What do you have in reserve? Becoming my mom.

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.

Hubby tosses his cooked egg yolks to a mocking bird that has been coming around for a couple years. It's so tame it lands on the patio table and waits for him to throw food. The other day Bill dropped the egg on the ground. A starling swooped in to snatch it, but a chipmunk darted out from under the shed and devoured it. The starling looks startled, doesn't it? Or maybe confused? I know the mockingbird perched on the fence was. The two birds thought it a sure thing. The little chipmunk showed them.

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/