🎉 Hey there, lovely readers! 🎉

Did you miss my latest YouTube video where I shared some tips to boost your writing confidence? No worries—I’ve got you covered right here! If you’d rather see me chat about it on screen, check out the video below.

💬 Feeling a little writerly doubt? 💬
I totally get it. After releasing Welcome to Garden Valley in August, I’ve had my moments of doubt too—book sales haven’t exactly skyrocketed (yet!). But I know I’m not alone as an author facing these bumps, so I put together a short list of ways to inspire and lift ourselves up.

✨ Tip #1: Write the book! ✨
Nothing boosts confidence like finishing your manuscript! That “I did it!” feeling is unbeatable. So, remind yourself—you’ve done it before, and you can do it again!

✨ Tip #2: Celebrate your wins! ✨
Writing a book isn’t a walk in the park. After the writing comes the endless re-reading, revising, and tweaking. So, give yourself some love! You’ve poured your heart into your words, and that deserves praise.

✨ Tip #3: Build your tribe! ✨
I’ve got my awesome crew of ‘Jeanies’—friends, family, and a handful of readers (about 20!) who are my go-to supporters for promoting Welcome to Garden Valley. It’s not a massive group, but it’s a start, and I’m so grateful for my Jeanies! Find your tribe, even if it’s small, because every bit of support helps.

✨ Tip #4: Seek out beta readers (the right ones)! ✨
You’ve heard it before—get beta readers—but here’s the kicker: pick someone who doesn’t know you! Trust me, when a complete stranger tells you they love your book, it hits differently. It’s that genuine, unbiased feedback that really confirms you’re on the right track.

💡 Quick story: I recently had a beta reader FALL IN LOVE with Welcome to Garden Valley. He told me it’s not even his usual genre, but he was hooked. That kind of feedback? Pure gold! It gave me a major confidence boost, and I can totally see the world of Garden Valley growing into something big!

So, here’s my final message for you:
No matter where you are in your writing journey, your book matters. Be your own biggest cheerleader, enjoy the ride, and keep creating magic with your words. 🌟

Until next time,
Jean Shelby

P.S. Don’t forget to check out the video for even more inspiration!