by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted
Rejection is not fun. I can't think
of a soul who lives for the next rejection, whether it be in our families, our
jobs, or our writing career.
I sorted through my file folder of
rejection letters last week. In ten years of writing, I've gotten more
rejections than I have finished projects. It didn't seem quite right, but as I
gleaned through the letters attached to failed works, I realized the value of
hindsight.
I've since learned, moving past rejection
is not as hard as it was in the early years thanks to those hindsight lessons. There’s
consolation in knowing even the big time writers still get rejected. Before you
curl into the fetal position over rejection letters, follow these tips to
get past the hump:
She
is the author of two devotionals, He Said, She Said - Learning to Live aLife of Passion and New Sheets - Thirty Days to Refine You into theWoman You Can Be. Cindy's debut fiction novel, Mercy's Rain, is
available at major retailers. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com
and book her for your next conference or ladies retreat. Also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
Rejection isn't fun. |
These days when a child is told no, the
next thing to expect is wailing . . . maybe a little kicking and screaming, and
pouting. All this before the child gets over it and moves past. But if you're a
writer, rejection can become stifling.
We spend hours bent over a computer
keyboard typing out the work of a lifetime. There is a vested interest in this
work no one else understands, so when we open an email and find that Joe,
Editor has “passed” on our manuscript or article. It stings.
There's value in hindsight. |
My first work was a novel I was sure
God gifted to me (sound familiar?). I woke up in the middle of the night,
rushed into my office and within minutes, I'd plotted out an entire "Lord
of the Rings" like kingdom. My characters were in place, the monsters were
there. In my eyes, it was a sure-fire thing.
Due diligence was my friend while,
over the next three months, I pounded out this great story from God. When the
piece was complete, I sent it for a paid critique at the upcoming conference I
was to attend. The critiquer, an author of over 50 books, gave me wonderful feedback.
He liked the story, remarked it didn't hold the marks of a first time writer,
and he introduced me to the acquisitions editor of a major publishing house –
who on the recommendation of my critiquer, asked for the proposal. I was
thrilled.
Months passed and finally the mail
delivered my proposal back to me with a very nice letter.
Nicely done. The story is strong, the
writing good. Though I see potential in this work, I cannot see that this story
could stand against works such as Lord of the Rings.
“Really? We all know I'm a much
writer than Tolkien. Really?” I was rejected. Even with the criticism
gently tucked between two bits of compliment, it hurt. Years past that work, I
can look over it and see why it couldn't stand against works like Lord of the
Rings. The adage hindsight is 20/20
rang true.
Rejection is never easy, but it is
part of the process. To succeed we must fail. It’s failure that forces us to
practice, learn, and improve. Improvement leads to success. These days I look
over the rejection letters and raise a glass. "Hail to the
Rejection." Because of it, I'll grow to be better.
Tips to move past rejection |
- Mourn a few days and then get over it.
- Pull out the suggestions along with a few writing books and study. Learn how to repair the things that helped bring the rejection.
- Understand there is always a better words and different twists that can improve your work.
- Write and rewrite.
- Begin a new work.
- Move ahead with the determination to be better at what you do. Attitude is everything.
Rejections sting a little but in
retrospect, they are the stair steps to success. Choose to look at them with
the attitude of persistence and you will climb your way to publication.
Now it's your turn. What tips do you have for moving past writing rejection? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Cindy
TWEETABLES
Rejection is part of the #writing life - valuable tips to keep moving - via @CindyDevoted on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Rejection is NOT fun, but there's value in hindsight. Tips from author @CindyDevoted on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Now it's your turn. What tips do you have for moving past writing rejection? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Cindy
TWEETABLES
Rejection is part of the #writing life - valuable tips to keep moving - via @CindyDevoted on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Rejection is NOT fun, but there's value in hindsight. Tips from author @CindyDevoted on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Cindy
Sproles is an author and popular speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian
Devotions ministries and managing editor of Straight Street Books and SonRise
Devotionals, imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Cindy is the
executive editor of www.christiandevotions.us and www.inspireafire.com.
She teaches at writers conferences nationwide and directs The Asheville
Christian Writers Conference - Writers Boot Camp.
Good morning, Cindy. thanks for the good advice. Hope you and your family had a great Christmas.
ReplyDeleteCindy, rejection happens to all of us who write. I'm fond of saying that, before getting my first contract, I was turned down more often than a Holiday Inn bedspread. Thanks for sharing your story and some excellent advice.
ReplyDelete