How Do You Spell Rejection?

Let's face it. No matter how thick-skinned or glass half full we have become in the face of rejection as writers, a "no" still tugs at our heart and casts a shadow over our optimism. Querying, whether it be to agents or editors, renders the creative persona fragile.


So how do we persevere and keep on the query road when a mist of negativity nips at our heels?

Here's one exercise that has worked for me. I remember it through the acronym FREE, because it frees me from the elephant of rejection that likes to perch on my chest.


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?


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