Reflections on an author interview from over a decade ago and how much is still true
Kathryn Vercillo on book writing and marketing, crocheting to heal, and the advice to "Be You"
Back in 2012, I had just self-published Crochet Saved My Life and put a lot of effort into trying to promote the book. I did this through many means but mostly through connecting with others who were willing to share excerpts, interviews, etc. with their own readers. Today, I wanted to share with you one of those old interviews, originally published (and still available online) by Sylvia Browder.
I think it’s helpful sometimes to revisit the things we’ve said as writers in eras past and see what still holds true and what doesn’t. So, in italics, you’ll see a few of my comments from today, looking back.
Sylvia: Welcome Kathryn. Please give our readers an introduction of yourself and a little about your book.
Kathryn: Hi, Sylvia. I am a San Francisco based professional blogger who has just self-published a new book called “Crochet Saved My Life.” The book is about the mental and physical health benefits of crafting/ hobbies (especially crochet). In this book I share a mini-memoir of my own experience struggling through, and eventually thriving despite, a fifteen-year battle with depression. I also tell the personal stories of almost two dozen other strong women who crafted to heal their way to a better life while coping with OCD, schizophrenia, fibromyalgia and other chronic conditions.
I have a strong interest and previous work experience in social work/ mental health. This is an area of study that fascinates me. I used this book as an opportunity to delve deeper into the research that exists about what self-expression, creativity and repetitive activities like crochet can be healing for many mental illnesses. I also care a lot about making connections with others and this book allowed me the opportunity to do that – and hopefully to keep doing it as people read the book and reach out to me with their own stories.
Happy to see that almost all of this still feels honest and authentic and true. I no longer work as a “professional blogger” per se although online writing still comprises much of my work. I mentioned then that interest in mental health and a few years later would go on to pursue a Masters Degree in psychology and delve even deeper into this research.
Sylvia: I am just intrigued that the art of ‘crocheting’ has been used to the body, mind and spirit. That is awesome! What inspired you to write your first book?
Kathryn: I actually wrote a few books before this that were published through Schiffer but I had been asked to write them and they were a “job” as opposed to a true creation from the heart, so I consider Crochet Saved My Life to be my first book in many ways. I chose to write this in part because I felt like I had a really strong personal story to share.
There was more to it than that, though. I started my crochet blog in early 2011 and I would sometimes post stories about the therapeutic value of crafting. Those stories always received a terrific response with women opening up to me with the intimate details of their own stories. I knew that I had the opportunity to help these women share those stories in a way that would allow others to relate, and perhaps grow. So my own experience inspired me to write the book but it was the stories of these other women that inspired me to keep going and finish it!
Funnily enough, my most recent book, The Artist’s Mind, was also published through Schiffer and it IS a creation from the heart. You really don’t know what’s going to happen in life and sometimes just being curious about what’s on the next page of my own life story is what’s kept me going.
Sylvia: Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?
Kathryn: There are several!
No matter what problems you have in life, you have to continue striving to have the best quality of life possible. Only you can do this for yourself.
There is value in the sharing of personal stories. We each have a unique experience to share with others.
Activities that encourage relaxation, self-expression and creativity are activities that will aid you in healing from almost anything.
Crochet is not a lost craft; it’s alive and well and practice by both men and women as a hobby as well as a therapeutic tool.
Oh I wonder what I would say now if I re-read the book. I wouldn’t phrase it that “you have to continue striving” anymore even though I think the general gist of that is fair. I really practice being gentle with myself and being where I am these days, more than striving for anything really. But the rest feels true. And I think there’s probably more deep inside there that I would share. Something about community for sure.
Sylvia: Very empowering messages! Do you have any advice for other writers?
Kathryn: Writing is a really solitary activity but there has to be a balance. It is definitely important to take time to yourself to hear your inner voice and get it down on the page. However, you also need to have many experiences out and about with other people to be able to relate to them and keep on going productively in your work. Plus, when it comes time to market your book, you’re going to need each and every one of those people you know to help you spread the word! So strive for a balance!
Balance is definitely still true but probably for different reasons. Although my “connections” are how I “market” myself, I’m really much more deeply interested in the true authenticity of the collaborations as opposed to a business approach to networking. And today I would probably share really different writing advice although I suppose it would depend on the context of the interview. I, personally, see my work as a whole body of work that is collecting up over a lifetime, so while I put effort and energy into each individual piece, I don’t worry too much about what happens when that piece is released into the world. I let it do its magic and I keep working on my work.
Sylvia: What marketing techniques have you used to sell your books and which ones have been most successful?
Kathryn: I started a blog in the niche of crochet before I even began to write the book and have continued to build it up with a focus on creating and encouraging connections within the crochet community. I knew that this would be the base for early support for the book and I did my part to become a strong, supportive voice in this community. I built up my social media and an email newsletter around this blog, always striving to use the blog to give something of value to the community, not to just market myself. And then when the book was released, these people really came through for me and helped me out by buying the book, writing blog posts about it, sharing it on the social sites, etc.
Outside of my niche, I’ve worked to just constantly reach out to people that I think might be interested to let them know the book exists and that I’m happy to be interviewed, do guest posts or provide more information for anyone who is interested. I always try to keep it personal (finding out a blogger’s name and their interests before emailing them about it, for example) and I always try to offer something in return (even if it’s just good advice in an interview) so they’re getting something for their effort in promoting me. For me personally, the most sales have come from reviews on blogs, followed by interviews of me and then guest posts by me. Giveaways don’t seem to translate to sales in my experience so far.
Most of that remains true with more recent books. By the way, I eventually got an offer from someone to buy my crochet blog and it’s related social media and I decided to let that happen. I have mixed feelings because sometimes I think I should have hung on to the social media and email list and “audience” but ultimately I think it was good to let it go and move forward.
Sylvia: Great techniques! Why should we buy your book?
Kathryn: It is filled with stories from inspiring, strong women who are really relatable, which makes it enjoyable to read. It encourages creativity, which is something all of us could use a little bit more of! It provides tips and ideas for healing that might be used by people who enjoy any type of craft. And buying this book supports an indie author!
But you don’t have to take my word for it. Here are some of the things others have said:
CrochetKitten said: “This book is a must-read for any crocheter who has ever felt alone or like no one else understands. If you only have time to read one book this year, make it this one.”
Thornberry said, “I encourage you to have a look at Kathryn’s website and further information about this book, and possibly even order a copy! It’s a great way to support someone who is doing her utmost to explore and promote a popular handcraft in a way that hasn’t been investigated before, and it’s an interesting read as well.”
Moogly said, “This (is) an invaluable resource for occupational therapists, mental health professionals, and teachers – even those who do not crochet themselves.”
Sara said, I saw myself in each story and I applaud the women for being brave enough to share in such a public way.”
Sylvia: Wow, nothing like the power of testimonials. Thanks for sharing them with our readers. Is there a special place that you prefer when you write?
Kathryn: I prefer writing in my own home. I initially thought I’d love the freedom of the writer’s life in the sense that I’d be able to write anywhere. That’s certainly true to an extent but the truth is that I tend to work best when I’m alone in my own space. I get too distracted trying to work on vacation, in relatives’ homes or in coffee shops.
Oh yeah, still super true!
Sylvia: What projects are you currently working on?
Kathryn: I’m continuing to keep up my crochet blog daily; I share information about all aspects of crochet including art, design, fashion and books. I am working on a new book for crocheters designed to inspire their creative sides. And I’m hoping to do a follow-up book of sorts for Crochet Saved My Life within the next year.
Oh, I love looking back at this stuff. As aforementioned, I sold the crochet blog eventually, so that part is definitely not true anymore but for a long time I really enjoyed delving into all aspects of crochet as described there. The “new book” became Hook to Heal which is personally one of my favorite books I’ve ever written. I don’t recall what the “follow up” to Crochet Saved My Life was but that didn’t happen … and I keep saying I’m going to publish a second edition because there’s so much new information that I’ve gathered in the decade plus since I published it but that hasn’t happened either …
Sylvia: I commend you on your efforts. I know how much TLC it takes to keep a blog relevant. How did crochet help you through depression?
Kathryn: I experienced many benefits from the craft including:
The repetition of it releases serotonin, which is a natural anti-depressant.
The craft is calming so it reduces the anxiety associated with depression. My anxiety was terrible so this was really helpful for me.
Creating beautiful things by hand and developing new skill helps build self-esteem, something frequently lost in depression.
Crafting for others helps you feel productive even if depression makes it hard to get out of bed some days. I hate feeling unproductive so it was wonderful for me to feel like I was doing something again!
Many of the benefits of the craft can be found through other crafts, too, including writing!
Sylvia: What is your POWER WORD? Why this word?
Kathryn: It’s a phrase not a word: Be You!
Sylvia: Ha, love that… plain and simple, Be You!
I love it too! I don’t remember embracing this or how often I used it or if it’s just something I said in this interview and never again but I love it. I wonder, actually, if it comes from reading Gretchen Rubin who was writing at the time about her thoughts on "being Gretchen” (probably in Happiness Project, possibly in Happier at Home, both of which I would have been reading around this time.)
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