There's More Than One Kind of Rejection

Couldn't resist sharing this adorable photo and quote. A friend who owns a dance studio had it on her facebook page. As darling as the baby girl is, it was the advice that spoke to me.

I often try to give a pep talk to the writers who read this blog. One of the things we writers all have a problem with is the rejections from editors. We know we are not unique in dealing with having our work turned aside by editors and publishers but the one that has to deal with it is us. And we do through one method or another. We do what we can to move past the disappointment and hurt.

But there's another kind of rejection that might hurt even more. It's when members of your family or your circle of friends discourage you. You might get it straight from them or hear it secondhand. They may make statements like How much longer is she going to try to be a success as a writer? Can't he read the handwriting on the wall? Time to move on to some other endeavor. She'll never be able to make a living as a writer. Why doesn't he get a real job? That's only a few. I'm sure there are more.

It may be harder to handle rejection, for that is what their statements are, from people you care about. They are probably not trying to hurt you, may not even realize that rejection like this might cut deeper than being turned away by a publisher. 

It will depend on the kind of person you are as to how affected you are. If you're not a real confident person, statements like the above could discourage you to the point of quitting your writing world. If you're a stubborn person, you're going to keep right on writing and submitting and thumbing your nose at those people--figuratively speaking, please. You'll take the I'll show them! attitude. 

I would urge any of you who have received negative reactions from the people you care about to quietly ignore them and keep on writing. You must do what is right for you. Your writing is not going to hurt other people so there is no reason to quit. Those who make statements about your writing journey are generally ones who have never attempted to write for publication. They have no idea all that is involved in the creative process that you pursue. 

Hold your temper and just stay on your writing path. The day will come when you can proudly show these people what you have achieved. Do not give up.