novel – The Daily Rejection (A Writer's Woe)

“You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.”

That is one of my favorite quotes from a very quotable man, and an excellent writer: the one and only Mr. Stephen King.

The excerpt is from his book, On Writing, and if you’re a novelist, whether aspiring or on your 20th story, then this book should become something of a bible to you. It’s paragraph after paragraph of inspirational quotes, practical advice, humorous anecdotes, and just about everything you need to inspire you to hone your craft and never give up. A surprisingly motivational read from the King of the Macabre, and yet it shouldn’t be so surprising. Because like every novelist before and since, Stephen King had to deal with rejection and feeling as though his writing was sub-par to his published peers. He too had to climb a figurative mountain to get to where he is.

Continue reading “Excerpt Thursday #1”

For my first Rejection Wednesday, I’d like to share my latest rejection letter, and tell a tale about my toughest rejection to date. (Identifying names of the agents/agency have been omitted, for privacy’s sake).

This lovely was waiting for me in my inbox a few days ago, a response that came roughly four months after the query was sent.

“Thanks so much for your query and interest in our representation. I was very glad to have a chance to take a look. Regrettably, I don’t feel sufficiently excited about the material to take it on, but please remember that reactions to fiction are entirely subjective, so I do recommend that you try some other agents. Best of luck to you in finding a home for your work, and thank you for thinking of me.”

Continue reading “Rejection Wednesday #1”