3 The Writer's Post-Rejection Survival Guide

Okay, I am reading a lot of depressing posts about rejection and giving up. Come on, folks. Seriously? Did you give up in college? Did you stop in the middle of having your first kid and say, "This is too hard, doc. Think I'll pack up my labor toys and go home." (Well, okay, possibly you did -- but you didn't actually GET to leave.) The point is, think back to all the times you did something in your life that was hard. You didn't conquer it overnight. If it was easy to succeed, it wouldn't mean much.

I write because I have a story to tell. The sad fact that when I'm done, I love my characters so much I want to share them is a separate issue. But whether or not I sell a particular story or book, I love the process of being creative and the joy of meeting and interacting with my fellow writers. That's priceless. Don't you love that part of writing?

So what if you get a rejection? Sometimes there's a nice note scribbled on it, or a request for a full, an invitation to send something else, or a bit of praise that makes you smile. And sometimes, you get--YAY--an acceptance.

So rejections? Bring 'em on. None of this talk of quitting or despair. (You know who you are!) You aren't in this alone.

But if you need a bit of cheer and affirmation, here are some of my favorite sites about rejections. Enjoy!

http://www.inkygirl.com/category/debbie/rejections/
http://www.inkygirl.com/writers-and-rejection-dont-give-up/
http://andyrossagency.wordpress.com/2010/02/13/publisher-rejection-letters-from-plato-to-hitler/
http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/oct98/keegan12.htm
http://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight/archives/004641.html
http://ellenjackson.net/dealing_with_rejection_61476.htm
http://www.redroom.com/blog/andyross/deconstructing-publisher-rejection-letters

Have any other links to share? Let us know and spread the support...

Hang in there everyone!

Martina