Welcome back to the second full week of August. I trust you had a nice, relaxing weekend. I was going to post this on Monday and then posted my other blog by mistake, but in the final analysis it really makes no difference now does it? And that is the subject of our installment today….it makes no difference!
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I really wish I was less of a thinking man and more of a fool not afraid of rejection.”
Billy Joel
That’s right, I just quoted Billy Joel. LOL
There are good rejections and there are bad rejections, and they are all necessary if we are to grow as writers.
A bad rejection: when Mary Jo turned me down for the Junior Prom.
Okay, I’m kidding, but Mary Jo did break my heart and it was worth mentioning.
A bad rejection would be a scathing comment….being ignored by a publisher or editor….a bad review on your novel….any and all hurt, do they not? Of course they do; we are only human and we all want acceptance. We spend months and years on some works and then to have them callously rejected hurts to the core of our being.
A good rejection? Is it even possible? I would say yes it is. I have received rejections from editors who told me they liked my voice and style but just couldn’t use that particular article. There is no way that is not good news my friends. A professional tells me they like my writing….that is great!
The bottom line is this: rejection is a way of life in writing, and we had better find positives in it or get the heck out of the writing business. J
PASSAGE OF THE DAY
“Man, unlike any other thing organic or inorganic in the universe, grows beyond his work, walks up the stairs of his concepts, emerges ahead of his accomplishments.”
– John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath, Ch. 14
That, my friends, is incredible writing.
PROMPT OF THE DAY
Take a few minutes, look at the picture, and let your mind drift…what are you reminded of? Now write about it as a writing exercise.
CONTEST OF THE DAY
How about a contest for you nonfiction writers? The Lumina NonFiction Contest is accepting submissions from now until October 15th. Word limit is 5000 words and you can find it here.
TIP OF THE DAY
Do your Thoreau imitation and walk through the woods soon, or at least take a nature walk of some sort. Walk for fifteen minutes and then stop and jot down some ideas in that notebook you are supposed to be carrying around with you.
MORE ON THURSDAY
If not before….gotta run right now and get some stuff done. Customers just want their product; they aren’t terribly interested in excuses.
Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
I love how you admitted you were going to post this yesterday instead of your other blog. I have so done this myself in the past and even this morning posted something over at J9 Designs that I was holding off until next week. I quickly unpublished, but not before I got a comment. But you are so right about good and bad rejections. seriously loved your examples, too!! 🙂
Janine, there is too much going on, and that mistake was a small one compared to some of the doozies I do with customers. LOL Good thing they like my work.
Thanks as always my loyal friend.
Oh now I’m just wondering how Mary Jo’s life turned out! She missed out on the big fish with you Bill:)
About rejection? I’m REAL good at handling that…practice makes perfect 🙂 lol
Kelly, I hope Mary Jo weighs 300 pounds and has acne. LOL Thanks, Kelly, and keep enjoying those rejections…it makes us stronger or some such bs. 🙂
Billy Joel? Bllaaaaahhhhh! 😀
I never did like that Mary Jo. I told you she was trouble.
I know Lizzy! I just wouldn’t listen. LOL
When I first glanced at your title I thought it said “Reflection” but both are true!
LOL…yes they are, Audrey! Thanks for the laugh and for stopping by.
Rejections sure can be intimidating but, alas I gotta live this life so, I do get up in a couple of hours, lick my wounds and carry on!
Dreams/Passion makes me live each day and needless to say your wise words 🙂
Happy Tuesday, Bill
Ruchira, it is a way of life for writer’s and one they better get accustomed to…and yes, it is a passion for sure.
Thank you and have a great day!
Betcha Mary Jo’s sorry NOW! lol.
As always, great advice Bill-bro!
Leslie, I have the feeling that Mary Jo has no regrets regarding me. LOL…thanks as always!
Billy, I just got back from my walk in the woods; and have jotted down several things that occurred to me–thanks for this awesome idea, my friend 😉 Pearl
Pearl, those walks are good for the soul, are they not? I’m glad you enjoyed yourself….now start writing! 🙂 and thank you
Always wise and sage advice here. I think those words mean the same thing. However..I am now going to be a regular visitor here.
And Carol, I am most grateful. Thank you for joining my little following.