I could probably quote James Scott Bell all day. He is full of encouragement for fiction writers on the path who are working hard to learn the craft, and he believes that the impossible can happen for you and me. He believes we can learn to write. If you don’t believe me, check out his books Plot & Structure and Revision & Self-Editing.Over the weekend, I stumbled upon an article Bell wrote, “Rejecting Rejection.” In this article, Bell explains how difficult rejection is – going as far as to say “many of us would rather face the horns of an angry bull than another rejection letter. At least we can run away from the bull!”
He makes four points in the article to help us dread a rejection letter a little less, possibly even use it to grow more as a writer:
- Rejection is not personal.
- Rejection happens to the best.
- Rejection can point the way.
- Rejection is not final.
This article is worth the read and it explains what we can learn from rejection letters and why rejection is part of the process.
I can accept that rejection is part of the process, but don’t we all want to find ways to increase our chances of success?
What are some ways we can improve our likelihood of acceptance?
- Write a compelling and polished novel.
- Continue to study the craft of writing and improve each and every day.
- Publish articles and/or short stories in magazines.
- Win contests.
- Get your name out there by platform building and blogging with other writers (whether it’s on your own blog or by commenting on others).
- Read and comment on Agent blogs.
I am currently working on writing a compelling and polished novel. I am deep into rewrites on my current manuscript. The other items are nothing without this number one item, which is why I’ve decided to cut my blogging schedule to one day a week temporarily. I will still visit your blogs and be available during the week, but I am cutting my blog-writing time back while I concentrate on rewriting and polishing my current manuscript.
As for today, I will leave you with one last quote from Bell when sharing about his own personal rejection on the path. “What it came down to was one simple concept: persistence. That's the only "trick." Keep writing, soak it in prayer, and reject rejection. Someday you'll break through.”
I just love those four words, "SOAK IT IN PRAYER." What a nice visual.
We all love success stories of writers on the path to publication. In honor of "rejecting rejection," I invite you to share your favorite success story on the path? It can be your own success story (fiction or nonfiction) or someone else's that inspired you. Feel free to provide us a link or share what you remember about that story.
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27 comments:
Hi Heather,
Sounds like you've made a tough decision about blogging, but a good one for now. I know another writer who only posts once a week, and I try to never miss her post because I know it's only once a week!
And I love the concept of "reject rejection." It is such a matter of mindset in this business. At one point we'll all face rejections of one kind or another. But if we don't give up, then eventually we'll find success, even if that means just learning to experience the thrill and joy of the writing process.
I have Mr. Bell in my TBR list. As soon as I make it through this rough first draft, I plan to pick it up.
It sounds like you've made a wise decision with your schedule, I know you will see the fruit of your labor.
"Soak it in prayer" that says it all for me!
Jody Hedlund's success story inspires me :))
Thanks for the encouragement, Jody!
Tamika, you should definitely read the book before you start revisions. Plot & Structure is helping me through some plotting problems right now. Love it!
Tabitha, I absolutely agree. Jody's story inspires me as well!
I applaud your decision, Heather! I'm going to be doing something similar this week. Taking another step back from blogging while I work on my WIP. Because like you said, without that polished novel, we're just spinning our wheels.
Jody (above) has an inspirational story. I was pretty pumped when the first piece I sent out in years got into a Chicken Soup book. Felt that was a bit like a sign to keep at it.
I'm thinking of cutting back on my blogging schedule also. I'll be curious if you are grateful for more time to work on your WIP.
~ Wendy
Hey, Heather! I know that was a hard decision, but it will definitely be worth it! I'll miss your blog entries the other two days, but will pray that it leads to a lot of successful writing time for you!
I love that--rejection isn't always final.
Happy writing!
Good for you. I will miss your posts, but I completely understand where you are coming from. Best of luck with your revisions.
I'm feeling such gratitude for where I am in the writing journey. Though I haven't sold a book, I'm getting closer:
contest win in April
portion of contest win published in a literary magazine in June
agent in October...
Who's to say what comes next??
I'm definitely going to check out Bell's books--I know at least one of them is available at the local library.
I think it's a wise decision to step back from blogging if you feel it will really help you focus on your manuscript. Even though networking is important, ultimately our writing is number one.
I am reading the Plot and Structure book right now and find it fascinating. I am constantly changing things based on each chapter I am reading. I then go back and read some chapters again. Good luck on your new decisions about blogging.
Good luck with your rewrites. I know how you feel.
I completely understand your need to cut down on blog postings. I'll definitely look forward to reading them when you do post! :) Keeping up in the blogosphere can be a full time job - causing us to forego what's important - writing!!
Thanks for the reminder that our writing should always be soaked in prayer!
Thanks for sharing these thoughts; I love James Scott Bell's writing advice! He's among my favorite fiction authors, too:)
Heather, I applaud you for cutting down on blogging and focusing on the main thing #1.
I am with you in spirit and enjoy whatever you write/whenever.
God speed on your book .. in His time and blessed with His unique gifting through you!
I love the "soak it in prayer" quote.
Blessings,
Susan :)
One of my favorite quotes is from Mike Ditka:
Success isn't permanent and failure isn't fatal.
One of my favorite success stories is Mary Connealy. She wrote and wrote and wrote, many many novels, before she was published. God rewarded her faithfulness in amazing ways.
"Soak it in prayer."
Perfect.
Some rejections still bring a smile to my face, while others I'd gladly never have received, but they all have a purpose.
I love that: Reject Rejections. And that they are never final. They are so hard --I have a few I am expecting soon and I know I will feel let down but I have a few backup plans too just in case.
I hope your new schedule lets you make huge strides!
I loved this Heather. I think the thing we sometimes forget is that there will be rejection at every step of the process. Learning to deal with rejection at the beginning will make the rest of the journey easier.
Two of my good friends have recently been contacted by (reputable) agents who they didn't even query! One read my friend's blog and liked it so much she asked to see her novel when it's done. The other saw a contest entry on a blog and contacted my friend to ask for the full manuscript! Both really deserve the recognition and I hope the interest leads to offers!
Rejection is not the be all, end all, eh? How good is this news?
Thanks, Heather. Great post.
I haven't had the chance to read his work yet, but it sounds wonderful. I'll have to add it to my Christmas list. I know many authors who have never submitted because they let their fear of rejection get in the way. I think anyone who faces it should get extra brownie points (or maybe just brownies) for at least putting the work out there.
"Soak it in prayer". What a great visual you get from that! Thanks!
PS. I have a gift for you on my blog...
Rejection is one of the hardest things to learn to deal with but I've found the more things you have out there, the less it hurts. You get a rejection and think, "Well, there's always the query I have at X agency."
Great advice. This business is funny. When I finally got a personalized rejection instead of a form, I was actually excited. It's a bit sad really, lol.
Question for you Heather - how do you find agent's blogs?
I'm currently working on a manuscript for my book. My author coach says I need to include some endorsements. Do you know where a person could find someone to endorse their book? So far, the only One endorsing my book is God (as if that weren't enough!)
I like your advice about blogging only once a week. That's all I can manage! I struggle with the whole platform-building thing. It's difficult to find the time for it all. But I know that finishing my ms is really what I must concentrate on first and foremost. Thanks for your great post!
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