I’m Cheryl Kahn, a YA and NA fantasy author of four books, with more on the way! I’ve always had a passion for stories, especially anything with fantasy and romance. I once worked as a corporate attorney but have transitioned to focusing on writing. I’ve also taught yoga for many years. I am happiest when connecting with others over those passions, and love hearing from readers.
My first three YA books – Touch, Taste, and Sight – are part of a series that follows five sisters as they work to restore balance in both this world and the afterlife while also navigating deception from those close to them, self-sacrifice, and first loves.
In the first book the oldest sister wakes in a river with no memories to discover she suffers an excoriating reaction to human touch. And each of the other books follows another sister who has both powers and a curse relating to one of the human senses.
My fourth book – Ky Katana – is a NA standalone (but YA appropriate) set in the same world as the Five Senses Series. It is a lot of fun, taking place in a remote Alaskan setting. There’s a love triangle; and it features a really strong female character who will also play a part in the main series. I’m currently working on the next book in the main series – Sight. A large part of it takes place in part of the afterlife, so a lot of fantasy and creativity in that one!
Little insights from an author to the world.
Q: How did you introduce fantasy into the “real world” setting?
I’ve tried to introduce the fantasy aspects slowly; it felt most natural to me this way. So, for example, the first book takes place in a small-town setting where everything is pretty much normal but the main character clearly has something odd going on with her. And then she learns that a family in town may understand why. We learn things as the character does.
Q: What made you choose contemporary fantasy instead of the epic fantasy world?
I really wanted to make the characters, and what they were going through, as relatable as possible, even with the fantasy layered on top.
Q: Do you draw inspiration from real cities, events, or cultures when crafting the supernatural side of your stories?
I definitely draw inspiration from all those things! I even visited the area in Colorado I set the first book in and a cave where some key supernatural action takes place. I do rely on the internet quite a bit, other creative works and just my imagination and creative liberties. There are settings around the world in the rest of the series and a lot of concepts drawn from mythology, and other cultural stories and history.
Q: Are there authors, myths, or pop culture influences (like TV shows or folklore) that helped shape your style?
Absolutely. Some newer and some older, but I always have to give credit to Twilight, The Hunger Games, and The Vampire Diaries for helping me get going with my first book years ago.
Q: Will you branch out eventually from contemporary fantasy?
I actually have plans to write a dystopian soon! It is just in outlining stages, but I am excited about the concept and to delve into a new genre.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from your stories beyond entertainment?
I always hope readers find a bit of connection or comfort, or that some of the emotions or struggles help a bit with processing things in our real lives. Writing the first book in my series – Touch – helped me process some hardships from my earlier years. Books have always been a source of comfort for me.
Q: Can you share any hints about what’s next—sequels, spin-offs, or new worlds you’re exploring?
I have big plans with the new dystopian concept that I hope to make a duology! I really think readers of all ages will be captivated by the life and death stakes, main characters, and struggles to be faced in this future world. And of course, my immediate plans involve finishing up the Five Senses Series with Sight and Sound.
Q: What made you start writing in the first place? And why?
Writing my own stories has been a dream for as long as I can remember. I think it felt like a real possibility for the first time in 6th grade when my best friend and I penned a full-length book in a spiral notebook over the course of many recesses. I put the dream on hold for a lot of years, but always kept reading, journaling, and writing bits of things here and there. Books have added so much to my life and I hope to share that with others.
Q: What advice would you give to new authors?
Just keep going! Don’t think too far ahead. It is so easy to get overwhelmed with all the work to be done on the stories and projects in our head; or edits to be made on what you’ve already written. But keep at it. You never know who your story might inspire or bring some comfort to.
