The email sat unread in my inbox. It was months since I entered the Purple Dragonfly Awards in the Young Adult Fiction category. I knew the competition would be steep and several, but I threw my hat in the ring with the other talented YA authors and hoped for the best. I ripped off the band-aid, opened the email, and scrolled to the Young Adult category winners. I was filled with emotion to see my name and book in the first place position, and I thought about the hard work it took to get there. Not just by me, but the team at Brother Mockingbird Publishing, the readers who continually support me and the love and encouragement of friends and family. To all the other authors waiting for their email, keep writing. Your talent will shine through and pay off soon.
