Interview with Crystal Vo

Author of Finding My Voice – The Journey of Hope

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I am from Vietnam. I have lived in Los Angeles County since I came to the United States in 1986.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I was born into a middle-class family, but my family lost everything after the Vietnam war. Life was difficult; therefore, I escaped my country in search of a better life.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I have a story that needed to come into the light. I was a victim of child abuse. What hurt me more than the physical pain was losing my baby brother through illness. As a result, I lived in many years of depression. Writing about my misfortunes has given sense. It lifted all burdens on my shoulder. So I wanted to share with others who go through a similar situation, in the hope to help them see the light at the end of the tunnel.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

It is a story of courage and determination. It takes readers to the beginning of the 70’s when I was born, to the scene of chaotic migration to the south of Vietnam in 1975, ten years of living in poverty, the loss of a loved one and the decision to escape Vietnam by boat. Difficult life did not end at my arrival in America, rather it was the new beginning of another hard life… No matter how tough my life was, I managed to thrive and raised two beautiful children who are now in college and graduate school.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Immigrants, parents, mental illness.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

It was not so much of a surprise, but it was a challenge sharing my pain with the world.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

It took me many years to complete this book because I was scared, embarrassed and worried about what others think about me or anyone involved in it. If I could advise my past self, I would tell her that my story would help many people who are suffering worse pain can find some comfort in my stories. It might help them heal. So be brave and pave the way for others to follow.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

just one million for now 🙂

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Not having this book reach the mass audience. Part of it is my fault because I did not approach it as a business.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

writing

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

marketing

When do you think you will write your next book?

For those who read my book, they wanted more details. So I have been adding pages to it as I speak. I plan to complete it by the summer of 2020.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Self published.