Meet Cheryl Russell
Content Writer & Storyteller
Your go-to for content written to out-do.

Writer & Storyteller
Laguna Beach, CA
cheryl@cherylarussell.com
(714) 299-1847
Laguna Beach, CA
About Me
Decades ago, I set off to see the world with my 23-pound backpack, my instincts, and $20 a day. I tell that story through an unexpected lens: laundry photographs taken around the globe in a narrative I call Reflections of My World: A Wash and Where Story.
A passion for storytelling has shaped my entire career as a content curator, spanning diverse media and audiences:
- Directing nightly newscasts at an ABC-TV affiliate
- Producing corporate communications magazines and newsletters
- Creating supplemental educational materials for teachers
- Writing blogs, magazine articles, and a monthly column for the Orange County Register
- Authoring two books—The Story of the StarHearts and ThankYouology
Today, those storytelling skills have inspired me to help people discover and preserve their own extraordinary stories with the same care, authenticity, and heart I’ve brought to every piece I’ve written. That’s why I created Cheryl’s Custom Legacy Stories (CCLS).
Your story matters. I help you capture the moments, wisdom, and experiences that define you—whether it’s family tales for your grandchildren, career insights to inspire others, or reflections on life’s pivotal chapters. Together, we’ll craft a personalized narrative that honors your unique journey and preserves what matters most.
Explore My Work
Book Review
Uncharted
by Margaret Heffernan
Book Review
Quiet
by Susan Cain
Expert Interview
Meet the Expert
Kathryn Zavala
Expert Interview
Meet the Expert
Latrina Walden
Newspaper Column
Cheryl Russell
Orange County Register
Blog
Did You Know
Pazanga.com
Blog
What’s the Story?
Pazanga.com
Newspaper Column
Interview
Igor Radovic
Magazine Article
Disney Dreams
Village Breeze
Book
The Story of the StarHearts
by Cheryl Russell
Magazine Article
Laughter Yoga
Village Breeze
Magazine Article
Igniting Imagination
for Unity Magazine
Magazine Article
Celebrating Uncertainty
for Unity Magazine
Book
Thankyouology
by Cheryl Russell
Book
Lee Canter Monthly Citizen Slips
by Cheryl Russell
Book
Teacher Created Materials
by Cheryl Russell
Testimonials
Cheryl is a true creative talent with an ability to make almost any topic sound interesting. Her writing is exceptional and has been a boon to our agency’s marketing program. She takes time with her craft, and it shows.
Laura Nobles
Owner, Pazanga Healthcare Communications
Cheryl is an incredible writer. I hired her to write some copy for my business. Though she did not know my industry that well, she hit the nail on the head and took my concept all the way to fruition quickly.
I love her writing style and the tone was exactly what I was looking for – educational and professional. I will definitely use her again.
Dr. Michele D’Amico
CPC, CELC, Marshall Goldsmith Certified Coach
Cheryl comes up with the most interesting and inspired ideas and fully develops them into thoughtful articles full of information for readers to improve their lives. She is engaging, eager, and great to work with, and has a fun sense of humor!
Katy Koontz
Editor-in-Chief, Unity Magazine
Cheryl is an excellent writer who can turn the most mundane subjects into a fascinating read. She’s an editor’s dream: reliable, easy to work with and her work requires little or no editing. Highly recommend her.
Jennifer Karmarker
Writer, Editor, Storyteller
Cheryl is a great editor and a joy to work with. She combines an acumen for her craft with an empathetic understanding of her client’s interests and passions. I highly recommend her for any writing and editing projects.
Steve Simon
Artist & Visual Designer
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Recent Blog Posts
Tiptoe through the gardens
Where I live, there is something always in bloom. Often when I’m out walking in my neighborhood or hiking, I’m reminded of nearby gardens or those I have had the joy of experiencing in my travels. On one such walk I thought about how garden visits could make a beautiful travel theme.
Just one memory can unlock that story inside you
Not every story starts with “Once upon a time.” Some begin with a chuckle, a sigh, or a simple, “Back when I was your age…” Stories can be shared around the kitchen table, during a phone call, or while waiting for an appointment. These aren’t rehearsed or polished—they’re real. And they carry weight because they come from a life that’s been fully lived.
What is slow looking?
Have you ever noticed how quickly people can tend to glance at things—art, nature, even the people around us—and move on? What if folks paused for a minute or even longer?