I’ve been writing daily about my writing ‘career’ for the past few weeks. I’ve been sending stuff off for 25 years. And so I talk about rejection, obviously, it goes with the territory.
One thing I say is that I should remind 15 year old me of everything I have done. That child would have been amazed. So I always try to remember that, be amazed. Even when it’s a no.
Even though it seems counterintuitive, writing is always collaborative, and most writers understand the solidarity underpinning this seemingly solitary practice.
Thanks so much, Michael. I agree, it's a totally collaborative process, and something of a literary ecostystem (must remember that term for the next time I want to sound all clever and writerly)!
I appreciate you saying so. It's a distasteful task and a heavy responsibily, and having been on the receiving end of so many rejections myself, I don't underestimate the disappointment I will be bringing to many good people. It hurts, to be honest, but I will say that we are trying to include as many writers as we can in the award, and to be as loving as we can be. The plough shall be gentle, I promise!
I usually find other people writing about rejections depressing. This didn’t, I think because you were actually writing about what writing *is*. As a result this little essay gave me a real sense of being alongside you and a very big bunch of other writers doing the same. I will consider this when the next carefully written mass rejection pops into my inbox.
Wow you just nailed this, it's so accurate for my life... I love every journey I take when starting a new project for a contest or lit magazine submission call. The excitement of seeing the prompt roll in (if there's a time restriction) and your muse starts popping ideas... some end up as personal favorites but alas they rarely get picked for long lists or close to win anything. BUT I still love the characters and the story I weaved together and they will find a home some day...
I have managed a few wins and acceptance in a lit magazine and anthologies... so those wins is what push me forward when I lose confidence in my own writing.
I worked on my first full length novel for five years before I dared to get it out there in the world (via self publishing) but even that long journey taught me so much and I strive to finish the sequel and the long list of new projects I have lined up (aka the list that keep growing faster than I can keep up🤪🙈)
Really nicely put. It can sting but you do just have to go again. What matters is the writing. Being published is a bonus -- a lovely one -- but you can't control what people like.
I’ve been writing daily about my writing ‘career’ for the past few weeks. I’ve been sending stuff off for 25 years. And so I talk about rejection, obviously, it goes with the territory.
One thing I say is that I should remind 15 year old me of everything I have done. That child would have been amazed. So I always try to remember that, be amazed. Even when it’s a no.
https://open.substack.com/pub/drewgummerson?r=rg1n9&utm_medium=ios
Thanks so much, Drew!
What a great piece, Jennifer.
Even though it seems counterintuitive, writing is always collaborative, and most writers understand the solidarity underpinning this seemingly solitary practice.
Thanks so much, Michael. I agree, it's a totally collaborative process, and something of a literary ecostystem (must remember that term for the next time I want to sound all clever and writerly)!
And as you are sending the rejection notices, on this occasion, the cut worm forgives the plough.
I appreciate you saying so. It's a distasteful task and a heavy responsibily, and having been on the receiving end of so many rejections myself, I don't underestimate the disappointment I will be bringing to many good people. It hurts, to be honest, but I will say that we are trying to include as many writers as we can in the award, and to be as loving as we can be. The plough shall be gentle, I promise!
I was once told you need "thick skin" to handle rejections! How true! You also need perseverance!
Thanks for always being a great "Cheerleader"!
Thank you, Susan! Yes, a thick skin is essential.
Thank you for your compassion and publishing good stories with your heart. You get it, and that helps a writer like me. Cheers!
Thanks so much, Rosemary!
I usually find other people writing about rejections depressing. This didn’t, I think because you were actually writing about what writing *is*. As a result this little essay gave me a real sense of being alongside you and a very big bunch of other writers doing the same. I will consider this when the next carefully written mass rejection pops into my inbox.
Thank you, Joe!
Wow you just nailed this, it's so accurate for my life... I love every journey I take when starting a new project for a contest or lit magazine submission call. The excitement of seeing the prompt roll in (if there's a time restriction) and your muse starts popping ideas... some end up as personal favorites but alas they rarely get picked for long lists or close to win anything. BUT I still love the characters and the story I weaved together and they will find a home some day...
I have managed a few wins and acceptance in a lit magazine and anthologies... so those wins is what push me forward when I lose confidence in my own writing.
I worked on my first full length novel for five years before I dared to get it out there in the world (via self publishing) but even that long journey taught me so much and I strive to finish the sequel and the long list of new projects I have lined up (aka the list that keep growing faster than I can keep up🤪🙈)
Thank you, Anne-Marie, I'm delighted the post resonated with you! We must keep on keeping on!
Really nicely put. It can sting but you do just have to go again. What matters is the writing. Being published is a bonus -- a lovely one -- but you can't control what people like.
So true, Mark! Thank you!