Shannon Kaprive

Getting Real

Shannon0318by Mary Hope Roseneau
Photography by Starbooks

It is in becoming oneself, the one that God planned us to be, that calms our souls and warms our hearts, making us “real” for all to see.

Shannon Williams Kaprive says these lines are the essence of her first book, Something So Real. It’s an inspirational book, written in free verse, and accompanied by beautiful watercolors of Lowcountry scenes by noted international artist Alexandra H. Sharma. The poetry format, along with the beautiful artwork, will make this book one to be left out, where people will pick it up, read it through, and be inspired and comforted. Shannon encourages readers to read the prayers, scriptures and quotes over and over in order to let them “sink into your soul.”

Shannon has loved to write ever since her valedictorian speech in high school. There was marriage to her husband Lon, the birth of her son Tony and daughter Katie Threatt, grandchildren Audrey and Hudson, and a career in the corporate arena for 41 years, working in public relations, employee training and development, human resources, and most recently as a personal coach. All of these life events sidetracked that writing urge. Now retired, she followed her little sister Jane Wedgeworth to Hilton Head Island, finally finding the time to write.

“It’s a personal journey to readers. We need to take off our masks, and let the author of our lives speak to us. What is He whispering to you? He’s with us, and will never leave us alone.”

Shannon’s personal experience with life’s tragedy began at age 4, when she and her family were in a horrific car wreck, and she was thrown through the windshield. “The scars I received didn’t scar me for life, however,” and she went on with her story. Only two years later, her young mother died of cancer, and left her dairy farmer father with two little girls, ages 4 and 6 to raise alone. He did it, with God’s help. The experience of family bonding and love has been with Shannon all her life, and she now has her sister, her daughter and their families all living here on Hilton Head Island with her, as well.

Shannon categorizes her book as “inspiration”, with definite “Christian values” throughout. Her publisher, Lydia Inglett of Starbooks, said, “Shannon Kaprive is living proof of what she writes. Inspiring, uplifting, and a very real help for others—hence the book’s title, Something So Real. Her joy spreads like her smile!” It’s no wonder why she is an active Stephen minister (lay people trained to offer counselling within a church setting) at The Church of the Cross in Bluffton, and also enjoys speaking to women’s groups and workshops.

“Life is full of surprises,” she shares with a grin. She advises us to get up every day and just enjoy the beautiful place we live in. Then be still and listen for the whisper to your soul. Recently she heard a whisper that she should seek a second opinion on a breast cancer biopsy. It was, as she suspected, not good news, but it’s not getting Shannon down. “Life has never been sweeter,” she confides, and her beautiful smile confirms it.

Up Close:

In Praise:
“Shannon Kaprive is passionate and full of joy—for others. Her writing is so authentic, so encouraging. Something So Real will uplift anyone who reads it, no matter where they are in life’s journey.”—Lydia Inglett, Publisher, Starbooks.

Thought Question:
Has the busyness of life gotten you down?

Thoughtful Answer:
“Take heart my friend, and open the pages of this book! Let the inspired poems, messages and scripture comfort and invigorate you.”

Meet Shannon:
visit her booth at the Bluffton MayFest on May 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Books will be available for purchase!

Log On:
Find out more about Shannon at www.shannonkaprive.com

Buy the Book:
Something So Real: Inspirational Wisdom to Nurture Your Heart and Soul can be purchased online at www.starbooks.biz.