Yoga of Yarn: A Knitter’s Handbook for Self-Discovery was the winner in the BEST FIRST BOOK/non-fiction category of the 2023 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with author Liza Laird.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Yoga of Yarn: A Knitter’s Handbook for Self-Discovery. Published April 2022.
What’s the book’s first line?
Let’s begin with some basic tenets of yoga, including developing a beginner’s mind, setting an intention, and finding ease — and explore how they complement our knitting practice.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Yoga of Yarn is a book you do, not just read. Using movements, meditation, philosophy, breathing techniques, knitting patterns and much more, Yoga of Yarn is a practical and accessible handbook to transform your craft into a journey of self-growth. Uncover and honor what lies within and find greater ease and comfort.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
In 2014, at 31-years young, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This spurred me to curate a life focused on yoga, knitting, self-care and spiritual growth. The idea for the book had been simmering since 2009. My personal experience with breast cancer helped me clarify and develop the practices, which I experimented with and taught for over a decade before I felt they were refined enough to put on paper in the book.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The book is an extended discussion between me and the reader. These two main characters engage in a dialogue through the development and practice of habits and rituals that reinforce our sense of well-being and purpose.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
A pathway to wellness opens when a person takes ownership over their own self-care. Yoga of Yarn introduces many tools for each of us to explore and discover ourselves.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
I’d be very happy to see Jennifer Aniston play me in the movie!
When did you first decide to become an author?
I have dreamt of being an author since childhood. My decision to actually leave my job and focus on my passion happened in 2009.
Is this the first you’ve written?
This is the first book I’ve written. Many of the concepts are refinements of articles or knitting patterns I’ve written over the past decade, primarily focused on the benefits of interweaving yoga and knitting.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I teach yoga, knitting and meditation. When I’m not working, I wrangle three young children all day and just try to keep my head above water.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
On a day when my children nap well, I spend one to two hours writing. But most days I’m lucky to sneak in ten minutes.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part is I have full control over my work and how I share it with the world. The hardest part is overseeing all aspects of the book development, launch, marketing and execution.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
If a traditional publisher came calling, I would seriously consider it if it helped spread the message of the book more broadly, especially to international audiences.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I believe wholeheartedly in the teachings and practices I write about in Yoga of Yarn. I want to be able to share the message of the book with as many people as possible. I know it can help people find ease and peace in their lives, because I have seen it do so time and time again in my teaching.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Haruki Murakami is my favorite fiction writer. Julia Cameron has inspired my writing over and over again.