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Author Interview Books Podcast

CHERYL ILOV is The Reluctant Ninja!

“How a Middle-Aged Princess Became a Warrior Queen”

Watch this fascinating interview with author and warrior queen Cheryl Ilov!
Audio-only version of our visit!

Show Notes with Links:

  • We met at The Book Nook run by author Jerry Fabyanic during the Georgetown Christmas Market
  • While doing the “Doctor Dance,” Cheryl was told she was too old for school and labeled a chronic pain patient
  • I ask if she was born with the no-quit spirit and she talks about her ancestors and the line of resilient people (including her father who couldn’t speak English when he immigrated to the U.S. with his parents)
  • She is the 3rd of 5 girls
  • Cheryl started Martial arts after years of her acupuncturist’s haranguing, at the age of 47
  • In 20 years of teaching, Cheryl is her sensei’s first female black belt
  • I ask why she was anxious after the release of The Reluctant Ninja: How a Middle-Aged Princess Became a Warrior Queen
  • How does Cheryl respond to those who are critical of her work?
  • Great humor in the book! Cheryl talks about being called “light in the ass,” and a time when she “missed” a high thigh skin grab (and grabbed something else!)
Link to purchase Cheryl’s book!
  • We talk about leadership lessons and why her sensei was often unreasonably difficult
  • For women who are interested in martial arts but who have reason to protect their bones (such as someone with osteoporosis), Cheryl suggests Tai Chi
  • Cheryl talks about how to avoid an attack: Evade/Deflect/Redirect
  • After reading a passage about Cheryl’s love of ballet, I ask her if she had to give up one (ballet or martial arts), which would she give up?
  • Cheryl talks about her supportive husband and how he was stunned by her performance
  • Cheryl host the Femininja Podcast
  • Her first book, Forever Fit and Flexible is also available
  • Contact Cheryl if you’re interested in learning more about how to find the warrior spirit within you and how to pick a dojo/school that will work for you.
  • Cherylilov.com

Laurel Stuff:

After awarding my (now 30+ year-old) son his new belt…a few years back when I helped teach young’uns the art of Taekwondo!

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Find my other work here!

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Laurel lives and laughs and publishes and podcasts in Colorado's Rocky Mountains! She has published several multi-genre books and hosts the podcast "Alligator Preserves," where she interviews fascinating people, talks about the human condition, and shares scary stories from her "Dark Ebb" collection.

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