I held my breath as I scanned the computer for a response from the editor I had submitted my story. No response. I rationalized they are still deciding, and I can be very patient.
A couple of days later, message received. Once again, I held my breath, “Did I make the cut?”
The response was very kind. I pouted for a few minutes (Ok, half of the day). Then I took time and celebrated the try.
Although I was turned down, she suggested I shorten the length slightly and resubmit it to a different branch of their network, which I did within a couple of days. I sent her a thank you for the suggestion and let her know I had cut my word count and submitted it to the other branch.
My husband and I have always tried to celebrate the process of trying, for our daughters, ourselves, and our grandchildren.
Trying means you did something besides wonder. You gave effort to a dream. If this story does not make the new cut, somewhere else will be the perfect niche for what I have written. I may not have found it yet…who knows…but, at least I have tried.
When facing a rejection letter, take a minute or two for disappointment, you have earned it; then celebrate with all your heart the willingness to chase a dream and reach for the stars.
- Let’s Talk About Rejection - June 13, 2025
- Just Push Send - February 10, 2025
- Way Out of My Comfort Zone - December 2, 2024
Great attitude. And never stop improving. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve revised, edited and tweaked a story to get it from ‘almost’ to winner.