WRITERLY WISDOM: Donna L Martin

 

pass.png

 

WHY REJECTION LETTERS ARE NOT A BAD THING!

by Donna L Martin

 

Some of you might think I’m crazy. Others might wonder what I put in my drink. There might even be a wild thought it might be time for me to hang up my writing pen.

But just hear me out…

While I’ve been writing for more than 40 years, I only became a professional writer ten years ago. I try to find time for my writing every day. I’ve sent my “babies” out into the world and dealt with almost every kind of rejection letter out there.

The “no response at all” rejection letter early in my career.

The generic email rejection letter letting me know my story isn’t the right fit.

Occasionally the personalize rejection letter with kind words of encouragement.

It doesn’t matter how we receive it, getting a rejection letter can still hurt our writers’ pride. And sometimes it makes us doubt our own skills as a storyteller.

But it shouldn’t any more.

While we’re never going to do the happy dance over being rejected by yet another agent or publisher, there ARE three treasures hidden inside each one:

 

THE PERSEVERANCE TEST

 

Becoming a published author is a long, slow process. Dues have to be paid, sincere industry connections made, and in a way, writers have to prove themselves worthy of their future audience. Writing isn’t for the faint of heart or those in it for the quick buck (cuz there aren’t any quick bucks to be made I’m afraid!)

 

THE CHANCE TO EVOLVE

 

Every rejection allows us to work on our presentation. Maybe our query letters need tweaking. Maybe our agent or publisher list needs updating. Even the stories themselves might benefit from a little more polishing. When we incorporate the lesson found within each rejection letter, we become stronger writers who are one step closer to that coveted book contract.

 

THE RIGHT TO CELEBRATE

 

Rejection letters make any successes we receive along the way, no matter how big or how small, all the sweeter. They help remind us we are stronger than our temporary setbacks. They allow us to show compassion for our fellow writers when they feel their own sting from being turned down in their pursuit of publication. There is also a camaraderie which allows us to do that happy dance even for the birth of a book not of our own making.

So I say bring on the rejection letters. I KNOW in my own heart I’m a good writer. Just because one of my “babies” haven’t found a home yet doesn’t mean it isn’t loved. And when the time is right, someone else will learn to love them as well!

 

baby

 

*************

 

Donna's Books

Looking for a way to spend that Christmas cash? Gift cards burning a hole in your pocket? Books always make a great gift! There’s everything from inspirational essay journals to picture books…young adult fantasy novels to historical fiction chapter books. Something for everyone on sale now through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and other retailers. HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: Ship of Dreams can also be found at the Titanic Museums in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Branson, Missouri.

 

************

 

donna - Copy

 

Best selling, award-winning author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host providing the latest book reviews on all genres of children’s books, and the host of WRITERLY WISDOM, a resource series for writers. Donna is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. She is a lover of dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection. Donna’s latest chapter book series is called HISTORY’S MYSTERIES. Book One, Ship of Dreams, is available in eBook and print form from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and other online retailers. Also, coming to the Titanic Museums in Branson, Missouri, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Book Two, A Chocolate Train Wreck, was released in November.

Donna L

Hybrid award winning author; aspiring sketch artist; and 4th Degree Senior Certified Taekwondo Instructor. Host of BOOK NOOK REVIEWS. Member of SCBWI. Mom to fabulous son and adventurer delving into the tricky world of indie-publishing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *