So how do we persevere and keep on the query road when a mist of negativity nips at our heels?
F - FILE those rejections that have either constructive or complementary points in a folder.
R - REMEMBER a "no" is one step closer to a "yes."
E - EXTRACT the specific positive statements from your saved "no thank you" responses
E - EXPRESS those statements visually by:
1. Creating a document that mimics the reviews that flash on TV for a movie.
"A well-crafted love story. Confident writing."
Agent/Editor Name Here
2. Go play on Wordle and create a graphic of your kudos.
Never give up. You deserve the dream.
What do you do to hang in there?
photo credit
Agent/Editor Name Here
2. Go play on Wordle and create a graphic of your kudos.
Never give up. You deserve the dream.
What do you do to hang in there?
photo credit
I love this idea, especially since I'm querying right now.
ReplyDeleteI used to save ALL my rejections, even the form ones. Now I delete most of them. It's not like I need to reread the typical "not for us" responses. :D
What do I do to hang in there? Um, I mope so much that hubby takes pity of me and he takes me to a fancy restaurant! LOL.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, I loved your post. :)
Also, sorry I've been a bit MIA lately--had pneumonia. But I'm finally better.
And thanks for stopping by my blog the other day and sending good vibes! <3
Love the idea of a kudos Wordle! :)
ReplyDeleteSo important to remember positive feedback.
That is SERIOUSLY awesome! I love that way to use Wordle!! So cool.
ReplyDeleteSo great! I appreciate the acronym FREE because it's easy to remember. Thanks, Leslie!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great post. I have one wonderful rejection from an editor that I pull up and read when I need an "I'm okay" moment. But I'd never thought of making a Wordle! Thanks, Leslie!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this! I'll have to remember your FREE trick. How do I cope? Um, through AWESOME, AMAZING friends like YOU <3
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea! Rejection is never easy. I def. got better at it over the years. I give myself a couple days and then I move on.
ReplyDeleteHow awesome! I haven't experienced this yet. I have to write something worthy of submitting somewhere before I can face this step, but this is such a great way to make a positive out of a negative! I saw some authors on twitter feeling insecure. Ones that I'd consider well on there way if not already there, doubting themselves. Another author said, when you make your living through creativity you never stop doubting yourself. Maybe your post would help them!
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely graphic. What a brilliant idea. There's always something we can remind ourselves of that's good, when the bad comes.
ReplyDeleteHate to admit that I'd never heard of Wordle, but definitely heard of rejection. So thanks, Leslie, for showing me a creative way to cope.
ReplyDeleteAnother think I like to do is send another manuscript out as soon as a pass comes in. Keep the ball rolling!
I love this! I'm going to start querying sometime this year so I'll keep this in mind for when I receive inevitable rejections.
ReplyDelete"Free" a great acronym for this process! Am saving this for later when I need it.
ReplyDeleteFor me, I don't focus on the yes or no. I make my expectation 'feedback'. So, when I get an R, I don't see it as an R...I see it as a potential opportunity to get feedback on my work so I can make it stronger. Most often I do get feedback, so it leaves me feeling satisfied in some sense. :)
ReplyDeleteHey everyone,
ReplyDeleteYour comments are surrounding me in a cloud of awesomeness. I love this community.
I love that acronym.
ReplyDeleteI threw out or deleted form rejections, but I saved rejection letters that provided feedback and encouragement.
I do think we grow more and more as writers when we take something from those rejections. They help us to turn a critical eye on our work and really polish out any wrinkles.
ReplyDeleteHEY MRS.ROSE!!!
ReplyDeletethere's a star wars episode 1 movie thang. It's rather Jan 21 or Feb 21 I saw it at the movies on one of the commericals. It's usally for the phanm thang but just wanted to tell you. Also congrats I see so many new people commenting on your blog. Well done!
Thanks for the heads up Rylee! You know I can't miss Star Wars in any way shape or form. Hope you're having a good vacation. See you soon.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool thing to do! Thanks for the burst of positive thinking :)
ReplyDeleteOn the inside cover of my moleskine I wrote “Every No Gets You Closer To Yes” and that is what I plan on clinging to when I begin the query process very soon!
ReplyDeleteThis is such needed advice as I begin this crazy query journey. Thanks Leslie!
ReplyDeleteI love that acronym and I plan on putting in on my office wall. Thanks and happy Rejection-Free week to you.
ReplyDeleteHey Everyone - another great acronym from Lee McKenzie - STOP - when your writing life is getting insane.
ReplyDeletehttp://writegame.blogspot.com/2012/01/insecure-writer-me.html
Oh I love the idea of creating a movie review for our writing! That is seriously awesome. Then print it out and hang it in your writing space, or make it your screensaver.
ReplyDeleteQuerying does make us fragile. Thank you for restoring my humor!
Vicki - LOVE the screensaver idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat excellent advice! I always try to digest what was said and determine if I can use it to improve my work. When feedback isn't specific that can be hard to do. Sometimes it hurts to be rejected- but in the end I learn so much from it and try to make my writing better. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete