Before I Am Erased: Cheril N. Clarke on Aging Boldly, Storytelling, and the Power of Reinvention

32min | 10/28/2025

Description

In this heartfelt and empowering episode of the Mature Allure Podcast, host Sherri O. welcomes back acclaimed author and executive ghostwriter Cheril N. Clarke for a deep dive into her newest novel, Before I Am Erased, part of her acclaimed Keyhole Chronicles series.

The novel follows a 64-year-old Ethiopian-American woman living with Parkinson’s who refuses to be silenced or erased by age, illness, or society’s expectations. With wit, honesty, and emotional depth, Cheril explores sisterhood, resilience, and the many ways women continue to reinvent themselves in midlife and beyond.

✨ Special Feature:
Cheril reads Chapter One of Before I Am Erased, giving listeners a front-row seat to her captivating storytelling. This excerpt introduces the novel’s heroine and her close-knit circle of friends, offering a vivid glimpse into the book’s themes of courage, humor, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.

✨ In This Episode:

How Cheril created a 64-year-old protagonist who challenges stereotypes about aging women
The inspiration behind Before I Am Erased and The Keyhole Chronicles universe
Why it’s vital to write fully realized, mature female characters
The joy of sisterhood, friendship, and second chances in midlife
A live reading from Before I Am Erased — a sneak peek you won’t want to miss

🎧 Tune in to hear how Cheril’s storytelling celebrates visibility, vitality, and reinvention at every age.

📚 Learn more about Cheril’s books and writing at CherilNClarke.com and on Amazon.

Learn more about Sherri O.:

Website: https://matureallure.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4matureallure/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mature.allure

Instagram: @mature.allure

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Mature Allure podcast for more inspiring stories and discussions on self-love and empowerment. For feedback, questions, or suggestions for future episodes, reach out to us through our website or social media channels. We’d love to hear from you!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Mature Allure

At Mature Allure, we believe that age is not a limitation but a celebration of life's unique experiences and perspectives. Our goal is to inspire women over 40 to embrace the beauty, wisdom, and empowerment that comes with age. We share knowledge that encourages healthy aging and self-discovery. Our podcast and blog feature incredible individuals with diverse skills, experiences, stories, and viewpoints, all sharing their journeys and insights; encouraging women to look forward to aging, not fear it.

People who listen to the Mature Allure podcast come for conversations, insight, and community. We inspire women to love themselves at every stage of life and break free from the constraints of ageism. A go-to source for the celebration of life's journey, we're here to help you tap into your "Mature Allure."

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Mature Allure

At Mature Allure, we believe that age is not a limitation but a celebration of life's unique experiences and perspectives. Our goal is to inspire women over 40 to embrace the beauty, wisdom, and empowerment that comes with age. We share knowledge that encourages healthy aging and self-discovery. Our podcast and blog feature incredible individuals with diverse skills, experiences, stories, and viewpoints, all sharing their journeys and insights; encouraging women to look forward to aging, not fear it.

People who listen to the Mature Allure podcast come for conversations, insight, and community. We inspire women to love themselves at every stage of life and break free from the constraints of ageism. A go-to source for the celebration of life's journey, we're here to help you tap into your "Mature Allure."

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

In this heartfelt and empowering episode of the Mature Allure Podcast, host Sherri O. welcomes back acclaimed author and executive ghostwriter Cheril N. Clarke for a deep dive into her newest novel, Before I Am Erased, part of her acclaimed Keyhole Chronicles series.

The novel follows a 64-year-old Ethiopian-American woman living with Parkinson’s who refuses to be silenced or erased by age, illness, or society’s expectations. With wit, honesty, and emotional depth, Cheril explores sisterhood, resilience, and the many ways women continue to reinvent themselves in midlife and beyond.

✨ Special Feature:
Cheril reads Chapter One of Before I Am Erased, giving listeners a front-row seat to her captivating storytelling. This excerpt introduces the novel’s heroine and her close-knit circle of friends, offering a vivid glimpse into the book’s themes of courage, humor, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.

✨ In This Episode:

How Cheril created a 64-year-old protagonist who challenges stereotypes about aging women
The inspiration behind Before I Am Erased and The Keyhole Chronicles universe
Why it’s vital to write fully realized, mature female characters
The joy of sisterhood, friendship, and second chances in midlife
A live reading from Before I Am Erased — a sneak peek you won’t want to miss

🎧 Tune in to hear how Cheril’s storytelling celebrates visibility, vitality, and reinvention at every age.

📚 Learn more about Cheril’s books and writing at CherilNClarke.com and on Amazon.

Learn more about Sherri O.:

Website: https://matureallure.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4matureallure/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mature.allure

Instagram: @mature.allure

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Mature Allure podcast for more inspiring stories and discussions on self-love and empowerment. For feedback, questions, or suggestions for future episodes, reach out to us through our website or social media channels. We’d love to hear from you!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Mature Allure

At Mature Allure, we believe that age is not a limitation but a celebration of life's unique experiences and perspectives. Our goal is to inspire women over 40 to embrace the beauty, wisdom, and empowerment that comes with age. We share knowledge that encourages healthy aging and self-discovery. Our podcast and blog feature incredible individuals with diverse skills, experiences, stories, and viewpoints, all sharing their journeys and insights; encouraging women to look forward to aging, not fear it.

People who listen to the Mature Allure podcast come for conversations, insight, and community. We inspire women to love themselves at every stage of life and break free from the constraints of ageism. A go-to source for the celebration of life's journey, we're here to help you tap into your "Mature Allure."

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Mature Allure

At Mature Allure, we believe that age is not a limitation but a celebration of life's unique experiences and perspectives. Our goal is to inspire women over 40 to embrace the beauty, wisdom, and empowerment that comes with age. We share knowledge that encourages healthy aging and self-discovery. Our podcast and blog feature incredible individuals with diverse skills, experiences, stories, and viewpoints, all sharing their journeys and insights; encouraging women to look forward to aging, not fear it.

People who listen to the Mature Allure podcast come for conversations, insight, and community. We inspire women to love themselves at every stage of life and break free from the constraints of ageism. A go-to source for the celebration of life's journey, we're here to help you tap into your "Mature Allure."

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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