Passion + Grit = Big Wins!

I just have to share this wonderful moment with you all: my daughter, Arabella, has always been head over heels in love with dancing. Her biggest dream? Getting her pointe shoes. Watching her dedication to ballet, with the incredible support from her instructors, has been such an inspiration. After years of hard work, she’s finally reached her goal and is so excited to keep on her ballet journey.

Arabella’s passion for ballet started when she was just a little two-year-old, her twirls and pirouettes full of joy. Ballet isn’t easy—it takes talent, stamina, and a whole lot of perseverance.

From the beginning, Arabella faced some big challenges. Dancing en pointe was a pretty daunting dream, needing physical strength, balance, and technique, which only years of dedicated training can build. She worked tirelessly on strengthening her feet and ankles to be able to dance on her toes safely. Despite the tough road, her determination never wavered.

She stuck to a routine, attending ballet classes multiple times a week at a dance studio known for its warm environment and top-notch instructors. Her amazing ballet teacher really invested in her, offering personalized attention and exercises to boost her foot and ankle strength.

At home, Arabella kept up her exercises, focusing on those muscles, flexibility, and balance. Her practice became a daily thing, driven by her resolve to succeed.

After a decade of dedication, Arabella finally achieved her dream. This week, she was fitted for her first pair of pointe shoes—a huge symbol of her hard work and commitment. It was a profoundly emotional moment for her, filled with pride and a sense of achievement.

This experience has reignited her motivation and passion for ballet. Now, she’s more determined than ever to continue performing, especially as she prepares to dance en pointe at next year’s concert—a thrilling new chapter in her ballet career.

Arabella’s story is all about perseverance, dedication, and the amazing power of supportive mentors. Her achievement marks a big milestone in her journey, with those pointe shoes representing years of hard work and determination.

Her journey reminds me that writing a novel also demands a lot of commitment and effort. Just like Arabella’s ballet pursuits, writing requires daily dedication, even when the going gets tough.

And just as Arabella thrived with a supportive ballet teacher, aspiring writers can benefit so much from having a writing mentor. These mentors offer guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback throughout the writing process.

Making writing a part of your daily routine, much like Arabella did with ballet, is crucial for growth. The more you write, the better you become.

If Arabella’s story has inspired you and you’re thinking about writing your own novel, I'm here to help, whether through the Fiction Writing Academy or in person at my next writing retreat. Let’s bring your story to life together!