As I hinted at in a previous post, I got hit with a rejection not too long ago that stung. When a full manuscript gets rejected it always hurts more than the partial. With a partial you can always say the reader didn't get to the good parts, but with a full, it's final and no matter how kind the agent's words, there's no way to avoid the burn.
The thing about this business is it turns on a dime, and after sending out a new batch of queries just one night after getting the rejection, I received a positive response early the next morning. Yes, less than twelve hours after sending the query, a full was speeding through cyberspace. I don't want to jinx anything, but my reality this week is very different than my reality last week. And it is good.
However, what I want to write about is what got me through the initial burst of disappointment. This writing business is brutal on the ego. Tougher people than me have packed it in. But I find I can keep going as long as I don't feel alone.
That's really the key.
Through different online outlets like blogs, Facebook and Twitter, I've met some amazing writers. I'm also a member of two local writing groups that offer tremendous support and camaraderie. Whether online or in person, these are people who are going through the same battles I am. We're writing and submitting and dealing with rejections. Or maybe we're doubting whether what we write is good enough to be seen. When the rejection came, I reached out for a hand, for some sympathy, for some advice and it came back in droves. I was able to put the rejection in perspective and move on, but I was only able to do it because of some women with very big hearts.
I've always found the writing community to be a pay-it-forward kind of place. I was on the receiving end of that last week. I can only hope that I have to opportunity to do the same for someone when they need the help or encouragement to keep going. Because when we stick together and weather the storms with others, reaching that finish line is not only easier, there are more people to celebrate the success.
How do you feel less alone? Has someone reached out and helped or encouraged you?
