One thing I've learned about writing is that disappointment is a given. Every query we send off, every short story to a publication, every contest entry has our hopes and dreams tacked onto it. Yet most of these missives come back carrying rejections. Disappointment and hurt follow in short order.
The trick is not to let the disappointment lead to discouragement. Yes, it hurts when our work is rejected. In fact, it hurts more when it's not our work but some half-page letter introducing our work. "What? I'm not even interesting enough for them to want to look at this book I've just spent XXX years working on? Not even one lousy chapter?"
It's okay to feel bad. Let yourself. Then shake it off and move on. Send another query or story. Write something else. It's not worth wallowing in. So, somebody didn't like it. The next person may love it with a mad passion. That's what we all hope for.
How do you deal with disappointment? Ice-cream and cookies? A strong gin? A brisk walk around the block?
Good D word :-) I dive into the disappointment. I dwell, and I linger, but only long enough to get bored with it, and then I go back to trying again . But those 250 or so words that just don't seem to do the book pitching trick...those disappoint me most frequently :-P
ReplyDelete(And congrats on 200 followers :-)
I use disappointment to test my armor. If it penetrates, I know I need to work on thickening my skin. We writers have to be tough! But, usually, it gets to me enough that I have to see a movie or go to the beach. That always helps :)
ReplyDeleteGreat D word. It sucks, but it's part of the process, I guess.
ReplyDeleteHappy Hump Day!
My D