My goal outside of my work is to get my fiction rejected by literary magazines.
A lot of this is ego protection and creating incentive to lessen the fear of rejection, but some of it is a fascination with how the rejection occurs. I'm nearing 35, and I think that after crossing the threshold of 30 I began to seek discomfort as my way of assuaging my ever-present existential anxiety.
My one rejection letter so far makes sure to mention the subjectivity of the reader and encourage future submissions. It is so lovely that they try to pad the blow at all; I do know what I'm working with, and, as in all other areas of my life, I suspect that I am a bit of an acquired or unusual taste.
I feared rejection in all areas for so many years, but I am now experiencing it as being very good for the soul. What will I learn as I accumulate failed attempts? What different ways can the person in charge of rejecting think to phrase this necessary communication? The future is bright-- or rather, full of gray clouds, which I have always preferred to sunny days.
I started writing three years ago. I've had one piece accepted, and MANY rejected. Most of the rejections I got simply stated that it wasn't their "style." Honestly, I didn't bat an eye. Sure it stings. Writers write because not only do we feel we have a story to tell, but everything we write has a little piece of us in it. But you're right. Being rejected can actually be healthy and therapeutic. It can keep the old ego in check. You can learn a great deal from it. And, more importantly, it can light that fire. I'm 36. I feel like I've been late to the game my whole life. Joined the military late, (26, turned 27 in boot camp), late to social media, and, late to college! I just went back to school for Creative Writing, because it never hurts to learn the rules... so you can break them!
Rejection happens. Take it in stride. Learn. Get better. Repeat.
I wish you luck!
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I absolutely relate. Thank you for your kind and insightful words!
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