To reject is to discard as useless or unsatisfactory. This is one definition of “reject” on Dictionary.com. How crushing is that? But writers are a resilient group. We know that J.K. Rowling did not take rejections to heart, nor Stephen King, Anne Frank, George Orwell, and many others. Imagine what we would have missed had these writers thrown in the towel the first time they were rebuffed.
If I had started writing when I was very young or made a career out of it, would rejections disillusion me? Starting late has its advantages. Now, I’m comfortable in my own skin. This comes with experience and the knowledge that I’ve already accomplished many goals. Writing is my hobby and passion, not a money-making scheme. Being turned down is akin to shoring up the foundations for success. Recognition will come - persistence and good work will triumph.
Recently, a publisher made my day when he sent me a note telling me to try again. He actually hand wrote encouraging words on the standard form letter, and enclosed a free copy of his latest publication in my self-addressed return envelope. Never mind that I had put only enough postage for my manuscript. He added extra stamps to send me the book. That was a wow moment for me.
A few weeks later, another publisher accepted my short story about a man who was abused as a child and became known as an idiot. I was ecstatic. This is affirmation that writers crave…that we’re not writing in a vacuum.Labels: Writing