Thursday, August 9, 2012

The Final Countdown: 17 Days

If you need background or a reminder, here’s the gist.

And here's my inspiration today:


After reading my first rejection letter way too many times and thoroughly smothering myself with hopelessness and dread, I stopped. Realizing none of that really helped me move forward in what I wanted to do, I hunted around for more constructive things to tell myself when I felt less than up to par.

I taped up the letter so I couldn't read it again, turned it over, and wrote this quote from one of my favorite authors on the back. This heavy envelope is my two-sided coin.

Seven years later, I still read it every day.


**Update: Quite by coincidence, I was checking my email and saw Joe Bunting over at The Write Practice posted a great piece about rejection today too. Huh. I suppose it just needed to be brought up today? I love his take on it, so go check it out. 

8 comments:

  1. Love this quote!! It goes for different things in life that aren't related to writing, too.

    I'm going to start reading it regularly, too. Thanks!

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    1. So true. You're right. And you're welcome :) Thanks for the comment love and for your thoughts.

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  2. How ironic that you post ths quote on my longest working day of the week. I was going to slob around and call it a rest day but then I read you post and took one look at this quote and realised I was just beng lazy.

    So after givng myself a kick up the bum (there is no one to do t for me!) I am off to post.

    PS Don't let the letters get you down, I think your way of dealing with it s spot on. Tape it up (and any more that arrive) put an inspirational quote on each one and make a display out of them. That way every time you doubt yourself they will remind you to carry on!!! Remember you are one of my Goddesses!

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    1. For the record, I think rest days are very important.

      Also for the record, good for you distinguishing between "rest" and "lazy" (I have a hard time doing this -- maybe I have self-honesty issues? I want to say no, but then am I being honest with myself? Haha. Obviously...issues...), and then kicking yourself to do what you really want to do.

      Thanks for the great idea on continuing the quote-thing for the slew of letters sure to come in the near future. That will help me continue to feel positive about them. Good thoughts, good thoughts.

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  3. What a great quote. There is rejection in many forms and all are hard to take. I love the way you handled the letter! Shows your creative side too!

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    1. I love Jane Yolen. She is apparently full to the brim of great quotes. You're right about rejection being in many forms, so true. All hard to take. But yes, there's usually a creative, positive side to everything negative. Thanks for your encouraging thoughts, Winnie.

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  4. I am copying that quote and having it tatooed to my knees. Perfect inspiration.

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    1. I'm a pussy when it comes to pain. I wouldn't suggest the knees? Much easier to just copy it down on a piece of paper. Say the back of a rejection letter, perhaps? :)

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