Meet Tara C. Allred

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tara C. Allred a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tara C., we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
My preference is to be more in the shadows, not in the spotlight. But after a lot of trial and error, I have learned that being an author means finding your place, and that doesn’t allow for hiding. Acceptance of these external requirements has allowed me to focus on what I can control—my inner thoughts. Negative self-talk will destroy confidence and self-esteem faster than anything, so I guard against it. If a negative thought comes, I acknowledge it briefly and move on. I don’t dwell on it. So, a “Yep, this is a scary situation,” or a “Yep, I don’t feel adequate to be here, but I am here. And I am grateful. I’ve worked hard on my personal journey to be here, so now I am going to enjoy this moment, doing this incredible activity or event.” By shifting my talk, I turn away from the fears to a place of gratitude and joy. This mindset shift has been a great tool to manage anxiety, dread, fears, doubt, and low confidence.

Another tool that significantly aids me is a personal mantra: “Courage. Confidence. And the ability to change.” Embracing a growth mindset has allowed me to view challenging circumstances as opportunities to learn. I approach unfamiliar situations with the understanding that it’s okay not to know everything. I am a person in development, a growing author, and each new experience is a chance to learn and grow.

Also, at the end of any project, event, or activity, I self-assess and analyze what I learned from the situation. I acknowledge the miracles and blessings along the way, what I have gained from the experience, and what I might do differently in a future opportunity.

Finally, I have decided to make peace with imposter syndrome. Rather than overcome it, I just accept that it is there. I acknowledge its existence and accept these feelings are normal. I don’t stress over trying to eliminate it or debate it. I’ve learned to keep those thoughts and feelings of inadequacy in the background, more like a dull murmur rather than a paralyzing force.

My first novel, SANDERS’ STARFISH, was a metaphor for dealing with the fears of trying to embark on the author’s journey. The heart of the story is ‘Don’t let fear control your life.’ I return to this theme again and again. I want to live my life and enjoy as many amazing opportunities as I can. To do this, I can’t let fear control my choices. And somehow, by being determined that fear won’t stop me, I just keep on going. I see fear as my enemy. So, as I wage against it, the victory is greater confidence and self-esteem.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My author’s journey began with a childhood passion for storytelling, ignited at the age of five. By fifth grade, I was determined to become an author. At 27, I published my first novel with a mid-size publisher, only to discover that the conventional route didn’t align with my creative spirit. This realization led to a decade of grappling with the disparity between my writing dreams and the realities of the publishing world.

In 2012, after winning a writing contest, I signed with a new publisher. However, after eighteen months, they closed their doors. With my second novel almost complete, I embraced self-publishing, embarking on an adventure that transformed my author journey. The rewards multiplied as I learned, faced challenges, and celebrated victories. I’ve authored eight books under my pen name and served as a ghostwriter for others.

When my independent publishing journey unfolded in 2013, I started the imprint Patella Publishing. Soon after, writers approached me seeking guidance. Over the past decade, I have assisted hundreds of writers at various stages, offering services from initiating the writing process to publication, marketing, website creation, and beyond. Due to the growing requests, last year, I officially launched Patella Publishing Services to widen my reach and offer more comprehensive packages to help developing writers and published authors succeed. The rewards of last year included aiding authors whose manuscripts were signed by publishers, coaching writers who won fantastic awards, and celebrating with readers who found the book they needed.

As an author of literary novels, my accolades include being a recipient of a California Governor’s Scholar of the Arts for Creative Writing in 1992, winner of The Blot Writing Contest in April 2012, and winner of the Howey Award for Best Adult Author and Best Adult Novel in October 2014, a finalist in the 2015 Kindle Book Award for THE OTHER SIDE OF QUIET, and the winner of the 2015 Whitney Award for General Fiction. I’ve also been a semi-finalist in the 2021 Kindle Book Award for REMEMBER. Beyond awards, I’ve been a presenter at Storymakers, Author-Con, and a panelist at Life, the Universe and Everything (LTUE) Writing Symposium, and Utah Library Associations Conference.

But these recognitions aren’t the true measure of success. Instead, it’s about those quiet instances when a book changes a life. In addition to my accomplishments as an author, I’m an advocate for literacy, designing courses to support educators in providing greater reading, writing, and learning opportunities for students nationwide. My creative expertise and design work have been contracted by companies and education establishments, including IBM, Cornell Law School, Pearson, K12/Stride, and more. Education changes lives, and there’s no more powerful conduit to entertain and educate than through the power of stories.

So, what’s next for me? Excitingly, 2024 holds two significant milestones in my author journey. The final book in The Existence Series, titled “FOR THE ETERNAL,” is set to be released this fall, a huge labor of love. Additionally, the audiobook version of my first novel, “SANDERS STARFISH,” narrated by James Davidson and in partnership with Josh Law from Blah Blah Studios, will also be released.

As my journey continues, I strive for success by embracing growth, seeking to impact lives, and cherishing each opportunity to connect with others through the art of storytelling.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful:

  1. Adaptability: The landscape of any journey evolves, and being adaptable has been essential. Embracing change and staying open to new ideas enabled me to navigate uncertainties and capitalize on emerging opportunities. It’s about being agile in thought and action. Adaptability builds resilience which can turn obstacles into opportunities.
  2. Continuous Learning: In a rapidly changing world, the hunger for knowledge is a powerful asset. Constantly seeking to learn, unlearn, and relearn has allowed me to stay relevant and innovative. Whether through formal education or informal exploration, the commitment to lifelong learning has been transformative.
  3. Long-Term Investment: Success in the creative realm is often a marathon, not a sprint. Investing in the long game has been pivotal for my sustained growth. It’s crucial to view your writing career as a business with long-term goals. Building a brand, cultivating a readership, and establishing a solid foundation take time. My advice is to be patient, stay committed to your vision, and make decisions that contribute to your long-term success.

Advice for those early in their journey:

  • Embrace Failure: Don’t fear failure; see it as a stepping stone to success. Each setback is a lesson that propels you forward.
  • Stay Curious: Cultivate a curious mindset. The more you explore and ask questions, the more you’ll discover about yourself and your journey.
  • Build a Support System: Surround yourself with quality coaches, mentors, peers, and a community that can offer guidance and support. The collective wisdom of a network is invaluable.
  • Be Patient: Journeys take time. Celebrate small victories, stay patient during challenges, and trust the process.
  • Adapt and Evolve: The ability to adapt is a superpower. Stay flexible in your plans, be open to change, and seize unexpected opportunities.
  • Invest in Learning: Never stop learning. Whether through formal education or self-directed exploration, the knowledge you gain will be your most powerful tool.

Also, remember that every journey is unique. While these qualities have been impactful for me, it’s essential to discover what resonates most with you and tailor your approach accordingly. This is why working with a writing coach can be so beneficial.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
In the past 12 months, my most significant area of growth has been in navigating the business side of writing. I’ve delved into the world of entrepreneurship with the launch of Patella Publishing Services, a dream project aimed at supporting writers in sharing their impactful stories. Learning the intricacies of managing a business, securing funding through the Wildcat Microfund with support from the Small Business Development Center of Utah, and embracing the challenges and triumphs of this venture have been instrumental in my personal and professional development. It’s been a transformative journey, and I’m excited about the continued growth and opportunities on the horizon.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photographs by Josh Law and JT Niekamp

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