by Katie Martin
One day last week, I went to the mailbox and found four letters from various publications. I ended up with one "yes,"one "maybe," and two "no's."
The "yes" is a short story (non-fiction) that will be published in November. Both "no's" were no's, but they each contained comments on my work. I will study them and see if I can use them to improve my writing.
A "maybe" is a different story. It may be three months, six months or even years before I know whether the answer is yes or no. Still, I know I am on my way now. Each day brings new hope for my future as a writer.
Although I don't always understand the "no's," I realize they are a part of my writing. So, I try to accept them and go on.
I am lucky because I have a cheering section. This group of people always knows what to say. They encourage me to continue writing. There are kind words when the rejections get overwhelming. Even more important, they listen to the same piece--time after time, day after day--as I attempt to fine tune it into a publishable article or manuscript. Maybe I should call this cheering section "my victims." Even though I talk humorously about this group of people, it is an important part of every writer's life.
My hope, like others, is always for a regular income from writing. It does seem like there is interest, and the money always comes in spurts.
I had a friend who wrote for a living. She always spoke of how writing and its income came in spurts. Her children used to talk about her writing income. "When mommy gets rich," they would say, and then go on to talk about what they would do with the extra income.
One of my greatest problems is patience. Once I have finished a piece, I want an immediate response. Instead it may be months, or even longer, before I hear.
I have to remind myself how much I have always wanted to write. I go back and reread an earlier piece, and one I have written this week. It makes me realize how far I have come.
When all is said and done, I know this is what I want to do. I am writing for the pure joy of writing, and look forward to tomorrow.
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3 comments:
Congratulations on getting a YES, and a maybe. :) I recently posted on Facebook if rejections ever get easier, and almost every writer said, "no!" But I felt better that I had that support system to have a pity party with me, and then move on. :) Keep plugging away!
When they say "maybe," that's a tough one, because it leaves you in limbo. Congratulations on the yes.
I'm one of Katie's "victims", as she called us in her blog! I'm honored to be one....to hear her ideas....and to share in her joy when she gets a piece published. She's a remarkable person and talented writer. She has a gift for bringing out the touching aspects of her stories that grab you, drag you in, and take you back to a similar, special time in your own life. Whether it's "Christmas and Tomatoes" or any of her other pieces, they leave you with a smile on your face and a good feeling in your heart. She's overcome unbelievable ostacles in the last ten years or so and has not given up. She won't give up on her writing either and I have no doubt she'll end up with tons of "yes" responses from publishers! She's a born writer and I look forward to each of her pieces. Heck, I look forward to her "book signings" when she goes on to writing whole books! Good luck, Katie!
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