Holiday Post and Giveaway with Pitch Wars Mentor, Destiny Cole

You’ve heard the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child,” but you may not have realized that it also takes a village to raise a book. And I must say, I have a pretty incredible village.

Through all the highs and lows that come with trying to establish a career in publishing, it takes being connected to a special group of writers to help you stay sane. My special group just so happens to be the #PitchWars class of 2014. One of the best parts about being in this community is that it doesn’t stop with CP’ing for each other or posting celebratory/angry emojis when we get good/bad news. Life sucks sometimes and that became so unfairly true for one of our own when she lost her husband to cancer this year. It was as we all walked with her through this no-words-to-explain-crap-storm that I received a whole new appreciation for the love of our group. We rally around each other, proving that our friendships are so much more than just about our careers and writing—we have become genuinely invested in each other’s lives. I am grateful beyond belief for my writing community and the way they infuse perseverance into my life. Because as writers, we need all the encouragement to keep pushing forward as we can get.

Sometimes, the word perseverance gets spun with such a negative connotation. It emits images of haggard, tired people just barely staying upright as they sludge on toward their goal. But for me, the word perseverance elicits feelings of hope. You can only persevere when you’re still moving.

This whole concept is a little something I’m learning and hope to continue to grab onto in 2017. To not lose hope in the face of disappointments, but to realize that each “no” is positioning you for your “yes.” I love what Pierce Brown said, which can be found in the acknowledgements of his book, Morning Star.

So, this is for all you out there who are burdened with a dream or striving toward a goal that seems so far away. 2017 is our year. Every great success comes right after an even greater risk. Put yourself out there… even if the chance of rejection is greater than the chance of victory. Success is waiting, but you must be brave enough to take the first step.

And because one of the best ways to get inspired is to read, I’m giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to buy the book(s) of your choice!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Destiny Cole

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Whether it’s fantastical worlds or creepy villains, Destiny Cole wants to tell the kind of stories that stay with you long after the last page is turned. Writing primarily YA thriller and mystery books, Destiny is repped by Kirsten Carleton at Prospect Agency. When detached from her computer, she can be found entertaining her three kids and trying to convince her Belgian husband that she’s the funniest person he’s ever met. She and her family currently reside in Dallas, Texas.

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