“Talkin’ Shoes” Takes Walk Though Lifeby Matt Lehky – staff writer
SOUTH EUCLID — Some authors strive to throw a scare into their readers. Others hope to draw a laugh. One resident may have found elements of both in her sixth book. Keesha McMillian, 39,
recently finished “Talkin’ Shoes.” The book, released in March, strings together seven autobiographical tales spanning a wide range of emotions for both the author and her readers. McMillian said the most personal story is the chapter called “A Mother’s Love” which talks about being raised by her mother and dealing with a rare illness. “I used to give talks at schools and when I told people about this it seemed to have the greatest effect. They almost couldn’t believe it. I knew I wanted to tell it on a grander scale. In 1986, McMillian was stricken with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a nervous system disorder that rendered her temporarily paralyzed from her neck down. “I could not breath on my own. I could not talk or walk and my body was electrifying. It felt like pins and needles were sticking throughout my body” McMiIIian writes in the book. But she didn’t give up. Twelve months later, she was perfectly healthy and walking again. “It’s a miracle. I could walk again. I sometimes thought it wouldn’t happen but I kept my faith,” McMillian said. Although always a religious person, her faith became more important during her illness. “When you are taken out of your normal lifestyle and you have no one to depend on, all you can do is think about your spiritual relationship
and life” McMillian said. She named the book “Talkin’ Shoes” because “the shoes of a young woman tell the story of how her life path was guided by her values and beliefs.” The other six chapters in the book describe personal experiences about college, love, jobs and her family. McMillian said she
initially started writing books to provide more literature to the African American community. “There just wasn’t a lot of stuff out there for them and that was discouraging,” she said. However, she pointed out many of her book are not exclusively for African Americans. "The pictures may be of
them but these books are for children and families. They have lessons for everybody to learn,” McMillian said. McMillian said while writing she focuses on the seven Principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, purpose, creativity, faith, cooperative-economics and responsibility. “I live
my life based on these principles and they can be a positive guideline for anyone,” McMillian said. She said “Talkin’ Shoes” is aimed for an audience ranging from teens to adults, and deals with serious subject matter. “For me writing should always be about more than entertainment. There needs to be a
message. I want people to take to look in the mirror and reevaluate themselves,” she said. McMillian released the book with an initial printing of 2,000 copies in her own publishing Company. She is selling the book through her Website, www.klmcreations.com. Copies arc also available at Ethnic Art, 13976 Cedar Road. She has also written and published “The Struggle Continues: Living in the Hood” “God's Greatest Treasure,” and “Who Am I? A Drug Prevention and Cultural Awareness Workbook for Children Aged 5-12 years and families.” McMillian will be signing copies of her book at the Marriott Hotel at Key Center, 127 Public Square, throughout the
day as part of the Savoir Faire Magazine convention. Call (216) 321-1539 Top of Page | 
