Three Simple Things I would Tell Myself on Rejections
There are several things I would tell myself before I even attempt to write. I hope that someone who is just beginning a writing journey may find them useful. I wish I knew at least some of it beforehand.
First, as a debut author, you’ll likely face many heartbreaks, setbacks, and rejections, whether from letters received from publishers and editors, your own struggles, or constant doubts about your talent as a writer.
Second, you’ll need to be prepared to become a harsh critic of your work, and although it may seem normal, it won’t be easy. It will hurt, and it might be so excruciating that you'll want to give up. Shutting down your computer and never writing again might feel like the best option. The obstacle in front of you won’t move, no matter how hard you try. Your self-esteem and confidence will gradually decline, and you’ll wonder how you ever managed to write, where the joy of writing went, and if it will ever come back to you.
Third, the only answer to this, even if it sounds quite cliché, is to try and stay positive. Again, it’ll be difficult, painful, and on some days, unrealistic and unachievable, and that’s when you’ll have to probably very honestly ask yourself, why do you write.
Do you write because it brings you the immeasurable sense of accomplishment and joy? Do you write because you know that’s the only thing you want to be doing? Do you write because you feel you have great stories you want to tell your readers? If the answer to even one of these questions is yes, you should go ahead and write, and the more you write it will become better. Don't listen to the voices in your head trying to stop you from writing. Listen to the firm one that will keep you moving forward.
Rejection is a part of the game. We think that we all know that by heart, as we read about so many different and amazing writing journeys, but only when we actually face it ourselves, do we realize to what extent it’s harder to overcome that pain, harder than we’ve ever expected. There’s no magic wand, there’s no one out there who’ll do it instead of you or for you. You’re alone. You, your voice, your determination, and your passion are the only weapons you have, together with a pen and paper or a computer keyboard. Enough tools to battle and win.
