When Writing Hurts
Rejection is necessary to grow as a writer. I know it and I teach it. But the hurt and discouragement still linger when after doing articles for several months for an online site, the editor sends a weekend email stating that the talents of the author (meaning me) no longer match the guidelines required for the site. Yikes, my first thought was what did I do wrong. My second thought was to second guess my talent and writing goals.
After much thought, some discussion with my husband, and some soul searching on my part this is what I have discovered.
1. It isn't the end of the world. It hurts, but I will continue to write and I will reach my goals.
2. I still have several other paying writing assignments. ( These assignments bring in much more than the very small fee I was getting for these articles and life will go on.)
3. I learned some very helpful information from these editors including writing tighter so there are positives to the experience.
4. It was not the kind of material I really had my heart in. Maybe that did show up on the page.
5. It wasn't personal, it was a business decision. ( I couldn't get the number of key words right to please the sponsors and the search engines because a) it made the article sound fake and b) it made the article sound fake.
6. I want to write for children. I want to write for children. I want to write for children.
When you experience any form of rejection concerning your writing, take a minute to feel the hurt. Step back and re-evaluate your writing goals but get right back in the saddle ( butt in chair) and begin writing something new. Remind yourself that you are a writer, and a good one. You're not perfect, but you are learning so go forth and write. And make sure to let me know how you do.
After much thought, some discussion with my husband, and some soul searching on my part this is what I have discovered.
1. It isn't the end of the world. It hurts, but I will continue to write and I will reach my goals.
2. I still have several other paying writing assignments. ( These assignments bring in much more than the very small fee I was getting for these articles and life will go on.)
3. I learned some very helpful information from these editors including writing tighter so there are positives to the experience.
4. It was not the kind of material I really had my heart in. Maybe that did show up on the page.
5. It wasn't personal, it was a business decision. ( I couldn't get the number of key words right to please the sponsors and the search engines because a) it made the article sound fake and b) it made the article sound fake.
6. I want to write for children. I want to write for children. I want to write for children.
When you experience any form of rejection concerning your writing, take a minute to feel the hurt. Step back and re-evaluate your writing goals but get right back in the saddle ( butt in chair) and begin writing something new. Remind yourself that you are a writer, and a good one. You're not perfect, but you are learning so go forth and write. And make sure to let me know how you do.
Rejections are more likely than not for many newbie writers. I've certainly gotten my share, but what can really brighten a new authors day is to actually get a 'real' rejection letter not a canned one. At least the editor took time to make it personal with a few words of encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have learned to look beyond these rejections to keep my focus on the light at the end of tunnel. The more I work my craft, the more I put my work into circulation, the more I make my presence known virtually, the more... Well, you get it the more I do the more purpose driven I am to achieve my end goal and you can, too.
You are so right, Cathy, It is important to get beyond the hurt and keep practicing our craft. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
ReplyDeleteBlessings with your writing career.
Terri