The Art of Rejection for Writers

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

Recently, I entered three prestigious writing contests—two secular and one Christian. As I waited for the results to come in, I was confident. After all, I’d poured my heart into my submissions, refined every word, and even dared to imagine what it might feel like to win. I envisioned the announcement, the applause, the emails of congratulations. But one by one, the results came in—and I didn’t place. Not even an honorable mention. Nothing.

I was crushed.

Honestly, after learning the news, which I initially took as a loss, I was a little testy with my spouse and children. Yet, I continued my day with a fake smile, pretending to shrug it off. But something in my spirit felt heavy. Discouragement clung to me like fog, and it took a while to name it—rejection.

That word lingered. It stung more than I expected, and I found myself asking why. Why did this disappointment feel so deep? Why did it leave me questioning my abilities and purpose?

That’s when God gently reminded me of the many times I’ve been chosen. Times I’ve won first place, been honored, and celebrated. He brought to mind moments I’d beaten the odds and seen the fruit of hard work and favor. And in that still, quiet whisper, I sensed Him saying, “You’ve learned how to win with grace. Now learn how to lose with wisdom.”

There’s an art to rejection.

It’s not something we like to talk about. We prefer stories of triumph. But the truth is, rejection is often the classroom where the deepest growth occurs. In this season, God is teaching me that rejection doesn’t mean I’m not gifted. It doesn’t mean my work isn’t worthy or that my voice doesn’t matter. It simply means this wasn’t the moment—and that’s okay.

Rejection can be a teacher for me as a writer, if I let it.

It’s teaching me humility. It’s helping me remember how others may have felt when I was the one being celebrated. It’s reminding me to honor others who are in their winning season. The art of rejection includes the art of celebrating others, not just tolerating their success, but genuinely rejoicing with them, learning from them, and being inspired by them.

It’s also a reminder that God’s hand is not removed from me just because someone else didn’t see my value. Man’s recognition is fleeting. God’s calling is unshakable.

And finally, rejection is refining my trust. Trust that there will be other opportunities. That my time will come again. That accolades are sweet, but they’re not the source of my identity. It’s dangerous to do so. My value was never meant to hang on a judge’s decision or a contest’s outcome.

So today, I’m choosing to embrace rejection, not as a final verdict, but as a divine invitation. An invitation to go deeper, to become more gracious, more empathetic, and more secure in who I am in Christ.

Yes, there’s an art to rejection. And if we allow it, it can become one of the most beautiful, character-shaping canvases of our lives.

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Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021). She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color),

AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 board and the 540 Writer’s Community board and is an art instructor for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel to her first general market thriller novel. Her thriller A Fifth of the Story will debut in February 2024 through Endgame Press.

Katherine flourishes in developmental editing and coaching writers. She has a twenty-year career in education, leadership, and journalism. Katherine freelances as an educational consultant for charter schools, home school programs, and churches. In this role, she has written and edited curriculum, led program development, and helped manage growth facilitating and public relations. She also works as an editor and book coach through her consulting business. Katherine provides skill, accountability, and professionalism so clients can begin, develop, and finish their writing projects for publication.