I can’t believe how fast the year has passed. Thank you for making it a wonderful 2014! As I head off for a much needed holiday break, I wanted remind you that I had wonderful perseverance stories shared by some amazing authors during the holiday guest posts. Many success interviews have posted since closing Pitch Wars. I’m so thrilled for the writers who have made agent matches, and I’m sure we’ll have more to come in the New Year. Also, there’s a query and first page workshop happening in January with Chimera Editing. You can find all the details here. And Pitch Madness is fast approaching, too!
In thinking about perseverance, I reflect on my struggles through the years. My son had cancer when he was five, then it was my turn to suffer it, and then my husband had skin cancer. I’ve almost lost my oldest son during childbirth, I’ve had a miscarriage, I’ve suffered divorce, and mourned the passing of my grandparents. I had to part ways with an agent and a publisher. This time last year, things looked bleak, but during those dark times, there was much laughter and celebrations. We added to our family, we all are cancer free, I found a new agent who gave me renew faith in my abilities, and became an Entangled Publishing author. I’m in such a great place, and I have so many friends, family, and the writing community to thank for holding me up during the bad times and making me laugh through the pain. 2015 promises to be a great year!
What I wish to pass on is that we all have hard times, we all get knocked down, but there is always a new day dawning full of hope and possibilities. Reach out to those in need, pick someone up from the gutter of despair. You never know how your actions can affect someone. An act of kindness can give someone hope. A borrowed ear can let someone release their fears. And a hug can make someone feel wanted.
Thank you for being here for me, thank you for all your acts of kindness this past year, for all your support, and for joining me in this crazy journey we’ve all chosen to take. I wouldn’t want to take it without all of you. And remember, there’s always tomorrow for dreams to come true.
Happy Holidays and see you next year!
8 Comments
P.D. Pabst · December 22, 2014 at 12:56 pm
I’m so glad things have been on the up for you! You deserve great things for all the wonderful stuff you contribute. Wishing you the happiest of holidays!
Brownyn Deaver · December 22, 2014 at 1:36 pm
Happy Holidays to you too, Brenda! Thank you for all that you do for all of us!
CathyShouse · December 22, 2014 at 2:49 pm
Thanks for all the positive info. you share! Have a merry Christmas and happy New Year!
Hanna Loren · December 22, 2014 at 8:34 pm
Thank you for sharing and caring Brenda; I’ve only been following you for a short time and you’ve made a huge difference in my writing life and life overall for me. It’s great to learn that we are not alone in our struggles and that there are people like you who are kind enough to look back and support the stragglers like me who gain so much from your encouragement.
Valerie Bodden · December 22, 2014 at 11:58 pm
I’m a relatively new follower and just wanted to say thanks for all the writing information and inspiration you share. It sounds like you’ve made it through some incredibly difficult times, and I’m glad to hear things are looking up. Thanks for the reminder of what a difference an act of kindness can make. Merry Christmas!
Erin Kettle · December 23, 2014 at 12:21 am
Thank you for being a great example. It is sometimes a very harsh/scary/frustrating path we all chose to travel down to be writers. Thank you for sharing your stories! I wish you the best in 2015!
Mary M. Bauer · December 23, 2014 at 11:51 am
Thank you Brenda for all you do. Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years.
Brenda Drake · January 6, 2015 at 10:25 am
You all warm my heart! Happy New Year and here’s to a wonderful 2015!
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