Some people discover their life's work through a carefully planned path. My winding journey began in fifth grade when I became fascinated by ancient history. I wanted to know about the people behind the facts. That curiosity grew into a lifelong passion for uncovering forgotten history and sharing it with others.

Over the years, I encountered many women whose lives had been lost, minimized, overlooked. I felt called to seek them out and tell their stories.

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     That passion inspired my award-winning historical fiction book Forgotten Female Felons. I explored the lives of early incarcerated women, told their imagined stories and restored their dignity. The book has been recognized for its unique blend of historical research and compassionate storytelling. Book two will be released in 2027.

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     My work as an author extends beyond fiction. Since 2007, I have authored and edited five books documenting the diverse history of Fremont County, Colorado. I’ve had the privilege of preserving the stories of individuals, families, and communities whose lives helped shape southern Colorado.

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     Along the way, I discovered that history doesn't live only in archives and museums—it lives within people. That realization led me to another passion: helping others write their memoirs. I have edited several published memoirs and worked with many individuals who simply want to preserve their stories for their families. Every life contains wisdom worth remembering.

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     For more than fifteen years, I’ve taught classes at the annual Pueblo Community College–Fremont Campus Senior Mini-College. My courses include Colorado history, forgotten women in history, writing local history, memoir writing, creative writing, and meaningful aging. Teaching allows me to encourage others to explore both the forgotten people of the past and the value of their own experiences.

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     My commitment to history extends beyond writing and teaching. Over the years, I’ve worked as a middle school librarian, small business owner, museum curator, museum board member, exhibit curator, and community volunteer. More than forty years ago, I helped establish the Penrose Community Library—an accomplishment I affectionately call my "tenth child" after raising nine curious children who now make their own corners of the world better places.

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     As creator and administrator of the Florence Colorado History and Penrose Colorado History online communities, I have helped bring together thousands of people who share a passion for preserving and sharing the collective memories of our region.

     Today, I continue my work as an award-winning author, historian, teacher, and speaker. I believe that history offers more than knowledge of the past—it brings balance and perspective, wisdom and hope. Whether I am researching, writing, teaching, or mentoring, my work is rooted in a simple but powerful calling:

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                        “What sets my soul on fire? Telling the stories of forgotten women.”

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  Thank you for visiting.

I invite you to explore, learn, remember, and discover the stories that connect us all.

Formerly published as Sherry Johns, I now write as Sherry Skye Stuart.

 

1st Place "Imitations of Red" May 2026  Memoir - Essay 

                 Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc. 

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2nd Honorable Mention "Magic Potion" May 2026    

               Short Story - Flash Fiction 

               Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc. 

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3rd place "Forgotten Female Felons - Book One" May 2026       

               Unpublished Historical Fiction Book            

               Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc. 

   

1st Honorable Mention “Catherine” May 2025   

               Short Story – Western            

               Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc. 

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3rd place "Mayfield" 2023 LAURA Short Fiction 

               Women Writing the West

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