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Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Rejection and Criticism

I will return to descriptive writing soon. But today, another topic presses on me. I received a rejection this week.

It was a good rejection. The reasons the proposal was rejected had nothing to do with my writing and everything to do with market needs. They even asked to see something else from me.

But rejection is always hard. I am struggling right now to focus on writing. I have run a writing marathon over the past year. Now I am fitting writing around packing and working extra hours. Without as much time to write and without a specific deadline to meet--I am not accomplishing as much as I would like.

Add to that content edits on one of the manuscripts I wrote last fall--with a general comment of "vary your sentence structure." It's been a while since someone said my writing was weak. It hurts.

I'm sure I'll learn from the experience. Improving my craft is important.

But in the meantime, I feel like I might have failed at the opportunities presented to me. And that this last year may be the highlight of my writing career, fizzling to nothingness as quickly as it arose.

Any suggestions out there on dealing with discouragement?

4 comments:

Ruthie said...

Hey - it was not the highlight of your career. Once you get moved and settled, you will get back into the swing of things. Right now, you have so much to think about and do, it's hard to focus.
From what I have heard, most writers recieve more rejections than they do acceptances - but they just keep plugging along and the acceptances eventually come. And you can learn from all the comments. You are a good writer and remember that God has called to write - and He will help you.
Smiles. Ruthie

Tami said...

Right now you are in the midst of a HUGE upheaval. I would be surprised if it wasn't affecting your writing. Once you get moved and settled in, you'll be able to CONCENTRATE on your writing. Don't sell yourself short. You're a great writer. God has called you to do this. Don't give up! ;)

Jan Parrish said...

I'm sorry for your rejection. The good news is that you are submitting and your next one will probably be accepted.

If you can, slow your writing down a bit to help through this next transition.

Unknown said...

Girl, let's pray it isn't so. I've been feeling the same way lately. I've received so many rejections, I could paper my bathroom. Oh, well, my agent still believes in me.