I am at the end of my writing journey for Emergence. I sent my baby out to readers and worked diligently on every editing aspect I could do on my own. I pulled my hair at the whole grammar thing even though I am ten times better than I was five years ago. I was thrilled with some amazing comments and suffered through a really emotionally squashing crit. But I worked and fixed and found and replaced and cut thousands of words only to replace them with new words.
Then I sent my baby off to the big wide world out there.
I was rejected, and for a few days that REJECTION was all I saw in that email. I cried and said I was going to quit, and dealt with the emotions of that rejection. Then when things calmed down and I decided that maybe I wasnt really going to quit and re-read the rejection letter. The letter offered a second chance based on changes that they wanted me to make.
Of course I am going to make those changes,I want to be a writer, I want to touch someone with what I write. I have a mesage and its a good one.
In the quiet of a early Sunday morning I realized that this was exactly where I wanted to be. I have wanted to work with this editor like an addict wants a fix. I admire this person so much and have never been able to aford an edit on my own now they are offering it to me out of the graciousness of thier heart. This is what I wanted, and actually asked for the last time I went to contemplate and serve at the temple. That I be sent in the direction I needed to go with my writing. My prayer although I initially recieved it the wrong way was answered in the way I needed it not the way I wanted.
So . . . When God closes a door. . . he opens a window.
10 comments:
That really bites!!! I'm so sorry about Valor, but I'm glad you found something positive in it. Hang in there. Valor has had my MS for over 3 weeks (3wks, 3dys, 9hrs....but whose counting)and still no word. It's in 1st person so you know I'll be getting that rejections slip soon. I'm sure my tears will be filling the tear-pool soon. BTW-I'd love to read for you some time. I think I owe you, don't I? Didn't you help me with Taming the Heart?
Michelle,
Chin up. You're right that when one door closes, another opens. You may not have an acceptance yet, but you now have the tools you'll need to get one someday. And then--when you hold your published book in your hands--you'll be able to feel proud knowing how hard the journey was and that you persevered and succeeded.
Ahh, I'm sorry about the rejection Michelle. But so happy to hear your heart and mind were open to the suggestions they offered and to that second chance.
Good luck!
I am touched with your spiritual insight. What a strong testimony you have to hang in there and lift your face to the warm Sabbath Sunshine.
I, too, am striving on sending my baby to Valor and have my hopes lifting to Heaven.
I will let you know what happens--visit my blog--I'll be sure to post its milestones! (Whether good or bad)
PS--Christine, I also helped with your Taming of the Heart, I thought it was very good!
I love your story, Michelle. I know it will find a home. I hope this editing process works out to be a positive experience for you.
Hi Michelle,
Sorry if my critique of your book was the emotionally destructive one. I sure didn't mean it to come off that way. You are a great writer, and if it makes you feel any better, I got a similar rejection from Valor as well.
I've started on my rewrite, and I'm very grateful for that rejection and their inspiring comments on how to fix the book. I am so much happier with the way the new version is shaping up.
Rejections stink, but they can sure make us better writers in the long run.
Rebecca S.
Rebecca,
No it wasnt your crit. Your crit was amazing and I learned so much from it. The fact that you were willing to work with me and listened to my side of it was encouraging and educational. You're a great critiquer.
Sorry about your rejection too.
Running out of time. Will get to individual comments later. Know you guys rock and are great. :)
Great attitude, Michelle! Keep on keeping on and I'll look forward to seeing you in print. :)
Glad to see you up and running again!
Just remember, it's much harder to climb in and out of windows than to walk through a door - but it still gets you to the same place...
...or arrested.
Love ya!!!
Wow, this was really beautiful. It's good to remember these small details in life.
I can honestly say though, I feel your pain. Sometimes it is so easy to see the negative in a critique. When that happens, I have a good cry like you did, then go back and read it again.
Thanks for sharing this
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