Karen Ingalls
ADVICE TO WRITERS:
The number one piece of advice is: believe in yourself. It can be too easy for other people to question the efforts and beliefs of others. Do not let their doubts or lack of faith in you stop your writing.
There are many writers who have had formal training. The may have their PhD’s in English or Writing, but many writers have not been formally trained. They wrote a story because they believed in it.
Do not be discouraged by rejection letters from publishing firms or literary agents. I received many such letters, but the encouragement from friends and family AND my belief in the importance of my story led me to become an Indie. I have no regrets.
Writing, editing, and publishing your book are the relative easy parts. For me, and probably most writers, the hardest part is the marketing. Going to book clubs, book expos, joining Internet book clubs (Rave Reviews Book Club is a must), writing articles, books signings at bookstores, connecting with other authors on FB and LinkedIn, having a blog, are just a few of the many things to do. Getting reviews on Amazon or Barnes & Noble is important.
Becoming a published author is a learning experience. It can seem overwhelming at times, but when you get positive reviews you will be grateful and inspired. Be sure to thank each person in writing for their review. If it is a negative review, contact the reader to understand his/her point of view.
Being proud of your work and believing in yourself are the two most important gifts to treasure.
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Guthrie's Writing Cottage 
Hi karen,
Stunning photos of you and your latest book.
Hope you have a successful blog tour and meet many old friends (and new ones.)
Patricia A. Guthrie
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Patricia, thank you for hosting today on my blog tour. It is a wonderful presentation.
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Karen, You have give good advice to writers. Your readers are happy that you “believed in yourself” and did not get discouraged! Thank you for hosting, Patricia.
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Thank you, Mary for your comment. No matter what we are pursuing, it is important to believe in ourselves and follow our dream.
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Sound advice for writers. Have pride in your work in writing is an important one for me. Thanks for hosting, Patricia.
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Our writing says a lot about who we are. Feeling good about or proud of our endeavors is a critical element. “Be proud of your work” is a lesson I was taught by my grandparents.Thank you for stopping by, Gordon.
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Karen, I think we all became Indie Authors because we didn’t want to continue getting rejections and becoming discouraged. Thank goodness for all the help out there including RRBC.
Have a great tour!
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Shirley, how very true. And yes, thank goodness for RRBC.
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Thanks for an inspiring post, Karen and Patricia. 🙂 May your lovely light keep shining, Karen! xo
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Bette, thank you for sharing your thoughts. Every time I see a Monarch butterfly I think of you.
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Another great post, Karen. Yes, doubts and lack of faith are troubles that plague us and aren’t easy to brush off.
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Thank you for your comment and reading the blog.
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I hope you’re enjoying your time in the Spotlight, Karen!
Thanks for hosting, Patricia.
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The spotlight gets hot, but it does not change the fun I am having. To receive so much support is gratifying.
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Gorgeous photo of you and lovely book cover, Karen. Congratulations on your spotlight honor! Thanks for hosting, Patricia!
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Flossie, I am flattered by your comment. As for the book cover, it is my favorite of my three published books. I got tears in my eyes when I saw it for the first time.
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Great advice Karen. It’s easy to doubt yourself in such a personal endeavor. Enjoy your month. Great post Patricia.
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Denise, unfortunately it can be too easy to doubt ourselves. That is why we should always try to give people compliments and support.
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Hi Karen and Patricia, Thank you for a lovely blog post. I enjoyed your various comments throughout your week’s tour, Karen. All the best for the rest of September🌸🌺🌸
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Great advice, Karen. Self belief is a must for authors.
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