
SP: I accepted Christ at an early age, with ministry as the music director in vacation bible schools, VBS teacher, playing the piano and organ for church services, and social and prayer ministry.

CKG: When did you first become interested in writing?
SP: I became interested in writing at a young age, with writing and illustrating the little books then stapling them together and reading them to the neighborhood children.

CK: What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
SP: I have owned my own music studio for 41 years, and I teach piano and voice six days a week, so I set aside a few hours each day to write and promote my books. Since I have my own business, I have been a disciple mentoring about Jesus to those who needed him.

CK: Tell us about Cassie and how you were inspired to create this wonderful character.
SP: The character Cassie is based upon our own dog, a white miniature schnauzer. She has inspired these stories because of her human-like nature. She would place her paw on the keys to keep me from starting lessons, she would hover near the oven when I was baking. Quite a grand dog!

CK: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
SP: I love reading, shopping, visiting with family and friends and watching really old movies.

CK: What was your favorite book to write and why?
SP: I actually enjoyed writing all three books. I don’t really have a favorite.

CKG: What was your favorite book as a child? As an adult?
SP: As a child I liked “The Snow Queen” and as an adult I enjoy anything from Joyce Meyer. I also enjoy the Bible.

CKG: Tell us about a time that God directly answered a prayer.
SP: God placed it in my heart that I should write children’s books, and he answered my prayer that the books would be successful.

CKG: What has been the biggest change in your life since the release of your book?
SP: Being more of a perfectionist and a workaholic.

CKG: What positive changes have you seen at work, church, or home because of this virus?
SP: I see more of an understanding and closeness of my family, and I have become even more patient since this evolved.

CKG: What is your favorite story of the Bible?
SP: Noah’s Ark.

CKG: Best piece of advice you’ve ever received.
SP: Someone once said to me, “Nobody said It was going to be easy,” and that is so true. I apply this to my daily living and experiences.

CKG: Is there anything else you would like to say?
SP: I am getting packets of my three books ready for Christmas sales, so if you are interested, please contact me for purchase information.

CKG: Where can our readers find you on the internet?
SP: I can be contacted at www.sheripoe-pape.com My books can also be purchased also on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.