“No, I just don’t think this will ever sell. Maybe if you rewrite it as a Women’s Christian Living book, Robbie. And no, you are not ready for me to be your agent.”
Crash.
Kaboom.
I glanced down to see my ego in pieces on the floor. Little jagged bits of dreams surrounded my feet.
“Thank you for meeting with me.”
I arose and shook her hand and left.
The bathroom downstairs would do perfectly for a cry.
Rejection hurts. No matter who you are and how strong a character or faith in God you might have, the wounds of rejection can make a bee’s sting feel like a sweet kiss.
I cried. I ran into three gals from my writing group who all helped me get perspective. Thank you Heather, Michelle and Diane. Jan and Loretta offered soothing words later.
And that’s the antidote for rejection. Perspective and truth. In my case, rejection came with lies. Not from the agent. She gave me her honest opinion and I completely appreciate that with no ill will. But the Enemy was hovering, too, waiting to follow up her comments with some of his own.
“See, Robbie. You can’t write. You are following a hopeless path here. Just give up.”
Earlier that morning I’d sat at God’s feet with a cup of Starbucks in my hand and talked to Him about the possibility of rejection. I had fortified my heart and mind with His truth.
So even amidst the tears and emotions pouring out of my heart, my mind recited the truth of His words.
“Preserve me O Lord, for in You I put my trust.” Psalm 16:1
“I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore with loving kindness I will draw you.” Jeremiah 31:3
“You are priceless to me. I love you and honor you.” Isaiah 43:4
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5
With the gals giving me loving perspective, and God’s words hugging me with His acceptance, the sting began to diminish. Courage came back.
I met with eight professionals, all of which had somewhat differing opinions. Five of them looked at me and said no. It hurt, but not so much as the first rejection from the agent.
But did you do the math? Three said yes.
In the writing world of conferences, yes means send me your full proposal and then we will see. So rejection still looms. It is part of being a writer. I have received at least 50 letters or emails in the past year and a half saying, “No thank you.”
But perspective – I am in this for the long haul because I am called to write and I really LOVE to write – and truth – God accepts me and never rejects me and I am good enough, smart enough and doggone it, people like me :0) - allow me to wipe away the tears and walk back to my computer.
Any great adventure includes discomfort and pain. But oh my, the joy that goes with risk is truly wonderful!
Rejection stings…but hope soothes.
Get the bunny! (I am referring to my post on April 23 :0) )
6 comments:
Robbie,
Don't look at it as rejection - look at it as God's closing doors till the right person and time comes along. My Dad used to write articles and stories after coming back from China, and he got more "no" notices than acceptances - but he did get the acceptances that were the ones God wanted for his articles.
You are a good writer - don't ever think otherwise! You already are published - so that is one proof. And another proof is that God has given you the talent and the desire to write - and God doesn't make mistakes!!!!
Keep your chin up and a smile on your face. It'll happen.
Hugs. Ruthie
All I wanted to do was hug you Robbie, after reading your post. OH, my heart is so touched by your post. The mother bear in me wants to go shake those that said no, but alas, that wouldn't help either. Right? LOL
Last week, I received another rejection. This company had mine for three months, I was sure it would go through. But no, it didn't. But the timing was the worse, I was covered in hives and just plain miserable and then to get the big rejection!
This publishing path is tough, filled with rejection, discouragement, and fear.
Yet,I know you will make it. Your gift will make room for you!
Love ya and hugs
ton
Robbie, I know all about rejection, too. Like you said, it's part of the territory for writers. My last one rolled in just last week.
What's good to know, though, is that we can trust God. Whatever His purposes, they are good. We can rest in Him. Thank goodness, huh?!
The last rejection I got was from PARENTS magazine. Someone took the time to write "Reject" on the top with a black pen.
I read it as a noun, not a verb.
Anyway, a bunch of us decided we MUST make a music video of "Sharensharensharensharenshren...." ASAP! And post it on YouTube.
It's our (WFTJ) platform ;>D
I'm glad you have come back with some good news. I don't think I could ever write, because I just don't know if I could handle the critics. I want to write, but just for my own enjoyment and maybe someday who knows? I will cheer you and Kay and the others on from the side line. Yeah! Go Robbie go! Publish, publish, publish! Write,write,write! Yeah caffeine!!
With all the rejections, you'd think we writers would have thicker skin. But we are such a sensitive lot - and that's what makes us good.
Three cheers for picking yourself up and getting back on the dance floor. If no one else wants to dance with you, just dance by yourself. The beauty is evident.
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