Interview with Shannon Griffin, Co-Author of the Anthology: The Smell of Poverty

Author’s Bio: My name is Shannon Griffin and I am the co-founder and CEO of 4Humanitees. I am the co-author of the Anthology: The Smell of Poverty and a cancer survivor. My company designs and creates socially conscious t-shirts that align and build your brand’s message to generate revenue. I speak on survivorship of circumstances that try to take your life and keep you trapped. I help survivors get their life back, walk in their faith to activate their gifts.

DL: What’s the inspiration for writing your book?

SG: In this anthology we will provide you with various "Poverty Stories" from professional, successful individuals that have made great strides to break the poverty circle and change their mindsets.

The goal of this collection of poverty triumphs will be on a greater scale. It will be an informative platform to educate, uplift and change the mindsets about the effects of poverty on families and individuals with life changing webinars, course and conference to help families change the trajectory of their lives.

During our life time, we have either used money as a class separator or as a class establisher. Unfortunately, poverty has showed itself to be a multifaceted concept that will group individuals with similar economic conditions.  In order to break out of this stronghold, some have used money to replace abilities and achievement. Your money or the lack thereof will show your true mindset and talents to meet your basic needs.

DL: Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

SG: I was inspired by many authors from my past to present. From Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret by Judy Blume to a few other authors who are inspirational like Tony Morrison, TC Cooper, Desiree Lee, and Ebong Eka.

DL: How long did it take to write your book?

SG: The book was co-authored by 15 other authors and it took me 3 days to do my section of the book.

DL: Do you write with an outline, or just let it flow organically?

SG: For me, I would write an outline to keep myself on track and I will let it flow for that area, but I primarily let my writing ideas flow.

DL: Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, is there a theme song for this book?

SG: Yes. I do listen to music when I write and I am inspired by John Legend. This book doesn’t have a theme song directly, but I do get inspiration from John Legend’s song “Give Me The Green Light” because I’m ready to Go Right Now and build my platform and change lives.

DL: What are the keys to success in marketing your book(s)?

SG: The key that I have executed for this book and other book projects is doing what no one else is doing. I bring the book to life for the reader by making them see themselves in the book. Because of my social work background, I understand people and know that subconsciously everyone wants to scream about their troubles and pains that someone has done to them. As a child you feel that everyone is treating you bad and you only wish that you can tell someone that can make it all better.

DL: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

SG: I would give an inspiring writer the advice of writing about topics you know like the back of your hand and bring your passion, logic and excitement at the same time.

DL: How about sharing an excerpt from The Smell of Poverty?

SG: Here you go.

Being the youngest of six and one of four girls was how my life started. In 1968, I was born into poverty the child of two adults from different eras but coming together all the same. Being conceived without my permission and placed in this life was the decision of God and only He knew what was planned for me born into poverty. My mother was from the deep south of Arkansas and she met my father on her travels from Arkansas to Seattle then to California.

From the streets of Oakland in a city where poverty was the norm and where civil activism and opportunity ran rampant in the streets. Oakland, California aka “The Town,” where high levels of poverty and police brutality set the scene and the influence of Huey P. Newton was the neighborhood recruiter. Born in the late 60’s, where free breakfast was handed out everywhere and was the lifeline for most folks in the neighborhood. A city filled with poverty, prosperity and oak trees, we grew up in west Oakland aka “Dog Town.” Growing up in west Oakland the local pool hall was your playground and the local park was the daycare center.

DL: What’s next for you?

SG: I am in the process of planning the next book the Smell of Poverty “Poverty from the Eyes of A Child” and The Smell of Poverty “The Embedded Poverty Code” for 2019.

DL: Where can readers find out more about you and your book(s)?

·         Facebook: Shannon Griffin and 4Humanitees

·         Twitter: @4Humanitees

·         Book Buy Links: bit.ly/thesmellofpoverty

It’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.