Thanks for the post, Susannah. I could really feel the anticipation and the letdown, followed by your serene reflection on the event. I rarely submit work these days. But if and when I do, I'll think back to your words of self-encouragement.
I enjoyed reading this, Susannah. Most of my stories are rejected and some I care little about, but there are some that didn't come easily, and that I put heart and soul into which haven't even made the long list. At this point I stamp and sulk and swear for anything up to a day and a half, until eventually I have a word with myself and get back in the saddle. Thanks for sharing x
I'm glad I'm not alone. That's the way it is, ins't it? Most rejections are like water off a duck's back but some just sting. I love this idea of having a word with yourself and then getting back on the saddle. Thanks for reading, Sue!
Thanks for reconfirming the fact that I’m not terminally unique as a writer (or otherwise 😉). Reframing rejection as a path to acceptance often helps…especially when the same piece rejected by many is actually accepted elsewhere! Let’s stay strong together.
Yes, I often need that reminder too! I like that reframe and it mostly works, excepts for sometimes when I just have to go through it to get there :) Yes, let's keep going together!
Recently, I also had this stinging experience ~ so much encouragement from colleagues who had read the project who believed that should this get accepted it would become the shape of success for an even larger work I was having difficulty manifesting. And then, the “ouch” of rejection plunging my mind into the darkness of why did I ever think my words would speak to an audience larger than myself, etc.
Sometimes acknowledging the sting softens the blow.
I’m better at dusting off the depths of depression, to know I’m not alone, that this too shall pass, and get back to work…because what else can we do?
thanks for sharing ~ I’ll pick up my pen with you this morning in solidarity. 💛
Oh thank you for sharing, Sarah, and sorry that you also went through this recently. And yes "what else can we do?" but keep picking up the pen. Thanks for the solidarity, it means a lot.
❤️❤️❤️ I can’t wait for the literary world to see what I see and come hammering on the door to publish you and give you book deals and opportunities galore. I know it will happen. It’s going to be great!
Big hugs about your rejection and thank you for writing so honestly about it. I always love that about your posts - the honesty of them. I must say I am often reluctant to submit because of fear of rejection or like yours that expectation deferred.
Thank you though for still suggesting books and articles. I often order your book choices from my library and have yet to have one I haven't enjoyed X
Thank you for this kind comment, Diane. It really made me smile. I'm glad that the honesty in my posts stands out (if you're into star signs, I'm a sagi- we are quite know for our honesty- good and bad haha).
And I'm so happy that you are enjoying my book recommendations! That makes me smile:)
Thank you for writing this! I think we need to talk about rejection more, especially as writers and artists.
Thank you for reading, Iris and I fully agree. It is part of every writer and artist's life and in pretending it's not it just creates so much shame.
Thanks for the post, Susannah. I could really feel the anticipation and the letdown, followed by your serene reflection on the event. I rarely submit work these days. But if and when I do, I'll think back to your words of self-encouragement.
Thank you for your kind words and for reading, Randal!
I enjoyed reading this, Susannah. Most of my stories are rejected and some I care little about, but there are some that didn't come easily, and that I put heart and soul into which haven't even made the long list. At this point I stamp and sulk and swear for anything up to a day and a half, until eventually I have a word with myself and get back in the saddle. Thanks for sharing x
I'm glad I'm not alone. That's the way it is, ins't it? Most rejections are like water off a duck's back but some just sting. I love this idea of having a word with yourself and then getting back on the saddle. Thanks for reading, Sue!
Thanks for reconfirming the fact that I’m not terminally unique as a writer (or otherwise 😉). Reframing rejection as a path to acceptance often helps…especially when the same piece rejected by many is actually accepted elsewhere! Let’s stay strong together.
Yes, I often need that reminder too! I like that reframe and it mostly works, excepts for sometimes when I just have to go through it to get there :) Yes, let's keep going together!
Recently, I also had this stinging experience ~ so much encouragement from colleagues who had read the project who believed that should this get accepted it would become the shape of success for an even larger work I was having difficulty manifesting. And then, the “ouch” of rejection plunging my mind into the darkness of why did I ever think my words would speak to an audience larger than myself, etc.
Sometimes acknowledging the sting softens the blow.
I’m better at dusting off the depths of depression, to know I’m not alone, that this too shall pass, and get back to work…because what else can we do?
thanks for sharing ~ I’ll pick up my pen with you this morning in solidarity. 💛
Oh thank you for sharing, Sarah, and sorry that you also went through this recently. And yes "what else can we do?" but keep picking up the pen. Thanks for the solidarity, it means a lot.
❤️❤️❤️ I can’t wait for the literary world to see what I see and come hammering on the door to publish you and give you book deals and opportunities galore. I know it will happen. It’s going to be great!
P.S love the vulnerability and I so so so relate
Aww thank you, Nicola!
Big hugs about your rejection and thank you for writing so honestly about it. I always love that about your posts - the honesty of them. I must say I am often reluctant to submit because of fear of rejection or like yours that expectation deferred.
Thank you though for still suggesting books and articles. I often order your book choices from my library and have yet to have one I haven't enjoyed X
Thank you for this kind comment, Diane. It really made me smile. I'm glad that the honesty in my posts stands out (if you're into star signs, I'm a sagi- we are quite know for our honesty- good and bad haha).
And I'm so happy that you are enjoying my book recommendations! That makes me smile:)
This is a lovely reflection! Thank you so much for sharing, Keith!