Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Allred
Hi Tara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey as an author began with a childhood passion for storytelling. At four, I learned to read and developed a great love for books. When I was five, my mom took me to the library to see how books were made. In my young mind, I couldn’t wait to discover the secret behind this “how books are made” magic.
As we headed down the steps of the library, I clearly remember peering down, eagerly watching for the answer. To my great surprise, I saw people! P This was the first moment I understood that people made books. Right then and there, I decided that if people made books, I would make books too. The workshop was about bookbinding, and I left the library that day with a newly made book filled with empty pages. I got to work right away, writing my first story, and my dreams only grew from there.
As I progressed through life, my determination to become an author solidified. By fifth grade, I was resolved to pursue this path. At 27, I published my first novel with a mid-size publisher but soon discovered 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 2013, I started Patella Publishing for my own books. Soon after, writers approached me seeking guidance. Over the past decade, I’ve helped hundreds of writers, from the initial stages of writing to publication and beyond. Due to 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.
As an author, I’ve received various accolades, including the California Governor’s Scholar of the Arts for Creative Writing, The Blot Writing Contest winner, Howey Award winner, and Whitney Award for General Fiction winner. However, the true measure of success lies in the quiet moments when a book changes a life.
In addition to my writing, I advocate for education. My creative expertise has been contracted by companies and educational institutions such as IBM, the International Society for Technology in Education, Cornell Law School, and Pearson.
Throughout my journey, I have embraced growth, celebrated victories, and cherished the opportunity to connect with others through storytelling. Now, in my forties, I am discovering new ways to help others experience the magical joy of sharing their stories. The awe of creation continues, and I am humbled and thrilled to be at this stage of my love for stories.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey to where I am today has been anything but smooth. It has been a challenging, life-changing adventure filled with struggles, failures, and inner battles. When I first decided to become an author, I was a shy student who dreaded drawing attention to myself. Publishing my first novel in 2003 was a dream come true, but it also thrust me into the spotlight, pushing me far beyond my comfort zone.
In the years that followed, I faced numerous obstacles. There were times I wanted to quit and many moments when my aspirations seemed misaligned with reality. I had to constantly push myself, pick myself up after failures, and heal my wounds. This journey taught me resilience and perseverance, even when the path seemed insurmountable.
The publishing industry itself presented its own set of challenges. After publishing my first novel with a mid-size publisher, I realized that the traditional route didn’t suit my creative spirit. When my second publisher closed their doors just as I was finishing my second novel, I was forced to navigate the world of self-publishing. This shift brought new hurdles but also tremendous rewards, as I learned and grew through the process.
Despite these struggles, 2023 marked a significant milestone for me. Celebrating twenty years since publishing my first novel, I reflected on the highs and lows of my journey. This milestone symbolized the culmination of two decades of perseverance, growth, and self-discovery. With this new outlook, I found a renewed love for the authorial experience and a chance to celebrate the person I’ve become through these challenges.
Through it all, what kept me going was a deep-seated passion for storytelling and an unwavering belief in the power of stories to connect and elevate. The journey has been tough, but the lessons learned and the growth experienced have been invaluable. Now, as I look forward to new adventures and challenges, I remain grateful for every obstacle that has shaped my path.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I believe that sharing stories is one of the most powerful tools for connection. To truly benefit society, we need to tell good stories—ones that elevate as well as entertain.
Years ago, during a book club discussion, one of the readers described my books as having “substance.” I’ve since embraced that phrase. I write stories of substance, aiming to forge a meaningful connection with my readers. I hope that through my stories, readers find insights and a deeper personal connection—moments that stay with them long after they’ve finished the book. Recognizing the value of a reader’s time, I strive to ensure that my stories are worth that investment.
My specialization lies in crafting literary novels that delve into the human experience and societal patterns, with the goal of inspiring readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships. I write with the hope that my stories will encourage readers to become better individuals and contribute positively to humanity. These are the types of stories I love to read, and so I strive to write them as best I can.
Do I achieve this for every reader? No, but for some, the connection is profound. In their quiet moments, these readers discover the “substance” or treasures I found through the writing of the story. When a reader finds that connection, it is a priceless moment! These are the rewards that make the whole process worth the labor.
What sets me apart is my dedication to writing stories that go beyond mere entertainment. I aim to create narratives that resonate on a deeper level, offering readers a chance to reflect, grow, and find inspiration. I view my work as more than just words on a page; it’s about creating an experience that may lead the reader to be more thoughtful, empathetic, and a better contributor to the world around them.
What matters most to you? Why?
Inner peace matters most to me. When I experience inner peace, I know my life is in balance. It allows me to love myself, love others, and submit to a higher plan that I believe surpasses anything I could devise on my own. This state of balance and tranquility is the foundation for everything else I value—truth, family, making the world a better place, serving, loving, and helping others.
Achieving inner peace requires discernment. It’s about having the courage to do what I know is right and doing it for the right reasons. It involves a deep reliance on God to guide and support me. When I am at peace, I can experience joy and contribute to a ripple effect where my actions enhance not only my own life but also the lives of those around me.
This sense of inner peace enables me to embrace my life’s priorities and seek balance. It serves as a guiding light that helps me navigate challenges, make meaningful connections, and ultimately lead a fulfilling and purposeful life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.patellapublishing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taracallred
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraCAllred/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-allred-niekamp
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/taracallred
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PatellaPublishing
