Two times the fun
Got two rejection letters in the last two weeks … and it’s hit me harder than I thought it would. This brings the grand total to four (three publishers, one literary agent) with one more pitch still out for consideration.
One of these publishers had been my top pick, and I just had a good feeling that they would like my novel, so hearing the big N-O was painful. Really painful.
I finally understand why some writers quit writing after getting a slew of rejection letters. I’m definitely not quitting, but I can see how the rejection could drive some people to quit. It’s harsh.
When I worked in the media, I took crap about my writing from tons of strangers — but when it’s just a regular person, you can brush it off. They don’t know sh-t about writing, wouldn’t know a dash from an em dash, blah blah blah.
But getting a rejection — and even some constructive criticism — from a real, live editor, is kind of brutal. I can see why people always say that writers and actors need a thick skin, and accept rejection without taking it personally.
I stopped working on my novel for about 10 days. I was so depressed. It sort of feels like getting negative pregnancy tests. Whether sending my novel out into the world or peeing on a stick, I’m hopeful. I know there’s a chance of rejection (or one line) but I’m always hoping for acceptance (or two lines). To get the big NO — from either — is temporarily crushing, and there are times when I don’t even want to try — or test — because I want to avoid being crushed.
Today was the first morning I started up again, between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Even though I’m especially tired now, from getting up so early, I feel good. Like I’m doing something to get to the place I want to be.
That’s definitely a sign that I’m doing the right thing. Sometimes I just need a little reminder.
As featured on …
Heather's Handmade Life 