Well I just got my first rejection. I'm bummed. But it's the first of many, as sad as that may sound, but it's most likely the truth. I already received the letter saying "Thanks but no thanks" to that piece I submitted within the last month. Their website said they respond within 3 to 6 months. I guess if they really don't like your work, they respond quicker.
I honestly didn't expect to get accepted. That only happens in movies. But I didn't think not getting accepted would make me tear up like I did. I choked it back, thinking "If you're going to react this way, the rest of your submissions and rejection letters aren't going to get any easier." It is just a bit of a downer when you put your heart and soul into something and then someone says "It's not what we are looking for."
However, I was just talking to a fellow writer friend of mine and telling her about this. And she congratulated me. She said "You've graduated. You took a certain step in writing and you are on a whole new level." And she put this rejection into a whole new window for me. I'm going to hold on to that rejection letter as a right of passage. Someone did read my stuff, someone did hear my story, and even though it's not what they are looking for, I still had the gumption to send it out.
And you know what? I'm going to do it again.
Your friend was right. Many people cannot take the step that includes possible rejection, so good for you for taking the risk. You know, you get none of the joys without taking the risk of the heartbreaks. Following your passion takes courage and patience. Good for you, Sarah. I am proud.
ReplyDeleteYour friend is bright and correct. I agree with Jazzy and the originator of such brilliance. Writing is an art in and of itself- brave of spirit. To send that out into the world, knowing it is a piece of yourself is courageous and exciting. I can't wait for the world at large to read your words:)
ReplyDeleteSo, it turns out that you are the only person living that follows my Quinn's Mom blog and I had forgotten that tidbit. Hmm, I believe your call referenced a line in my post about "morning sickness and general nausea...". Another quote for you, "Quinn, your Mommy talks too much. Why would you think anything like that would be safe on the internet?". So, yes, your assumption is true and we are in crafting another small (or medium sized, if history repeats itself) little person. It's early, so we're being discrete, except- apparently- when I blog about it on a little known thing as google:) Want to come over and hear how much fun it has been? You make me smile:)
Just keep on pushing forward, and don't give up. If you can fight through the rejection and struggle, you will be sure to succeed, no matter what.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by my blog! I appreciate the comments and look forward to peeking around your blog as well. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd don't worry about the rejection. It just means you haven't found the right opportunity yet!
~Jenn (Ex Hot Girl)