Thursday, March 25, 2010

Looking on the Bright Side

I was working on a Middle Grade band series for an editor who was trying to find an author for the wonderful idea they came up with in house, and the book was basically the story of my life. So I gave it a shot and sent in my two sample chapters, but alas, I didn't get the job. This, my good friends, was my first rejection.

It sucks.

But I'm not taking it personally. She didn't take a stab at me. She didn't tell me I was trying to get into a business that is completely out of my league. She didn't chop my hopes and dreams into tiny tiny pieces and then flush them down the toilet.

No. She was nice, and she actually gave me hope. She complimented my writing and told me that, ultimately, it was the voice that didn't work, not that she hated the way I had done everything. It just wasn't the best fit for what they were looking for. And on top of that, she told me I have potential.

I may not have gotten an awesome job, but I feel better about myself. I feel like I actually have the right to call myself a writer now. It didn't matter that I had book and a screenplay sitting on my hard-drive or that I'm working on edits for my first book when I can, or even that I'm starting on book number two right now. No. I sent my words out there for the first time, and that's what matters. I proved to myself that this really is what I want, and I can take the rejections and the ups and downs. But this is what I want.

I want to write, and I want to be read.

5 comments:

Elana Johnson said...

Yay! You admitted it. That's the first step. And dude, you've already got your first rejection, so you're well on your way.

Jade said...

Welcome to the club! I have a whole file of rejections. Some stung, others didn't. The important thing is that you put yourself out there.

Plus, I think the getting the first one over with is kind of a relief.

kah said...

Welcome to the world of rejection. It's fabulous. Each one makes your grow as a person and writer. You'll love it. :)

Tahereh said...

woo hoo!!! go you!!! *pumps fist in a dorky maneuver*

you. will. be. awesome!!

Veronica Roth said...

I feel like the first R hurt the most in the two projects I've queried, so I'm glad you have such a good attitude about it. Plus, you have officially been inducted into Queryingwriterdom. (We have chocolate here to cure what ails you.)

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