A to Z Blogging Challenge: "R" is for Rejection
Writing Exercise: Write about how you feel when your submission gets rejected. Share in the Comments Section.
My response to rejection:
As you know, I'm still riding high from getting my first story published, but I have had several submissions get rejected (or rather never heard a peep back). It hasn't bothered me that much because I am mostly writing for the joy and challenge of it. I am always busy working on a new project, so I don't sit around waiting for a rejection. Now, having said that, I am working on a book that someday I DO want published. Ask me then, how I am dealing with rejection! :0)
But, be encouraged! Most authors deal with rejection. Rejection: 3 Methods for Coping offers some good advice. It also lists some authors who were rejected.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – 14 rejections
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle – 29 rejections
Carrie by Stephen King – over 30 rejections
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell – 38 rejections
A Time to Kill by John Grisham – 45 rejections
Louis L’Amour, author of over 100 western novels – over 300 rejections before publishing his first book
Ray Bradbury, author of over 100 science fiction novels and stories – around 800 rejections before selling his first story
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter – rejected so universally the author decided to self-publish the book
So, don't give up! Can you imagine if these authors had?
If you believe in yourself, rejection ought to not hold you back, just make you stronger.
ReplyDeleteEasy to say that though, but ask some of the famous authors how they felt after getting their nth rejection!
These days at least there are options for self publishing if all else fails, and eBooks are easy to create as well.
All you need to do is get one hit, and you are off...
Tony, so right! The key is not giving up!
ReplyDeleteI always find great encouragement in these lists of authors who persevered despite multiple rejections. Hope still abides! Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been officially rejected but the more that time passes the more that disappointed feeling creeps in!
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to deal with, but knowing others have had the same disappointment helps!
Trusting in God's plan for my writing helps too, and I'm really trying.
Wow, those numbers are inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
Hi Dawn,
ReplyDeleteSaw your comments on Karen's R for Reader and thought I'd stop by. Great post and congratulations on getting your story published. Stop by my blog- I've written a children's novel and my agent is shopping it as we speak - it's a fantasy/adventure, so when it comes out I hope both you and your daughter will love my book too! signed up to follow you.
Melissa