Story & Lesson Highlights with Sherry Ellis of Atlanta

We recently had the chance to connect with Sherry Ellis and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sherry, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I begin each day with a 20-minute meditation. It centers me and helps me ease into the day. After breakfast, I either go for a walk or a four-mile run. The rest of my day is work, work, work. I begin with my Executive Director job, answering emails and checking tasks off the to-do-list. Then I do author activities, which these days mostly involves marketing. Then I teach violin, viola, and piano lessons. On the days I’m not teaching, I’m performing. My days are full, often not ending until after 10 PM.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have been a musician and author for over thirty years. My career has been multi-faceted. As a musician, I perform with orchestras and teach. I’m currently the principal violist of the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra. I also teach violin, viola, and piano lessons at Musik21, a conservatory in Johns Creek. Some of the highlights of my musical career include being a semifinalist in the 2004 International Viola Competition in Paris, France, performing as a soloist in Germany, and performing Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody for Viola and Orchestra with The Georgia Philharmonic at Dragon Con 2024. I am also the Executive Director of the Georgia Philharmonic. Managing the business side of an arts organization has added a nice balance to my career.

As an author, I have eleven published books. Most are children’s books—picture books and middle-grade books. I enjoy attending author events and connecting with young readers at school and library visits.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents. Both had wonderful work ethics. Even though my mom didn’t work outside the home, she was very organized. I learned a lot about time management and scheduling from her. My dad instilled the importance of working hard and always doing your best. I am grateful to both of them for their stellar examples.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. It was with my first traditionally-published book. Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China. I tried for 10 years to get it published! I probably could have wall-papered my house with all the rejection letters. But I kept revising until I finally got it right, and a publisher accepted it. Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China (and the rest of the series) has won many awards and gotten rave reviews. I’m so glad I didn’t give up. It was a great lesson in perserverence!

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I’m going to get spiritual here, because this is something I’ve thought a lot about lately. I believe that this physical world we live in is not all there is. I believe this experience we have in what I call Earth School, is a very small part of our consciousness. I think when we realize this, all of life’s problems become trivial in the big scheme of things. It makes it easier to flow through all the ups and downs and concentrate on what’s really important—to love, serve, give, and forgive.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Even though I’ve accomplished a lot and made lots of checks on my never-ending checklists, I’d hope that people would remember me as a kind, gentle soul who brought peace and love and made the journey just a little bit easier for all I’ve met along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sherryellis.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherry_ellis_author/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherry-ellis-71585521/
• Twitter: https://x.com/513sherrye
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherryellisbooksandmusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sherryellis4456

Image Credits
Musician photos credit: Eric Burkhard