Wednesday, August 30, 2006

All-American Reject

I received a rejection yesterday. Not the first time, won't be the last. But what's different about this one is that it hasn't phased me. It could be the lack of sleep, but I don't feel anything. Other rejections have always put me in a pissy mood. I wasn't fun to be around for the first few hours after receiving a rejection letter. Last night and today - nothing. I'm just going to print out a new copy of the story and submit it somewhere else. Am I reaching a new point in my writing career (as young as it is)? Am I getting callous? I haven't sent out as many submissions as I should have over the past year, but has it been enough to reach this indifferent phase? Is it a good sign? Who knows? But being this comfortably numb sure makes it a lot easier.

5 comments:

Patrick Shawn Bagley said...

Hey, I've been collecting rejection slips for 25 years (along with the occasional acceptance); got my first one at the age of 12. They don't bother me in the least anymore. Some times they're even encouraging, like the handwritten one I got from Esquire a few years ago.

File your latest slip away or chuck it in the trash, and send the story somewhere else.

Christa M. Miller said...

Could be a total difference in perspective, too. New babies have a way of providing that. :) Hope it sticks with you; good luck on placing the story!

Sandra Ruttan said...

Ach, rejections usually come from people who aren't as smart as the writer... right?

Sandra Ruttan said...

Hey, congrats on placing in the contest at Clarity of Night! Good for you!

Steve Allan said...

Sandra, I didn't even know about it until you commented here. Yippee!