Melanie Farrar draws from own experience with MS to tell Charlene Stiletto’s story

Local author Melanie Farrar wrote two books as she navigated and accepted her own journey with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Farrar wrote and illustrated Charlene Stiletto Still Fabulous and Charlene Stiletto’s Pocket Colouring Book to create awareness and raise funds for MS Canada. She held a book sale and launch of the two books on April 18 at the Leonor on 21 George St. East with a representative from MS Canada in attendance. Farrar said to the Times that while it was a quiet double book launch amid rainy and cold weather, those who attended said positive remarks.

“I was overwhelmed with the lovely things people had to say,” she said.

After starting treatment, Farrar began writing Charlene Stiletto Still Fabulous. From the time Farrar had initial symptoms and medical appointments, she experienced denial, fear and acceptance before treatment began. Sometimes, Farrar had to take breaks when working on the manuscript.

“It was a very difficult journey, emotionally and mentally,” she said of her MS journey. “Charlene experiences a similar journey.”

Charlene’s dog Boots, inspired by a plush dog that Farrar received from her husband, adds a sense of humour to the story; just like Farrar’s own Boots plush brought her comfort when she was feeling low after her diagnosis.

“Charlene finds bravery through her friends, her dog Boots, the therapeutic power of wheels and through the magic of creating art,” Farrar said. “She realizes that she is, in fact, still fabulous, regardless of the life changing challenges; a message I felt strongly sharing.”

The other book, Charlene Stiletto’s Colouring Book, was created so readers could add colour into Charlene’s greying world. The colouring book was based on Farrar’s own experience, as she lost the ability to see red and green shades through her left eye because of optic nerve damage from MS.

Farrar’s first book, Charlene Stiletto and Her Search for a Fabulous Pair of Shoes, is fundraising for a different cause. Proceeds from each copy sold go towards the C. Arlene Innes Guthrie Award which is awarded annually to a Stratford Festival wardrobe member living with a temporary illness.

All three Charlene Stiletto books can be purchased online either through the FriessenPress Bookstore (https://books.friesenpress.com/store), on Farrar’s website (https://www.melaniefarrar.ca/books) or in-person at Stratford Festival gift shops. Still Fabulous and Charlene Stiletto’s Colouring Book can be purchased in-person at the Leonor.

More information can be found online by visiting https://www.melaniefarrar.ca.