If you've read my last post, you know that I've recently had my first real taste of rejection. And boy did it hurt! I've either been very fortunate, or never really tried to grasp anything beyond my reach, but I'm pretty sure that (with the exception of trying to put the moves on some men that caught my fancy) this is my first real taste of rejection.
So, what is the particular flavour of rejection? Well it's seven hells of pain that's for sure. Then there is a distinct bitter after taste that lingers. Followed by a dessert course of self-pity and sadness.
As a writer, or rather 'wannabe' writer, I know that I'm going to have to face my fair share of rejection. But after the last few days of turmoil that I've been through, why would I ever subject myself to the hell of querying when you face a constant stream of rejection after rejection?
Well, because being rejected from a course on teaching is really not the same kettle of fish. For a start I know for certain that if/when I submit a manuscript for publication, I'll be rejected. It's a fact of the writing world, and I will be expecting it. No-one has built me up on a false pedestal about my writing the way they did about teaching. No-one has told me that "I'm bound to get it" and that it's a "foregone certainty".
At the end of the day, it's easier to deal with a punch you're expecting than one that comes out from nowhere. I'll be able to get back on my feet and pat down my clothes, rather than lying in the dust wondering where the hell that came from.
Do you have a particular way of dealing with rejection? Maybe from a job you really wanted, or maybe even you've been through the hell of querying your manuscript? How did you deal with it and keep yourself sane?
Sarah x
Rejection - wherever it comes from - hurts. My way of dealing with rejection is to sulk and threaten (in my head) to give up. Probably not the best solution but I haven't found a better one yet.
ReplyDeleteI think you have to look at it as ammunition, to spur you on to work even harder. A lot of the time, though, an MS rejection isn't a reflection of you as a writer. It just didn't grab a particular person.
ReplyDeleteI like how you worded about rejection and you're right about having one you knew would come compared to the one you didn't.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your rejection, it hurts I know. I would say, however hard, try not to take it personally but to use it to spur you on and make you determined to try again. Best of luck, it is nice to meet you through the group today.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
IWSG co-host
Rejection is tough, but it happens to everyone in all sorts of situations. How you receive rejection matters. Stay positive and be true to yourself.
ReplyDelete