Thanks a lot for writing this. And I guess generally for writing. Somehow your writing is putting me into a better state. Not only because of the information, but also because of a "vibe," an atmosphere that exists even in these non-fiction posts.
This post made me think very hard. Why do I tend to write for myself and not even try to submit? Why I often drop a story just before final resolution? When I read "I wouldn't be allowed to do it <write another book> again." I felt my fears got explained so goddamn well! That's it. If there's a rejection it's an implicit order "you cannot write another word". It's good that this goddamn order exists only in my head. Or maybe it's actually bad: if this order was a part of a rejection letter, at least I would keep writing out of spite. On the other hand, maybe that's what I should do anyway.
Yes! That's it! Several times I started writing a comment on your last post, the one that explores why positive thinking is so difficult, but each time I tried, my comment seemed like a fraction of what I wanted to say, and I couldn't find a way to condense the larger point. I think you hit upon it right here, though: the real fear with rejection (or at least my real fear) is that it will land me on some "Do Not Accept, Ever" list that separates me from the real writers, the ones who "deserve" the denomination.
That kind of thinking is seductive but untrue. Editors and others have more goodwill, understanding, and patience than that. As you point out, their reasons for rejecting a piece rarely boil down to absolute dislike or scorn. Whether they're about the submission itself (not quite ready yet), the publication and its needs, or their own state of mind, the reasons hold no condemnation. (Yes, there are grouchy editors out there. But they, too, want to be cheered.)
But the good news is that you have a novel coming out in France in a few days :)
I am so excited!
Thanks a lot for writing this. And I guess generally for writing. Somehow your writing is putting me into a better state. Not only because of the information, but also because of a "vibe," an atmosphere that exists even in these non-fiction posts.
This post made me think very hard. Why do I tend to write for myself and not even try to submit? Why I often drop a story just before final resolution? When I read "I wouldn't be allowed to do it <write another book> again." I felt my fears got explained so goddamn well! That's it. If there's a rejection it's an implicit order "you cannot write another word". It's good that this goddamn order exists only in my head. Or maybe it's actually bad: if this order was a part of a rejection letter, at least I would keep writing out of spite. On the other hand, maybe that's what I should do anyway.
Anyhow, what I wanted to say is "thanks" :)
My pleasure! I also love spite as a motivator! That could be a good topic for another week...
Yes! That's it! Several times I started writing a comment on your last post, the one that explores why positive thinking is so difficult, but each time I tried, my comment seemed like a fraction of what I wanted to say, and I couldn't find a way to condense the larger point. I think you hit upon it right here, though: the real fear with rejection (or at least my real fear) is that it will land me on some "Do Not Accept, Ever" list that separates me from the real writers, the ones who "deserve" the denomination.
That kind of thinking is seductive but untrue. Editors and others have more goodwill, understanding, and patience than that. As you point out, their reasons for rejecting a piece rarely boil down to absolute dislike or scorn. Whether they're about the submission itself (not quite ready yet), the publication and its needs, or their own state of mind, the reasons hold no condemnation. (Yes, there are grouchy editors out there. But they, too, want to be cheered.)