The World We Know was the winner in the BEST BOOK COVER/Non Fiction category of the 2024 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with author Sheryle Gillihan.
I am deeply honored to receive the award for BEST COVER DESIGN in the Non Fiction category for the 2024 IRDAs. Bringing my vision to life was fun and fulfilling. I’m proud of my book cover and the long hours I spent creating it, and I am thrilled that it resonates with others. “The World We Know” explores how our beliefs, shaped by experiences, social constructs, and even media, influence our perception of reality. Through personal stories, case studies, and real-world examples, the book aims to broaden perspectives and foster empathy, helping readers understand different versions of reality. The cover design reflects this theme, illustrating how our colored perceptions shape the way we see the world. Thank you to the IRDAs for this recognition, and to everyone who supported this initiative. This award embodies my passion for creativity. Thank you!
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The World We Know. Published November 22, 2023.
What’s the book’s first line?
“What is reality?”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Reality is malleable and shaped by our experiences and lenses through which we view the world. While we may inherently get this, we still have a hard time bridging the gap between the world we know and the reality that someone else holds as true. It causes conflicts, creates siloed echo chambers, and divides us. The book explores several case studies and a number of example scenarios to open our eyes to the ways in which this plays out in our daily lives and offers some suggestions for broadening our perspective.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
My own personal mental breakthroughs after feeling fractured in my world view, and trying to understand the impacts of childhood trauma, led to the outpouring of thoughts and research in this book. It was cathartic for me, but I thought perhaps also helpful for others.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The book doesn’t have a traditional main character but is guided by my own voice and experiences. As the author, I act as a mentor, sharing personal stories, case studies, and real-world examples. This approach is similar to how many self-help authors blend their experiences with broader analysis to help readers navigate complex themes and broaden their perspectives.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
To gain a deeper understanding of how media, social constructs, and personal experiences shape our worldview. This book aims to help readers expand their perspective and develop a greater empathy for others’ versions of reality, ultimately fostering a more connected and understanding society.
Did you design the cover yourself? If not, who did and how did you find them (they did another cover you admired, they were recommended, etc)?
I designed the cover myself. I used MidJourney AI to craft the initial version based on a vision I had for the cover. Then, I used multiple digital tools to modify the AI-generated image. I crafted the back cover and then, I combined it into a complete book cover with front, back, and spine. I also formatted it to fit the dimensions of my book. The spine was the most challenging piece of it as it required completing the book so that I would know the thickness. When done, the front, spine, and back were essentially one cohesive image.
What, if any, elements of the book did you want to convey in the cover design?
The cover design visually captures the essence of how our perceptions shape our reality. The image features an eye looking through a magnifying glass, symbolizing the scrutiny and introspection needed to understand our beliefs. The blend of colors around the eye represents our colored perceptions of reality, illustrating how our experiences and biases influence how we see the world. This design aims to draw readers in and reflect the book’s themes of perception, empathy, and understanding.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I’ve wanted to be an author since I was in high school and did pursue some writing courses in college.
Is this the first you’ve written?
This is the first book I’ve published. However, I have previously written poetry, stories, articles, and free shared resource materials.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I run a web agency, where I regularly write professionally to share my knowledge and tell our company’s stories. My work involves a lot of communication, content creation, and strategic storytelling to help our clients succeed.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
I aim to write daily, but realistically, I spend about 5 hours a week on personal writing projects. When working on this book, I set aside several weeks to focus intensely, dedicating hours each day to writing.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
Self-publishing came with a significant learning curve, and overcoming that was incredibly rewarding. The most challenging aspect was moving from finishing the writing process to feeling confident enough to click publish. The journey from putting my pencil down to uploading my book was both daunting and exhilarating.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
For future books, potentially yes. The support to overcome self-doubt and the marketing aspects provided by a traditional publisher would be valuable. While there are significant costs involved, I believe there are rewards as well and would not discount the support of professional publishers.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
An outlet for my musings motivates me. At this point, it’s primarily to satisfy my need to write. It may seem selfish to say I write for myself because almost everything else I do is for others. However, I find joy and peace in writing, and that fulfillment drives me.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
I most admire Brene Brown. Her work on vulnerability, courage, and empathy has profoundly impacted how we understand and navigate our emotional lives. Her ability to blend research with personal storytelling makes her writing both insightful and deeply relatable.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
I wish I could have written “The Art of Possibility” by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander. Its blend of practical advice and inspiring stories encourages readers to embrace creativity and possibility in their lives, which aligns closely with my own beliefs and aspirations.