A top (4+1) ways to face rejection
May 10, 2007 at 11:56 am (Humor, Ice Cream, blogging, insight, motivation, writing)
I have finally read On Writing by Stephen King. The book was recommended to me by many readers. Over my vacation, I studied, highlighted and pondered the book. Well, actually, I just read it. First, I must admit that On Writing will probably be the only Stephen King book I’ll read. Not because it wasn’t good — no, because, I would never be able to go to sleep again if I read his typical book. I jump at my shadow–frequently. I’ve even jumped at the sight of my hair in my peripheral vision–don’t sneak up on me, you will regret it. My husband asked me the other night if I’ve ever seen a horror movie. I said I had seen Signs with Mel Gibson. He laughed. I was puzzled.
I enjoyed the book, found it helpful, and will re-read it in the future; however, it gave me no guarantees of writing success. Of course, I really didn’t expect it to, but I wanted it to. It did keep me reading and writing so I’m glad I read it. I realized if Stephen King could go on to success after many rejection letters– I guess I still have a shot. So, on the topic of rejection, and how to face it, I give you 5 top responses:
1. You can curse the day that you were born, eat a pint of Ben & Jerry’s finest Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream and cry, and cry, and….cry.
2. You can sing “Stayin’ Alive” with Lakisha (American Idol) and the Bee Gee’s.
3. Pick a book from an author you think you write better than, and try to find mistakes in their books. Make sure you take the book with you wherever you go and point out the mistakes to your grocer, mail carrier, mechanic, etc. (please don’t ever do that with my writing I make it too easy).
4. Stalk the editor that rejected your last submission.
5. Keep writing. Keep stretching yourself. Don’t give up, and your time (mine) will come, and then you can eat the ice cream.
This post was inspired by a Problogger group writing project for a chance to win $1001. If I win the prize, that check will be copied, framed, and all loved ones and strangers will be notified. It would be the first monetary by-product from my writing.
I could write 5 ways I would spend the $1001, but I won’t. I have great ideas especially for that dollar at the end.
Momma Knows said,
May 10, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Well, I think your list is great! I think you should win the $1001. Frame the last $1?
Rhys said,
May 11, 2007 at 2:53 am
My top tip is generally to blog about it but hide key words. I got rejected from a job a couple of years back and I blogged about it.
http://www.gospelrhys.co.uk/2006/03/happy-birthday-to-me.html
Lucid said,
May 11, 2007 at 2:54 am
Publishers want known authors because of the risk, and getting it self published is an exspensive nightmare. Where does one begin?
I like your rejection solutions. Listen, rejection just gives us room to grow and strengthen. I say go full force, see where you go, and smile all the way. Stay positively stuborn
Good Luck! I am sure it is not easy!
Luisa said,
May 11, 2007 at 3:31 am
I love that book so much; it’s one of the only ‘writing’ books I value.
Of course, I’ll read almost anything Stephen King writes, and it’s a little eerie in a King-ish way that you mention him, because I was just ruminating this morning about writing a post entitled, “Why I Love Stephen King.” Freaky.
Your list is good!
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alicia said,
May 11, 2007 at 7:27 am
Awesome list
Eating and singing are definitely beneficial for me, too. Of course, we must all keep writing. 
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rjlight said,
May 11, 2007 at 7:52 am
Hey, all thanks so much for commenting!!! I should have been clearer. The top 5 group project thingy has nothing to do with writing ability. Problogger will randomly pick a winner. So, if I win it has nothing to do with my skill and if I lose it doesn’t negate my skill!
MommaKnows- okay, I’ll frame the $1 too!
Rhys –yes, blogging is therapy, isn’t it?
Lucid — thanks, I’ll keep at it!
Luisa–You obviously don’t jump at your own shadow!
Alicia–Ben & Jerry always lend a helping hand and a love-handle!
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tobeme said,
May 14, 2007 at 8:15 am
Fun list! The key is to not take the rejections personally. They do not know you, a rejection may have nothing to do with your witing.
rjlight said,
May 14, 2007 at 12:08 pm
tobeme - -thanks. Yes, I have to keep reminding myself this!
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