Author and Show Host Shanise Craft Speaks with AC from YAHOO!

I recently came across Author Shanise Craft's profile on a Social Networking Site and was immediately impressed by what I read. I read that she was the recipient of the 2009 National Congress of Black women Award and she has a new book out titled "Harsh Reality,Impossible dream". Most recently, I found out that Shanise will be adding co-host to her already impressive resume. Today, I caught up with Shanise and here's what she had to say:

YAHOO: Good afternoon Shanise. Thank you so much for speaking with us today.

SC: Good afternoon Karen the pleasure is all mine.I appreciate Yahoo for having me.

YAHOO: So, let's start at the beginning Shanise, where did your journey begin? What inspired you to write "Harsh Reality,Impossible dream"?

SC As you've read in my book,"Harsh Reality, Impossible Dream" its my true story of a very colorful and checkered past. My Journey began in the Sugar Hill area of New York City were I was raised as child. I had a story to tell. One that could bless (teach and inspire) people all over the world. From a single parent, to someone in a domestic abuse situation, the young lady/man that is involved with either personally selling drugs or in a relationship with a drug dealer and individuals whom had broken experiences with a pastor.

If I could help others by being transparent and telling my personal story and letting people know its not just you that went through it but others may share the same journey. Look at me, I did and it only made me stronger. That was my second inspiration. However, my first inspirations are my family which include my children Tiffanie, Brittney, Amber and Jesurun, my mother Barbara, my uncles Geami & Anthony, my aunt Anne and my twin brothers Craig and Gregory, along with my entire family which is too many to name and I love them all!

YAHOO: Without giving too much away, tell our readers what they will learn from reading your new book, "Harsh Reality,Impossible dream"?

SC: Readers will learn that no matter how bleak or bad the situation ,you can get through it. What does not take you out is going to make you stronger.

YAHOO: Where can people get a copy of your new book?

SC: The book is available on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and my website www.shanisecraft.com.

YAHOO: I understand you are a single parent. How do you balance family life with your career?

SC: I was sitting around thinking how am I going to do this? Believe it or not, what I came up with was to allow my children to be a part of my journey and teach them as we go along. It actually worked well. They attended several of my speaking engagements and saw the inspiration on the faces of families. My two oldest children decided to start their very own foundation called "Waggy Mentoring." They are reaching out to the teenagers that have been in the juvenile detention centers. It has helped them become very excited about my travels giving them the chance to reach out to others.

YAHOO: I have heard the buzz about you co-hosting a new show called "View from the pew". Tell us about the show and where it can be seen?

SC: Yes, I will be guest co-hosting a talk show called "View from the Pew". "View from the Pew" is an Atlanta based television show that is designed to cross-over secular lines and focuses (discussions) on (issues) the problems surrounding the church and what can be done to resolve them.

YAHOO: So, we know you're an Author, Show Host and Dynamic Mother, are there any other endeavors on the horizon for Shanise Craft?

SC: Yes I have just signed on to be a part of two national book tours. The Capital Book Festival and Christian Authors Book Tour.I am very excited and I look forward to visiting the different states and having the opportunity to meet my supporters. Yahoo readers can also visit my events page on the website www.shanisecraft.com for daily updates.

YAHOO: Shanise, what advice would you give to people, particularly single parents that have dreams and aspirations of writing?

SC: Always keep in mind that you are a parent first, get involved in your children's lives. I am a single mother with a growing son and I love to do all of the things he likes. Football, boxing and my new venture will be baseball. Just remember you have to sow into your children while they are young. Mold them into the positive, responsible adults this world needs. Being a parent does not mean you have to give up your dreams and in my case it inspired me.

I knew I wanted to be the best at what I took on, so I could give my children the best life. Writing the book gave me the opportunity to grow closer and finally get on a talking level with my children instead of always the protector and their guard.

YAHOO: How can people connect with you on-line Shanise?

SC: My website is www.shanisecraft.com I'm also on Facebook under Shanise Craft and Twitter @Shanise Craft

YAHOO: Shanise, I want to thank you for taking time out of your schedule to speak with us today. I wish you continued success in everything that you aspire to do in life.

SC: Karen I am grateful that you are helping (you have allowed me an opportunity)me to share my story with the yahoo community.