Interview with Susan Kesler-Simpson

Author of Overshot Simply

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

I was born in Portland Indiana. I lived on a dairy farm all of my life. The family homesteaded that farm in the 1850’s. I now live in Danville, PA. My husband just retired as a professor from Bloomsburg University, one of the schools in the state system.

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

Such a long tale. I went to Purdue University for 2 years but wasn’t sure what I wanted at the point. I had very strong parents who has told me what I should be. but I realized it wasn’t for me. I escaped by getting married, which was a bad choice, both for me and my ex. I do bear responsibility in that. I had live in Colorado and was in California at the time of the divorce. I left California and moved to Urbana Illinois to start over. I was hoping to go back to school but U of I did not have night classes. But, I got a job and started classes at a local Junior college. Then I met my present husband who was working on his PhD at the University. Ironically, he lived across the hall. We were married 2 years later and he has been a gem…very supportive in whatever I did. From here we moved to Tennessee where he worked for Oak Ridge National Labs. We had 3 children, which took up a lot of my time. Although I did sew and quilt a lot and was also active in the church. Lay-offs were happening so we decided to move before the proverbial knife fell. Dave took a job at the Univ. of NE, Lincoln as Radiation Safety Officer. It was here I was able, with his support and encouragement, to go back to school. I always wanted to learn to weave and it was exciting to see that it was part of the curriculum. I was able to get my BS and MA in Clothing, Textiles and Design. But Dave always wanted to teach. So he was very fortunate to get a position at Bloomsburg Univ. in the Physics dept. He taught Health Physics and Radiation Safety. That was how we ended up in PA. I wasn’t sure I wanted to move again. It is hard, especially with children…even if they are almost grown. But it was the best move ever.

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

After we moved to PA, I went to Manning’s for a refresher course in weaving. It was there I met Tom Knisely. He had been a wonderful mentor. I took a lot of classes and kept honing my skills. Then when he started to publish books, he asked me if I would help by weaving some of the projects. I was honored and immediately said ‘of course’. It was about the third book of his that I said to him. “Tom, you and all the other very experienced and talented weavers write wonderful books. BUT…the books are written by professionals for professionals. Lots of words that beginners and less experienced weavers don’t understand. Why don’t you write a book for beginners?” Well, he looked and me with his silly smile and replied “you write it”. My first thought was “I can’t write a book”. But with Tom’s encourage and my husbands support I dove in. I chose Overshot since that is my favorite weaves structure. Tom was there to proof the book, make sure it made sense and so on. That was how it all began. I now have a second book coming out in March 2020 …and a third book in the works. Who knew???

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

This book is written for beginners. I remember when someone on FB commented that “it was too simple”…I think she heard my eyes roll. of course it is simple…it is for beginners. It is written so that a first time overshot weaver can understand the structure. I show them how to add borders, change warps. AND, very important, I use affordable fibers. That is one of my pet peeves in some books…using fibers that are so out of most peoples price range. It is important to understand the basics. I always say, you can make a pattern/project harder, but if you don’t understand it, you can’t make it simpler. The whole point of the book is to help weavers learn and gain confidence. And it gives them a whole range of projects that they can try there new skills on.

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

Definitely beginning weavers, although I’ve had a few more experienced weavers comment that they have learned something. I think anyone who is willing to learn…can!

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

Much more involved than I realized. It really keeps me on my toes. Since I have to plan and weave all the projects that are included, I really have to plan my time well. I often have 3/4 of the book complete before I even approach the publisher. There is so much more to writing a weaving book than one might realize.

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

You can do it. Get rid of the self doubt…put on your big girl panties and jump in. Ignore the doubters and complainers. They will always be there and generally it is there problem, not yours.

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

Millions, of course! Seriously, as many as possible. I love to speak at guilds/meetings and share my journey plus the projects in the book. The feedback helps me with future books.

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

I hate proofing…it is tedious and boring. But a very necessary evil. I’m fortunate to have a husband who helps with the graphs and 2 very good weaving buddies that help with the rest of the proofing. And, helping the publisher to understand the weaving language and how things are set up….which is very different that regular books.

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

I make sure I know the basics if I’m going to teach the basics. I do not claim to be an expert in all weave structures. I know that I’m not and I’m honest about that. but the basics….got those! I’m also great at time management, thank goodness!

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

Truthfully, sometimes I get bored of the same weave structure by the time the projects are all completed. Keep in mind, I usually have 20-24 projects to make and include I the book. I guess that would be a weakness.

When do you think you will you write your next book?

Already done…as I said…book 2 SHADOW WEAVE SIMPLY is due out in March 2020. Again, make shadow weave easier to understand. And the third book
CREATIVE TREADLINGS WITH OVERSHOT is a future publication. There is no release date on it at this time.

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

I am a traditional publisher…Stackpole. They have been wonderful to work with and very supportive of my craft