I have renewed energy, vitality and drive in springtime. I'm excited and delighted to see all the rose buds blossoming; there are more each day. Looking at this little statue makes me count my blessings.
With the longer days, I write prolifically. Since January I have submitted 11 new pieces per month. I hope my submissions will be accepted and my writing will blossom like this little bush, but of course that's not realistic. I've received three acceptances since January. Such is freelance reality.
Writing and submitting can be confusing and disappointing when you believe you've written the perfect piece for a particular publication, and the editor rejects it. Almost immediately. Sometimes it's not about how swift you are and how clever your writing. It could be that someone else beat you to the punch. Or maybe your piece didn't suit editorial needs, wasn't the right tone or fit.
I've been trying to break into a new essay market which has a call out for personal essays on motherhood. I've submitted from three different perspectives: a mother's, a teacher's and a grandmother's. I was certain one of them would be a good fit, but so far I have received three rejections. "Not a good fit."
As an editor, author, and creator of an anthology, I know editors cannot respond to all inquiries.
I wrote and asked if they were seeking snarky or serious. I received a form letter rejection, not an answer.
Disappointing? Sure.
Will that stop me? of course not.
I now have three new essays which I can submit elsewhere.
Just like the chubby chipmunk who stores food, it's good for writers to have a reserve supply.
Do you have a folder filled with rejected material? Have you looked at it lately? Why not select something, revise it and send it out this week?
If it pertains to mothering, you might try Motherwell. I wish you success.
My story about my mom and me is online for your reading pleasure. Please leave a comment. Thank you and enjoy.
/http://sasee.com/2016/05/01/becoming-my-mother/
8 comments:
Wonderful blog today and I have been to Sassee!
I have gotten only rejections so far this spring. But a lot is still out there and today I submitted even more. It is hard to keep writing if no one wants it...a little perk here and there keeps us going!
With my employment winding down in a couple of weeks, I will soon be filling my very own rejection folder. I am looking forward to it.
Went to Sasee, gotcha covered!
I envy your relationship with your mom. Mine was so difficult. I cherish the time I spend with my kids and hope that the cycle is broken that started so long ago with my mother and her mother. I loved your story. I use tweezers on my upper lip, but a razor sure would hurt less!!
Linda--You may not be getting as many acceptances as you'd like but I bet that soon, editors' yeses will be raining down on you.
What a delightful array of animals and birds in your garden - and so well-fed, too.
Good luck with your submissions - it's disappointing when you don't get any feedback but that's life, I guess.
Linda, your determination and optimism are always inspiring. Lovely story about your mom. I enjoyed it.
Your attitude and perseverance are the marks of a professional. You'll find a home for those essays and will eventually receive a "yes" from the one who said no...because that's what you do!
Persistence always pays off, and you have the resume to prove it!
Pat
Critter Alley
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