Scrolling through Instagram, I noticed a picture of Dominic Pistritto, author of The Marksman: A Knight's Tale, selling his book at the Saturday Society pop up marketplace in Virginia Beach, VA. I liked it and commented, "Such an inspiration." Then, I went to his profile and clicked "Follow". After watching him grow successfully over the past few months, I reached out to him. Dominic was so humble. We made arrangements to meet at Pourfavor Coffee shop in Virginia Beach. Dominic loves coffee and prefers to support local coffee shops. Pourfavor is one of his favorite local coffee shops. This coffee shop is where Dominic edited his first book and it was the perfect meeting place!
His"story"
Dominic Pistritto is twenty-four years old. He was born in Virginia Beach, VA. Dominic comes from a hardworking Italian family whose values are built on a strong and consistent work ethic. For work purposes, his family relocated to Jacksonville, NC where he started school. Because his family moved around quite a bit, it was hard for Dominic to build lasting friendships. At times, he was bullied in school but that did not stop him from writing. At a young age, he knew that oceans were cool, skateboards, too, and he loved writing. His life began to stabilize as he got older. He was published in his high school magazine. He was published twice while he was a student at Tidewater Community College, in Virginia Beach, VA. That is where Dominic started writing his first book, The Marksman: A Knight's Tale. He would use the student's study room and dedicate thirty minutes a day to work on writing his book. His motivation was stemmed by his famous saying, "thirty minutes a day keeps procrastination away". Dominic published his first book in January 2021.
Diving and Striving
Though his book was published during COVID and the world was moving in slow motion, Dominic took that opportunity to focus on one of his greatest loves, besides writing, the ocean. He and his brother decided to get their diver's license during this time. Dominic's first diving experience was in twenty-six to thirty feet deep open water. As he shared his diving experiences with me, I could feel the excitement and passion for the ocean in his spoken words. Those are stories only Dominic can tell. I found it fascinating that he was able to defeat one of his fears while so many people feared COVID. Dominic took that time to gain the experiences in what he loves.
I truly believe that once you accomplish your fears in one area of your life, that gives you the confidence to become fearless in other areas. Dominic believes that the fear of being judged by others hinders us from accomplishing our goals. But, he has not allowed other people's doubts to stop his progress. I must say he is a boss at networking and marketing his book. Dominic reaches out to coffee shops and bookstores in the Hampton Roads area to see if they would like to collaborate with him to do a book signing. If they agree, plans are arranged for dates and times. He shared with me that for the first time, he will be doing a book signing at Makers Craft Brewery in Norfolk, VA. Dominic is also scheduled for a book signing today and Sunday, June 25. July's book signing schedule has not been posted yet.
A Creative Mind Never Rest
This is a saying that we both agree with wholeheartedly. As writers and authors, Dominic and I were able to talk on a level of genuine understanding. We had a much needed discussion about the challenges of writing, editing, and marketing a book. It was good to bounce ideas off one another and not get a confused look in response. We shared different views but with the same perspective. How dope is that?
Dominic is currently writing his third novel, in which it was too soon to get details on. I tried, though! His first novel, The Marksman: A Knight's Tale, is the tale of a superhero. It is available to buy online on Amazon and Walmart, in stores at Barnes & Nobles in Chesapeake, VA (Greenbriar), and IndieBound. His second novel, Project Apex One, is a science fiction novel about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The inspiration for this novel came from his love for the ocean and watching marine biologist, John Stoneman on YouTube. Project Apex One will be released later this year.
Links to Purchase The Marksman: A Knight's Tale
Amazon:
Walmart:
Barnes & Noble:
IndieBound
In Closing
I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Dominic. He is very wise for his age. Dominic, you are such an inspiration to me as I wrote to you before. I am honored to have shared your story. I pray for you to be a great success! Much love to you!
Dominic can be found on the following social media platforms:
Facebook:
Though we are planning to meet again, Dominic left me with this, "Everyone has a voice, but no one has your voice."
Commentaires