Reaction To Rejection

Pursuing the writing life is inviting frustration into your life. Thousands of us do it on a regular basis, don't we? Every time we submit our work to an editor, we subject ourselves to the possibility of rejection, the frustration of having to try again, and the dent it puts in our self-confidence. The word masochistic comes to mind but that's not the case with someone who truly wants to be a writer.

I love the part of today's poster that gives us the okay to scream and cry when frustration hits like a water balloon tossed straight in the face. No one should take rejection with elation. Rejection stinks! Get those negative emotions brought to the surface, then let them go.

There are differences in the way writers react to rejection. We have different personalities so it stands to reason that we are going to receive the news that our precious words are not wanted by a particular editor. The reactions range from a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach to actual rage with damages in your surrounding area. The important thing is to react somehow. It's necessary before you move on.

And move on is exactly what is needed next. Vent your frustration or anger and then keep on writing and submitting. If you have a passion for writing, you must not give up. Something good is bound to happen sooner or later. I know what you're thinking about now--How much later? How much longer do I have to put up with these constant rejections?

Regular readers of this blog know that my two keywords for writers are Patience and Perseverance. Two words but they both take determination in actual practice. It's not easy to be patient when things don't go as hoped. It's tough to persevere when rejection after rejection rolls your way. Maybe a third keyword should be Passion. If you have a passion for writing, you can handle all that comes with it.

• It's alright to vent your frustration.
• It's not alright to give up something you love.
• Keep working to improve your writing.
• Keep sending your work to editors.
• Keep growing as a writer.
• Keep putting one foot in front of the other as you travel through the writer's journey.
• Look ahead, not at what has happened in the past.
• Be objective when assessing your own work.