I have decided. I am not very good at being 'Rejected.'
This, I realise, is on any level. But currently it is in relation to the stories that are making their way back through my letterbox with that awful resounding 'thud' on the mat.
I am now having a crisis of confidence and have turned to chocolate for comfort. As a writer, rejection is to be expected at some point; I have read many writer's experiences on the subject. But, despite the usual advice like, 'It's part of a writer's life, move on to the next project,' etc I find myself feeling deflated.
Perhaps I am just not thick-skinned enough for this. I am far too emotional and can be reduced to tears by the smallest of things.
But, at the same time I always thought this would enable me to be a better writer, after all - emotion is the key is it not?
I know I have to persevere. Nothing worth fighting for is ever easy. Hopefully though, one day it will be worthwhile. I have given myself a number of goals that may or may not be achievable. But at least the worst year is behind me (hopefully!), and I am going to at least give 2014 my best shot, even if it hasn't started off that well.
Don't worry, Sam. January is the traditional time for rejections - I think a lot of desk clearing goes on at this time. I wrote a post on it last year. Just keep writing and don't let it put you off.
ReplyDeleteThank you Wendy - I will go and read that post now! I will pick myself up and get on with it. Good luck with your writing goals, they look exciting! :)
DeleteOh dear. You took a big leap of faith, but if you persevere, I'm sure you'll succeed. Do try small press publications with the stories you've had rejected. There's often a home for them if you search hard enough. Good luck. :-) My book on freelance writing has a section on how I turned rejections into sales, but it's all non-fiction, so you may not feel it's quite up your street. Not out until March anyway, but food for thought.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susie! Will definitely keep an eye out for it :)
DeleteI know how you feel but try not to get too downhearted. Even experienced writers get rejections! Shall be looking back at Wendy's post too. Keep writing and don't forget we can support each other, :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Jan. Another rejection this morning. Got Della's book out again (How to Write and Sell Short Stories) - maybe need to go back to basics! :)
DeleteRejections aren't any fun at all, but they do get less painful over time and of course one acceptance makes up for quite a few of them.
ReplyDeleteTry to remember it's not a rejection of you personally - it's just that magazine couldn't use that particular story at the time you sent it in. You might have better luck with a different story, or a different magazine.
Thank you Patsy, and thank you for following!
DeleteI'll get over it - I'm sure there will be loads more rejections to follow, but if I keep writing hopefully one will hit the mark soon. I think I got a little 'acceptance happy' in December having had a story published and I guess I was naively thinking that every one I sent from then would be accepted. Ah, bless me eh?
It's lovely to get support though, and read other writer's stories about their successes and misses on their blogs. I enjoy your blog immensely :)