Rejected Again

I just received another rejection for my first novel. Actually, this is probably the second rejection with a note; the others were not responded to at all after the prescribed time. It stings every time, followed by a dull throbbing pain like a bee sting. It will fade soon, but my question to myself is: Do I bother to keep trying?

Just the fact that I’m even asking myself this question indicates that I need to revisit my motivation for writing this story in the first place and what I hope to achieve with it.

My motivation was to get it out of me and onto paper. As the story progressed through the various drafts, I found healing in it for myself as it forced me to face some of my own inner struggles and turmoil. That led to the motivation to inspire readers struggling with similar issues.

Money and fame were not on my radar because I certainly wouldn’t do this if I depended on it for my basic living needs. Fame is the last thing I want because I am uncomfortable with being the focus of attention, whether at large parties or even a small gathering of friends.

The other rejection I received provided some feedback for improvement and even suggested resubmitting. I started making those revisions but allowed myself to become distracted by other writers lamenting that even with revisions, there was no guarantee of publication. After spending months on revisions, I just gave up and never bothered to resubmit. Instead, I chose to go with my original version, revise it again, and resubmit it to other publishers. I’m ashamed to admit that I dilly-dattled and spent the last 2 years making excuses and allowing more distractions leaving me to only submit to this one publisher below.

I know that I am not alone in experiencing rejection and procrastination. Writing is an art, and publishing is a business. Both require grit: effort, work, and determination. I can look back over my life and list everything I’ve accomplished by practicing grit. I know I am capable of resetting my attitude, mindset, and way of being—I’ve done it before. It’s time to do it again.