A recipe for rejection
I got two — count ‘em TWO rejections this week for short submissions to literary journals. I’ll be honest the rejections don’t impact me much as I go down my list of where to send next, and instead of chalking it up to writing that sucks, I assume the piece wasn’t right for that pub or that editor on that day. And I move on. I think when I query my WIP it will be a whole new world of rejections. Really looking forward to that. Not.
But a new blog friend of mine has taken rejection to new heights. Culinary heights. With every rejection she posts a Rejection Recipe – complete with pictures. Who could ask for a better way to get out of the rejection section of your brain?
So not only do she and I share a middle name, and not only is she a librarian — two facts that would endear her to me without food — but she has artfully combined gorgeous and delicious in one place. Gorgelicious. (Pun unintended, but delightful, nonetheless, yes?)
When I query I plan to tell all right here — changing identifying details of course. I don’t know how I’ll feel or what I’ll do with each one, but I do know I won’t bake — although those days might very well involve chocolate.
Amy, I’m with you about the short submissions. For whatever reason, those rejections don’t really phase me. Maybe because there are SO many places to submit, that the odds of hitting the right one the first or second time are much slimmer than with a novel. Or at least that’s what I think.
Melanie,
I agree, but in the beginning I was shocked like HOW COULD THEY? Now life doesn’t skip a beat when it happens – I actually forgot about it until I read Stacy’s post and though HEY ME TOO.
Amy
Yep, wrong day, just published a similar piece, wrong set of editorial eyeballs — all valid reasons for rejection that have nothing to do with quality of the writing.
Okay, you, first the pioneer woman link, now this! arghhhh
Angie,
At least you know where to go to get the good stuff!
Amy
Wow . . . thanks for posting this–she has got a great blog. I LOVE her older post where she searches for inspiration in old antiques and things.
E
Erica,
Yep, just when I think I’ve found every blog I’d ever want to read…I find another. Blessing or curse? Not quite sure!
Amy
Wow, what a nice post! I love the new word, gorgelicious! I may have to use that to describe my blog to new readers! Seriously, the rejections are never fun. Thank goodness writer friends can find each other and commiserate. Chocolate is ALWAYS good. Hmmm…maybe my next rejection recipe will feature chocolate? Thank you so much for featuring my blog. I’ll be sure to return the favor soon! Rock on, writers! (and yes, there’s something special about the name Sue!)
Submitting is scary
Rejection is worse
But if you get published
It fattens your purse
Stacy,
You are onto something with your rejection recipes, I’m tellin’ ya. Pure genius!
Amy
Val,
You’re the best!
Amy
I can say its their problem not yours or they dont know what they are missing but this is really an opportunity to make you stronger for when the important stuff is sent out to the literary world. You know this … though I always find its a good reminder too.
And seriously, they dont know what they are missing. ;o)