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| photo courtesy geralt, pixabay.com |
“It is impossible to write without throwing oneself
helplessly open,” said Herman Melville. We authors must be brave to offer our
writing to others. We hope our writing brings us compliments, awards, and that
ultimate sign of approval for the new writer: publication. The thought of
rejection, however, can cause us to cringe.
Look for the good
What does the Bible say about fear in I John4:18? Perfect love casts out fear. If we know God
loves us, that He is in control, and in fact sent this rejection our way, it’s
for our good, right? So be thankful for what God’s doing and keep your eyes
open. Look for the good. And if you can’t see it right away, just wait for it,
expecting it at any moment. Don’t fear rejection, embrace it.
Learn from the
rejection
Did you receive advice? Follow it. Research the weakness
that was revealed and practice ways to grow in that area. Did you receive praise? Expand on that
strength. Work to make it even stronger in your writing.
Did you get only a form letter? Pick up a writing craft book
by a well-known author or other industry professional whose credentials you
respect. Read as if she wrote to you personally. Apply the exercises to your
work in process.
Keep writing
regularly
Don’t let rejection sidetrack you. Perhaps it isn’t possible
for you to write every day, but try to keep (or establish) a writing pattern, a
rhythm to your days. Give up an hour of TV or sleep. Find a quiet space, or if
that’s impossible, focus your mind to work in the midst of noise.
Try, try again
It’s been said that perseverance is more important than
talent to getting published. William Saroyan amassed 7,000 rejections before he
sold his first short story. Alex Haley, author of “Roots”, wrote every day
for eight years before small magazines began accepting his stories. Kathryn
Stockett received 60 rejections before she received a deal to publish “The
Help”. Persevere. Build up a huge file
of rejections.
Throw yourself helplessly open.
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by Dana McNeely, President CWOW
