With all the talk about religion in the public sphere, it’s time for my confessions.
I had a series of setbacks a week or so ago — several rejections that, while quite conciliatory, ate at me. A couple of editors said no the novel. One story was close to being accepted but nope. Another piece I thought had a chance didn’t pass muster.
I don’t know why these rejections bothered me, except to say I knew the editors for the stories, and I had high hopes for them. I happen to agree with their opinions, and I’m not mad at them — they were honest and they have to make these decisions every day, many with people they know better than me.
Still, all this nada put me in a funk, and I just had to say Fuck It for a couple of weeks. Didn’t write any fiction. Didn’t write for the blog. Didn’t even make comments to other blogs. Couldn’t bring myself to answer e-mail. Lost all sense of self. Sounds melodramatic, doesn’t it?
Wife was a bit concerned. We have a rule in the house that when someone gets a rejection, they’re allowed to pout for a day, but no longer. But the pouting continued for several days, a semi-depression that swallowed me like a…like a…well, so much that I couldn’t think of a decent simile or metaphor if my life depended upon it.
Just submitted a story
Wife noted, correctly, that writing fiction is, in itself, an enormous act of faith. You toil and strain for weeks, months, or longer, sweating out prepositional phrases and other assorted ephemera, then submit your carefully crafted 5,000 words to the whims of fate. Almost always, your work is rejected.
I consider Wife to be a great writer, but she once received 70 rejections in a single year. If that does not test your self-confidence, nothing will. I am not one to complain, but I do.
I’m not fishing for compliments or support, as that would make me even more pathetic than I feel right now.
Next time: something coherent, something that doesn’t make me cringe when I read it.
Feh.
Sometimes its easier to accept the rejections. You look at it for a few seconds, sigh and move on. Other times it just seems like the world is caving in and your standing in the center, up to your ankles in molten core, pushing up trying to keep it all from coming crashing down…it’s the part that when you read great books in class when you were younger no one told you about. Those bastards! I might have become a janitor had I known that.
I have never tried to publish anything so I can’t place myself in your shoes, bookfraud. Please know that I greatly enjoy your blog.
Question: Have you ever tried writing something akin to some of the crap that gets published (genre and style up to you) and seeing how that did with the publishing powers that be?
Any artist, weather visual, performing or anyone who had their work reviewed by people in their industry can actually relate. I hated going to graphic design interviews and being praised for my work only to be sent a rejection letter, stating that my work is too plain or (insert intelligent insult here.) After a dozen of those letters, your suck it up mechanism is pretty much sucked up all you can.
What can one do about this? Find something else to do to keep your mind off it or confront your anger in someway. I take all the frustration, anger and sadness and try to pull it into my throat and screen into a pillow. It doesn?t make every feeling go away but it helps a little; well that works for me.
I hope you feel better hun.
Sometimes its easier to accept the rejections. You look at it for a few seconds, sigh and move on. Other times it just seems like the world is caving in and your standing in the center, up to your ankles in molten core, pushing up trying to keep it all from coming crashing down…it’s the part that when you read great books in class when you were younger no one told you about. Those bastards! I might have become a janitor had I known that.
Sometimes its easier to accept the rejections. You look at it for a few seconds, sigh and move on. Other times it just seems like the world is caving in and your standing in the center, up to your ankles in molten core, pushing up trying to keep it all from coming crashing down…it’s the part that when you read great books in class when you were younger no one told you about. Those bastards! I might have become a janitor had I known that.
I have never tried to publish anything so I can’t place myself in your shoes, bookfraud. Please know that I greatly enjoy your blog.
Question: Have you ever tried writing something akin to some of the crap that gets published (genre and style up to you) and seeing how that did with the publishing powers that be?
I have never tried to publish anything so I can’t place myself in your shoes, bookfraud. Please know that I greatly enjoy your blog.
Question: Have you ever tried writing something akin to some of the crap that gets published (genre and style up to you) and seeing how that did with the publishing powers that be?
Any artist, weather visual, performing or anyone who had their work reviewed by people in their industry can actually relate. I hated going to graphic design interviews and being praised for my work only to be sent a rejection letter, stating that my work is too plain or (insert intelligent insult here.) After a dozen of those letters, your suck it up mechanism is pretty much sucked up all you can.
What can one do about this? Find something else to do to keep your mind off it or confront your anger in someway. I take all the frustration, anger and sadness and try to pull it into my throat and screen into a pillow. It doesn?t make every feeling go away but it helps a little; well that works for me.
I hope you feel better hun.
Any artist, weather visual, performing or anyone who had their work reviewed by people in their industry can actually relate. I hated going to graphic design interviews and being praised for my work only to be sent a rejection letter, stating that my work is too plain or (insert intelligent insult here.) After a dozen of those letters, your suck it up mechanism is pretty much sucked up all you can.
What can one do about this? Find something else to do to keep your mind off it or confront your anger in someway. I take all the frustration, anger and sadness and try to pull it into my throat and screen into a pillow. It doesn?t make every feeling go away but it helps a little; well that works for me.
I hope you feel better hun.
I hear ya, man. I’m in the process of doing an edit on my novel for an editor who read it once, liked it, but thought the first six chapters moved to slow. I happened to agree with him, so I’ve rewritten it. He asked to see it again once I did the rewrite, but that doesn’t mean he’ll publish it. However, he made some excellent suggestions and the novel is leaner and meaner for it.
I went through the whole agent thing. I had one of the biggest agents in NYC and she couldn’t sell the book. It was right after Sept. 11, the terrorism plot through everyone off, the underage gay characters pissed off some of the editors.
You just never know what you’re gonna get from these people. You can only keep trying. I won’t rest until this novel is published.
kero: yeah, they don’t tell you that. i mean, if you want to be a nfl quarterback or president, you know the odds, at least.
glitz: thanks for the very kind words. i’ve given genre crap some thought (so to speak), but it’s not easy to write — it really requires talent, believe it or not.
plus, i’d hate myself in the morning.
goddess: i like the screaming into the pillow, but also screaming, period. wife doesn’t like that much, but alas. you are a good egg.
collin: absolutely right you are. it’s all about timing sometimes. all you can do is keep plugging away…damnit.
I hear ya, man. I’m in the process of doing an edit on my novel for an editor who read it once, liked it, but thought the first six chapters moved to slow. I happened to agree with him, so I’ve rewritten it. He asked to see it again once I did the rewrite, but that doesn’t mean he’ll publish it. However, he made some excellent suggestions and the novel is leaner and meaner for it.
I went through the whole agent thing. I had one of the biggest agents in NYC and she couldn’t sell the book. It was right after Sept. 11, the terrorism plot through everyone off, the underage gay characters pissed off some of the editors.
You just never know what you’re gonna get from these people. You can only keep trying. I won’t rest until this novel is published.
I hear ya, man. I’m in the process of doing an edit on my novel for an editor who read it once, liked it, but thought the first six chapters moved to slow. I happened to agree with him, so I’ve rewritten it. He asked to see it again once I did the rewrite, but that doesn’t mean he’ll publish it. However, he made some excellent suggestions and the novel is leaner and meaner for it.
I went through the whole agent thing. I had one of the biggest agents in NYC and she couldn’t sell the book. It was right after Sept. 11, the terrorism plot through everyone off, the underage gay characters pissed off some of the editors.
You just never know what you’re gonna get from these people. You can only keep trying. I won’t rest until this novel is published.
kero: yeah, they don’t tell you that. i mean, if you want to be a nfl quarterback or president, you know the odds, at least.
glitz: thanks for the very kind words. i’ve given genre crap some thought (so to speak), but it’s not easy to write — it really requires talent, believe it or not.
plus, i’d hate myself in the morning.
kero: yeah, they don’t tell you that. i mean, if you want to be a nfl quarterback or president, you know the odds, at least.
glitz: thanks for the very kind words. i’ve given genre crap some thought (so to speak), but it’s not easy to write — it really requires talent, believe it or not.
plus, i’d hate myself in the morning.
goddess: i like the screaming into the pillow, but also screaming, period. wife doesn’t like that much, but alas. you are a good egg.
collin: absolutely right you are. it’s all about timing sometimes. all you can do is keep plugging away…damnit.
goddess: i like the screaming into the pillow, but also screaming, period. wife doesn’t like that much, but alas. you are a good egg.
collin: absolutely right you are. it’s all about timing sometimes. all you can do is keep plugging away…damnit.
Okay, so no more sulking, look at the book, what changes need to be made? Who else needs to see it? What is it missing?
Is it just timing? Maybe now isn’t the time?
We all know you got skillz homey, so it must be something else that isn’t right. Either find out what that is now or move on to something else for a little while.
Remember victory means very little to those who are not first rejected. (that’s a Lois Laneism, you can quote me on that.)
Lois Lane
Okay, so no more sulking, look at the book, what changes need to be made? Who else needs to see it? What is it missing?
Is it just timing? Maybe now isn’t the time?
We all know you got skillz homey, so it must be something else that isn’t right. Either find out what that is now or move on to something else for a little while.
Remember victory means very little to those who are not first rejected. (that’s a Lois Laneism, you can quote me on that.)
Lois Lane
Okay, so no more sulking, look at the book, what changes need to be made? Who else needs to see it? What is it missing?
Is it just timing? Maybe now isn’t the time?
We all know you got skillz homey, so it must be something else that isn’t right. Either find out what that is now or move on to something else for a little while.
Remember victory means very little to those who are not first rejected. (that’s a Lois Laneism, you can quote me on that.)
Lois Lane
I’m with Lois on this one. Although not “writer” as such, but a writer of academic papers, i got to admit, the taste of victory is so much sweeter after a few lousy results or ones that i never anticipated.
Soldier on BF, the world needs you!
I’m with Lois on this one. Although not “writer” as such, but a writer of academic papers, i got to admit, the taste of victory is so much sweeter after a few lousy results or ones that i never anticipated.
Soldier on BF, the world needs you!
I’m with Lois on this one. Although not “writer” as such, but a writer of academic papers, i got to admit, the taste of victory is so much sweeter after a few lousy results or ones that i never anticipated.
Soldier on BF, the world needs you!
dang. words are so cruel. they kill you on the way out and then someone spits them back in your face for you so you can feel the burn.
dang. words are so cruel. they kill you on the way out and then someone spits them back in your face for you so you can feel the burn.
dang. words are so cruel. they kill you on the way out and then someone spits them back in your face for you so you can feel the burn.
I hope the submission comes through.
I can relate to giving oneself space away from the computer: email and blogs. I did so without planning to, for almost a month and it wasn’t due to depression, but the reason(s) are not relevant.
I’ve been in simiilar places as you for my artwork and writing. I bet we all can relate! I’ve been swamped with artwork preparations but those are to further my career and are not “jumping for joy” wowsers, to me. Yes, I’m so critical of myself.
I do have a point in here somewhere in my insomniac state, as I sleep-typo near 4 a.m… You do have support from your net readers whom you’ve never met, like me and scores before me.
BF, I have to put my artwork out there for the world to see. It isn’t hidden in a manuscript. It is so public that at times I cringe.
There are many shows that one must be specially selected for which is called “juried.” Obviously, I’ve been rejected. It’s part of the artistic process. For certain places, that rejection stings; for others, I’m able to let it go.
Getting your feelings out to your family and here is as important as when you are ready to delve back into the writing arena. I’m rooting for you and sending TLC meanwhile.
Take care,
GEL (Green-Eyed Lady)
I forgot to kid you about “feh”. I’m still not used to Yiddish being in the public arena…That said, I “kvel” reading your writing here and look forward to reading more.
I hope the submission comes through.
I can relate to giving oneself space away from the computer: email and blogs. I did so without planning to, for almost a month and it wasn’t due to depression, but the reason(s) are not relevant.
I’ve been in simiilar places as you for my artwork and writing. I bet we all can relate! I’ve been swamped with artwork preparations but those are to further my career and are not “jumping for joy” wowsers, to me. Yes, I’m so critical of myself.
I do have a point in here somewhere in my insomniac state, as I sleep-typo near 4 a.m… You do have support from your net readers whom you’ve never met, like me and scores before me.
BF, I have to put my artwork out there for the world to see. It isn’t hidden in a manuscript. It is so public that at times I cringe.
There are many shows that one must be specially selected for which is called “juried.” Obviously, I’ve been rejected. It’s part of the artistic process. For certain places, that rejection stings; for others, I’m able to let it go.
Getting your feelings out to your family and here is as important as when you are ready to delve back into the writing arena. I’m rooting for you and sending TLC meanwhile.
Take care,
GEL (Green-Eyed Lady)
I hope the submission comes through.
I can relate to giving oneself space away from the computer: email and blogs. I did so without planning to, for almost a month and it wasn’t due to depression, but the reason(s) are not relevant.
I’ve been in simiilar places as you for my artwork and writing. I bet we all can relate! I’ve been swamped with artwork preparations but those are to further my career and are not “jumping for joy” wowsers, to me. Yes, I’m so critical of myself.
I do have a point in here somewhere in my insomniac state, as I sleep-typo near 4 a.m… You do have support from your net readers whom you’ve never met, like me and scores before me.
BF, I have to put my artwork out there for the world to see. It isn’t hidden in a manuscript. It is so public that at times I cringe.
There are many shows that one must be specially selected for which is called “juried.” Obviously, I’ve been rejected. It’s part of the artistic process. For certain places, that rejection stings; for others, I’m able to let it go.
Getting your feelings out to your family and here is as important as when you are ready to delve back into the writing arena. I’m rooting for you and sending TLC meanwhile.
Take care,
GEL (Green-Eyed Lady)
I forgot to kid you about “feh”. I’m still not used to Yiddish being in the public arena…That said, I “kvel” reading your writing here and look forward to reading more.
I forgot to kid you about “feh”. I’m still not used to Yiddish being in the public arena…That said, I “kvel” reading your writing here and look forward to reading more.
The idea that my work WILL be rejected is what keeps me from submitting anything to anyone, anywhere. Kept, I should say. I’ve had two pieces published in the past month.
But the rejection still scares me. Not so much rejection in general, but rejection of some part of me that I think is good. I got turned down for modelling because my hips were too big. My looks have never been an area of high self esteem for me, so it didn’t hurt. Writing is where I feel strongest, so if somebody takes that away from me by telling me I’m no good, then where would I be.
[shrug] It’s a thing.
The idea that my work WILL be rejected is what keeps me from submitting anything to anyone, anywhere. Kept, I should say. I’ve had two pieces published in the past month.
But the rejection still scares me. Not so much rejection in general, but rejection of some part of me that I think is good. I got turned down for modelling because my hips were too big. My looks have never been an area of high self esteem for me, so it didn’t hurt. Writing is where I feel strongest, so if somebody takes that away from me by telling me I’m no good, then where would I be.
[shrug] It’s a thing.
The idea that my work WILL be rejected is what keeps me from submitting anything to anyone, anywhere. Kept, I should say. I’ve had two pieces published in the past month.
But the rejection still scares me. Not so much rejection in general, but rejection of some part of me that I think is good. I got turned down for modelling because my hips were too big. My looks have never been an area of high self esteem for me, so it didn’t hurt. Writing is where I feel strongest, so if somebody takes that away from me by telling me I’m no good, then where would I be.
[shrug] It’s a thing.
You know this will only make you stronger in your life. But unfortunately we have to suffer such pain before that happens.
You know this will only make you stronger in your life. But unfortunately we have to suffer such pain before that happens.
You know this will only make you stronger in your life. But unfortunately we have to suffer such pain before that happens.
Where are you, bookfraud?
I picked up a Kurt Vonnegut short story compilation (Bagombo Snuff Box) and in the introduction, he mentions he didn’t get published ’til he was 47.
Miss your witty posts.
Where are you, bookfraud?
I picked up a Kurt Vonnegut short story compilation (Bagombo Snuff Box) and in the introduction, he mentions he didn’t get published ’til he was 47.
Miss your witty posts.
Where are you, bookfraud?
I picked up a Kurt Vonnegut short story compilation (Bagombo Snuff Box) and in the introduction, he mentions he didn’t get published ’til he was 47.
Miss your witty posts.
I was going to diss Glitzy for suggesting pulp fiction, but since she’s a Vonnegut fan, I have to let it go.
Rejected outright, or “revise and resubmit?” If simply rejected, heck, put them in another envelope and send them out to someone else!
It’s tough. Hang in there.
I was going to diss Glitzy for suggesting pulp fiction, but since she’s a Vonnegut fan, I have to let it go.
Rejected outright, or “revise and resubmit?” If simply rejected, heck, put them in another envelope and send them out to someone else!
It’s tough. Hang in there.
I was going to diss Glitzy for suggesting pulp fiction, but since she’s a Vonnegut fan, I have to let it go.
Rejected outright, or “revise and resubmit?” If simply rejected, heck, put them in another envelope and send them out to someone else!
It’s tough. Hang in there.
Come on BF…crawl out of whatever hole you’re in and bring us up to speed. You better not be wallowing in self-pity over there!
Come on BF…crawl out of whatever hole you’re in and bring us up to speed. You better not be wallowing in self-pity over there!
Come on BF…crawl out of whatever hole you’re in and bring us up to speed. You better not be wallowing in self-pity over there!
thanks for all the nice comments. i’ve been non-existent in the blog universe the past month or so, i know. my father took ill about a month ago, and passed away a few weeks later. Wife and I just returned from the funeral and helping my mother. i’ll be back in the blogosphere soon.
thanks for all the nice comments. i’ve been non-existent in the blog universe the past month or so, i know. my father took ill about a month ago, and passed away a few weeks later. Wife and I just returned from the funeral and helping my mother. i’ll be back in the blogosphere soon.