Monday Motivation - Still on the Write Path

The Write Path: What to do with Rejection

What do Jack London, Danielle Steele, Stephen King and Jan Karon all have in common? Rejections. A pile of them. However, it’s unfortunately a rite of passage for most writers.  Once in a while, a new writer queries the right manuscript at the right time with the right editor and their illustrious career is launched.

To the rest of us, rejection may come like an unrelenting attack of orcs with battering rams at the front door of the fort. Or so it seems. Not really, but it may feel like it at the time. Rejection comes to us as form letters, less than thoughtful commentary from contest judges, the busy critique partner that forgets to also tell you what she loves about your writing and why you need to keep trying . . . and on and on it goes.

Once new writer euphoria subsides, the inner editor usually moves in and criticizes us more harshly than anyone else. This is what every writer needs to overcome, at some point in their career—the voice of the accuser. Rejections and critiquing help thicken our skin, so we can develop calluses and take the next step on a difficult journey. I admit, there have been those times when some form of rejection has pushed me into a chocolate-eating stupor for several days, convinced that I should shred most of my novel, but the Christian writer shouldn't stay in the muck of discouragement. 

Sure, when we send out a query, a proposal or a full manuscript, it’s kind of like showing off one our children. If someone says the child is ugly, dresses funny and isn’t very smart, we take it personally. Perhaps we need to hear, instead, that the child would look better in a different color or they need work on their math skills.

We need to acknowledge our hurt or disappointment when someone rejects or criticizes our writing. Use it to make us better, not bitter. It’s an opportunity to make a new goal, overcome weak areas in our writing. When an editor, critique partner or beta reader comments that our main character needs more work to become likeable, we shouldn’t think my characterization is a total failure, but instead how can I make my character more sympathetic?

Rejection can help us to grow. Like the orcs trying to break into the fort, rejections help us to find our weak areas and fortify them, to overcome and become stronger writers, with the Lord’s help.

How have you used and overcome rejection of your writing? Please share and encourage us!

This is a month of celebration and thanksgiving! I am celebrating the release of Brave New Century, containing my debut novella, The Pocket Watch, with more give-aways. This week, leave a comment and/or follow, for a chance (each time you enter) to win a $15 Amazon gift card. 

Monday Motivation - - You're Not Alone

The Write Path: Reality Sets In

Well, the novice has taken those first steps down the writing path and the next thing they know, they’ve finished that article, short story or novel manuscript. After thumbing through the pages of a well-worn writer’s marketing guide, they decide the best place to send a query.

An intriguing letter or email has been written, carefully avoiding statements like ‘all my friends enjoyed reading this’, ‘God told me to write this story’ or ‘this story will be the best one you ever publish’. The now somewhat-learned-writer drops a stamped envelope in a mailbox or pushes the send button.

That’s when the symptoms begin. You know, the sweaty palms and dry mouth. She asks herself what she just did. Is what she just wrote ready to be published if the editor asks for it tomorrow? Surely it is the most wonderful thing she's ever written. Right. So the waiting game begins. She tries to forget about it and move onto the next project, to not run to the mailbox, rather than walk at her usual dignified pace, or search the email for at least a week for something from that editor. Okay, a month then.

After all, our just post neophyte writer is hoping the editor will love the piece they sent, that it will be like the overnight success story she heard the other day. They will beg her to send a proposal or full manuscript. Time passes . . . weeks turn into months. And one day a crisp white envelope from the publisher appears in the mailbox or the name she’s been waiting for pops out boldly in her inbox. The sweating palms return as she tears the envelope open . . . or pushes that button.

            

             Dear Ms. Neophyte:

            Thank you for your query. We regret to inform you that we can’t use

            your material at this time. Best wishes in finding the right home for your work.

            Sincerely,

            Biz E. Editor

The rejected writer instead reads:

            

             Dear Inexperienced and Untalented Writer:

            Why did you bother wasting our time (and yours) with this idea? 

            The back of your letter is being used for office tick-tack-toe, since it’s good

            for nothing else. Good luck finding someone to publish that detritus. Your

            idea stinks!

            Sincerely,

            I. M. Smarter

Congratulations! You’ve received your first rejection! Welcome to the world of the real writer!

To be continued: Just what should we do with rejection? 

Please leave a comment (or follow) to be placed in this month’s drawing for a $15 Barnes and Noble gift card.