6/8/2017

​As a writer, freelance, novelist or as a member of a staff somewhere, rejections should almost be a part of the daily routine. They will keep on coming, no matter what - whether you have made a name for yourself or you are just starting out. And it can by anything - the novel you consider your life’s work which you have been tweaking for years or a routine batch e-mail or newsletter, that turns out not to be so routine.

And the reasons for rejection? Does it matter? The thing is, no matter how routine it becomes it is still unpleasant and will put a small bump, dent or a large crater in your confidence.

Of course, it is easy for somebody to say, suck it up, it is not their work and confidence in question. And as far as you are concerned, that might be the perfect moment to put on that absolute soul masterpiece from 1972 by The Staple Singers: “Respect Yourself”. It is not only a great song but a perfect advice for that very moment.

So, what then? Easy to say, but sitting down and recounting all the acceptances and rejections you got, and at some point, they start evening out and some kind of balance is made. 

But then you should make yet another recount. Try to list all the good reasons and the bad ones why this rejection came about and all the good and bad outcomes as well. Somehow and for some reason, those seem to even out too. 

The key here though is to draw your strength from all those good reasons and outcomes, but certainly not forget and always have in mind all those bad ones. They'll always come in handy. As will the Staple Singers and their sage advice.

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