Caroline Allen’s journey as an author is one of resilience, creativity, and staying true to her voice. The novels in her Elemental Journey series have earned her multiple IPPY Awards (3 sold and 1 silver!)—a recognition that validated her hard work and inspired her to keep creating.

Caroline sat down with us to share her thoughts on winning an IPPY, her unique writing process, and the advice she has for aspiring authors.

What Winning an IPPY Meant to Allen

Winning her IPPY Awards has been transformative for Allen’s career.

“The awards put my novels on the map, sold many copies, landed interview spots, legitimized my career as a novelist, and helped me land more clients as a book coach,” she shared. “The IPPYs have given me a career I wouldn’t have had without it.”

On a personal level, the awards brought recognition that had long eluded her.

“I had not expected to win an IPPY, as I was such a fringe writer,” she explained. “I came from a journalism background, and when I transitioned to writing fiction, my stuff went more fringe. And when I tried to work with mainstream publishers, I faced years of rejection.”

Allen was ready to give up, but the IPPYs changed everything.

“Winning an IPPY was recognition that had not come before—and I needed that recognition to keep being a writer.”

Finding Community

The IPPYs also introduced Allen to a network of like-minded authors.

“When I went to the award ceremony, I met so many other writers and realized that this is my tribe,” she said.

Meeting other writers who understood the ups and downs of the creative process was a transformative experience. The awards weren’t just about celebrating; they became a space for connection, encouragement, and inspiration.

“It helped me solidify my core values and align them to what I was doing to help bring change to the world,” she explained.

This sense of community reaffirmed Allen’s belief in the power of authentic voices and strengthened her commitment to creating work that challenges the status quo.

A Writing Process Rooted in Truth

Allen’s writing process is as unique and visionary as the stories she tells. Early in her career, she struggled to align her creative instincts with the expectations of traditional publishing. But a pivotal conversation with her therapist changed everything.

“You need to be writing your truth every day and not having somebody else tell you what to write,” her therapist told her. The words hit hard, and Allen realized she had been holding back out of fear.

However, opening up that door wasn’t easy. “When my therapist said this, I started crying. I was so nervous about opening that door (there were too many monsters inside!),” she admitted. To help her face these fears, her therapist suggested she place a cage under her writing desk.

During her sessions, Allen would unlock the cage and let the “monsters” of her doubts and fears out, channeling their energy into her work. When the session was over, she’d lock them away again.

This unusual method proved transformative. By confronting her inner fears, Allen could write with unfiltered honesty. “It sounds crazy, but it was perfect for me,” she said. The result was a body of work that is deeply personal, authentic, and impactful.

Allen encourages others to find their own rhythms and methods for writing. “I always tell my clients that everyone’s writing process is unique. Don’t listen to anyone else. You can read about mine, but it may not work for you. Find your own rhythms and write at whatever time of day that you want,” she advises.

Advice for Aspiring Authors

For Allen, the road to becoming an award-winning novelist wasn’t paved with mainstream approval. In fact, she believes the best stories come from those willing to step away from conventional expectations.

“To hell with the gatekeepers,” she says passionately. “And what I mean by that is stop writing for the mainstream top four or five publishers and start really expressing your authentic voice.”

She emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s individuality. “The fringe voices are needed now more than ever. Use your unique voice to make an impact!”

Through her book coaching services, Allen works with many writers who feel pressured to conform to traditional publishing norms. She challenges them to break free from these limitations and create work that’s true to who they are.

What’s Next for Caroline Allen

Allen’s journey as a writer is far from over. She’s currently working on the final installment of her Elemental Journey series, set to be completed in early 2025. Alongside this, she has a middle-grade book titled Blue coming out in January 2025 with a London publisher. The novel follows a young girl who learns to embrace her mystic side and confronts her true identity.

In addition to her writing, Allen is preparing for an art show, showcasing her talents as a visual artist. Through her work, both written and visual, she continues to explore themes of self-discovery, authenticity, and transformation.

Learn more about Caroline and the award-winning The Elemental Journey Series here.