Rejection Repurposed, #4

Tacoma 2, Postcards, Duncan James Livingston
Tacoma Rainbow Postcards (Photo credit: Duncan James Livingston)

We recently received a form letter rejection of ENHANCED from an agency based in Tacoma, where 41″ of rain fall every year. That’s 2″ more than the national average, and doesn’t even count Tacoma’s annual 4″ of snow.

My point is that Tacoma is green. Emerald green.

A reminder: When Robb and I embarked on the Big Game Agent Safari, I decided to commemorate each rejection by making something beautiful.

“Wait. You’re planning on rejections? Why? Don’t you believe in your book?” You, incredulous

Careful, now. If you weren’t so supportive, we might think you were trying to undermine our confidence. Yes, we believe with both our hearts (that’s right, we’re Gallifreyan) that Enhanced will earn traditional publication. Yes, we are planning on receiving rejections.

Why?

Because:

“There will be rejections.” Every. Published. Author.

Sure, rejection is disappointing. I could wallow in self-pity and doubt — I know how to do that. But it’s not helpful, and it doesn’t feel good. It’s much more productive to accept the agent in question isn’t a perfect match for ENHANCED, and move on. It’s liberating to celebrate the courage to put our work out there; I choose to make something beautiful as a reminder of our accomplishments.

Besides, making things — being creative — stimulates your brain to produce serotonin; you can’t help but feel good.

This makes me feel good.

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In Tacoma green…
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…with an emerald theme…
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…complete with hulking seabirds.

So, here’s to the emerald greenness of Tacoma and all the happy little bluebirds — and grouchy hulking seabirds — that fly beyond its rainbows.

Someday, so will I.

 

Author: Sue Ranscht

Having survived valve repair surgery and an experimental cardiac bypass at age 5, three years before it was an accepted medical procedure, Susan grew into the size of her overworked and enlarged heart. Maybe she thought she had enough to give it away -- twice. Both times, she had to retrieve the shattered pieces and puzzle them back together. She thanks her Dad for the only advice of his she ever followed to the letter: "Never get married. Learn to take care of yourself." So of course she is a writer. Susan has co-written a YA SciFi novel, and has three more novels in various stages of evolution. She's had several short stories published in other people's anthologies, some of which were contest-related. Let her tell you a story...

29 thoughts on “Rejection Repurposed, #4”

    1. Thank you. I suspect you’re right about any would-be doubters. Yet, even though we know rejections are part of the process as we stumble our way to success, so many writers let them rule their moods and future decisions in negative ways.

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      1. Yep, I’m definitely one of them. I know it’s part of the process, but it never ceases to utterly demolish any belief I have in myself and my work. I wish I knew of a way to stop it. It’s why I’ve been on submission hiatus for the past few years. The state all of the rejections put me in was…not good in a very dangerous way.

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        1. I understand how that happens, and I respect choosing to remove yourself from the danger. I’m really glad you’ve kept writing, though, Joi. And happy belated birthday! I saw your IG post — I was there on the 15th to celebrate my birthday a few days early. Looked like you were having a great time.

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          1. Oh my birthday isn’t until April 28! I’m wondering what post you saw lol.

            I don’t think I’ll ever be able NOT to write, and I’m working on methods to deal with the rejection. I really love your idea of making something beautiful. I’m actually planning a post about that in the near future, because I’m not quite sure what I’m going to do. I’m debating learning how to crochet or knit that way I have a new skill to practice!

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          2. Huh. The IG post was 2 days ago, the one just before your most recent Black Widow post.

            Three times, my grandma taught me how to crochet. I still can’t do it. Wish I could. I taught myself how to knit from a book, and I find that a rewarding skill. Cross stitch is like zen if you have the time. Photography. Freeform art with found objects, mosaics, mobiles, dream catchers — crafting seems to demand less fine skills than drawing and painting, but produces just as much beauty and opportunity for expression. I’ll be watching for your post!

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          3. I wonder if you’re mixing me up with someone else hehe. I don’t think I posted about Black Widow either! Either that or I’m forgetting what I’m posting which is highly likely, too. My memory is awful.

            I’ve heard that you can either master crochet or knitting but not both. I think I may set out to prove this wrong. I enjoyed both algebra AND geometry. I used to do latch hook many years ago, which is quite relaxing. I was thinking of that, too, but I kind of like the idea of making “rejection scarves” for my friends 🙂

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          4. I suppose anything is possible, including my utter confusion.

            “Rejection scarves” for friends is a marvelous idea. I’ve met several people who both knit and crochet, though they usually profess to favor one over the other. I’ve hooked a few rugs, too, and I agree about the relaxing process. Unless the hooked piece is a small wall hanging, knitting scarves takes less time per project.

            I also enjoyed both algebra and geometry. I found much to like about trigonometry as well, but it seemed more tedious, so ultimately less interesting.

            I hope you’ll post photos of your projects as you complete them.

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          5. I think I’m going to try both and post about my results. I think there usually is a preference, which makes sense, and in truth though I’m good at both algebra and geometry, I preferred the former. Trig was fun, too! I like logic and problem solving, and that’s pretty much what math is!

            I definitely intend to post about it when I start! I’m a long way from submitting anything at this point. I’m just planning ahead for the future so I’m prepared 🙂

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  6. It’s contagious. I mentioned/linked to you in a response comment to an Aussie blogging friend’s comment my latest post – which was in part a response to rejection. It turned out to be quite an inspiring exercise. I haven’t quite got to the pointing of ‘making’ something – but making something up counts, yes? Thanks for a terrific idea and for leading by your shining example 🙂
    PS: love green. Almost as much as turquoise 🙂

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    1. Thank you for sharing the link, Mary. I’ve read the post you’re talking about, and while I understand “a picture’s worth a thousand words”, well-written, those words can create a thousand images and emotions even the blind can see. Yours certainly did for me. 🙂 ❤

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