Interview of Published Author and Entrepreneur, Lacresha Hayes

On my journey through life, the Lord has placed many people in my path. There are those who have written something to inspire or who have something to share about their life. Lacresha Hayes happens to be one of these. I chose to interview her because of her encouraging words and words of wisdom. I pray that her work will inspire you as well.

Viktorya: Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Are you married and do you have kids?

Lacresha: Hi Viktorya. I am married to a pastor, Lensey Hayes. I have one son, Montario, who is 18 and graduating high school in May. I have several godsons too. I'm an author, a publisher, a serial entrepreneur and a college student once more at Capella University.

Viktorya: I understand that you are a writer. What inspired you the most to become a writer?

Lacresha: Well, I had a hard life as a child and young adult. You have to have some way to cope with the terrible things in life. Writing found me when I needed an outlet most. It started as something I did because my mom was a poet. Then, it became a way of saying all the things I'd never utter from my lips. Then one day, it became a ministry tool and a source of income. I guess it keeps evolving with me.

Viktorya: Perhaps you have always been a writer. Please explain how you got started.

Lacresha: I started trying to write poems when I was still a child. When I was in high school, I tried to write my first kiddie romance. (I never tell anyone this.) I got stuck after about 40 pages. It was horribly written, but full of tidbits of promise. LOL! My career really started after I joined church. I started writing weekly inspirational pieces for the program and then a brochure and before long, my first full size book, "Christian Principles: My Thoughts Exactly" which I printed at Kinkos and sold a ton of.

Viktorya: If you can give a genre for most of your writing, what would it be?

Lacresha: Almost exclusively Christian nonfiction/inspiration. I do have quite a few Christian fiction novels coming out this year though.

Viktorya: Please tell us what you have written and give us a brief summary for each one of your pieces.

Lacresha: I might not better do them all. I counted just a few days ago and I have over 30 pieces written. So, I'll do all the ones on the market and those releasing soon.

"The Rape of Innocence: Taking Captivity Captive" is a book that deals with the horrors of sexual and physical abuse and depression. This book is for the survivor. The primary focus is to help people move from a victim's mentality to a victor.

"Becoming: My Personal Memoirs" is a book of poetry that walks through the full spectrum of emotions in life.

"Truth and Intimacy: A Couple's Journal" which was co-authored by my husband, Lensey. This book is a marriage tool that will rebuild or build true intimacy that can last a lifetime. This book has scriptural references, real inspiring stories, an interactive area at the back. It is an all-in-one book, counseling session and seminar.

"Poetic Infinity: Passion and Promise" is a book of poetry that deals with modern issues. Several of these poems have been featured on radio programs and small Christian publications.

"Raw Redemption" is a Christian fiction novel that will be released this month. This book deals with issues of forgiveness and hope. It follows the life of Cheyenne Johansson, a woman who is about to learn that God really exists even though her life has been extremely hard.

"The Snare of a Strange Woman" is a book about the perils of adultery and fornication. This book is extremely powerful and will go a long way toward restoring marriages. This book is due out in June 2009.

Viktorya: How long have you been writing and what is your driving force as a writer?

Lacresha: My driving force is definitely helping others cope with bad situations and inspiring them to believe again that life can be good. I've had a writing career for the better of eight years. I love every minute of it and plan to write for the rest of my life.

Viktorya: Where do you see yourself in about 5 years?

Lacresha: I see myself as a New York Times bestselling author. I hope that by then I'll be able to have established multiple shelters for battered and sexually abused women and children. I also hope that I will be in a position to use whatever fame I have to bring more attention to the things people often forget.

Viktorya: I understand that one of your books speaks of rape, do you help victims of rape in any way?

Lacresha: I do. I donate large amounts of books to shelters and counseling centers. I blog and minister to hundreds of women. I get emails almost daily about how someone was touched by my book, The Rape of Innocence. I try to get that book in the hands of as many victims as possible.

Right now, I'm working on a fund raiser to open an actual housing shelter in our community. Domestic violence is horrible here, but there's no real help around. I'm also on the RAINN Speaker's Bureau, so I do some work there. Basically, I'm more active in that field than any other.

Viktorya: I understood that you are also a poet. Can you share a piece?

Lacresha: Here's something I recently wrote:

There is a difference between here and there
One has to do with the pain we share
It can flare up and block our way
So we have to manage it day by day
Another is the time we spend
Some of it on sorrow we often lend
Both of these things can hinder peace
So open your heart and release
Every difference between here and there

Viktorya: Are you working on any particular project right now?

Lacresha: Actually, I'm putting the finishing touches on another work of Christian fiction entitled "Black Dakota" and I'm working on some edits on "The Snare of a Strange Woman". I am also fiddling around with a workbook and second printing of "The Rape of Innocence" which I'm not in a rush to finish. I want it to be perfect. I just recently finished the outline and character profile for another book I'm writing entitled "Loving Cheyenne" which will be a sequel to "Raw Redemption". I am awaiting edits on my parenting book "Mistakes Parents Make" but don't expect it to be released until the end of this year.

Viktorya: If you could tell a group of women one thing to help their marriage, what would it be in ten words or less?

Lacresha: Know and fulfill your role. Trust God with the rest.

Viktorya: If you could give a group of parents a word of advice, what would it be in ten words or less?

Lacresha: Your children deserve your respect too.

Viktorya: Please share anything else and give us any of your website links.

Lacresha: I'm so delighted to have done this interview with you. For more information about me, visit my official website at www.lacreshahayes.com

I have a blog at http://learntofeelpretty.blogspot.com and http://therapeofinnocence.blogspot.com

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This interview has been a pleasure. I am looking forward to reading some of Lacresha's work. Please visit her sites. If you would like me to interview you, please send an email to viktorya.hale@gmail.com. Spammers will be ignored.