Checking my email is part of my morning routine. Not that people email each other anymore. In fact, my inbox is usually bombarded with notifications from my favorite stores. Hey, I am a bit of a fashionista. I can’t help it. I love edgy, trendy clothes and heels.
The first email I noticed was from one of the publishers I submitted my novel The Scale to for consideration. I tingled all over. Another, Mika, we love your novel and would like to consider offering you a contract for sure.
Ha!
Instead my eyes scanned the polite words of ‘thanks but no thanks’ response. My novel exceeded their words count. I already knew that during the submission process. So why did I even send it for consideration you ask…well, as an aspiring author, I figured why not. Take a chance and see what happens. The most they can say is ‘you’re not a good fit at this time.’ And I can handle that.
So why did my heart shrink in disappointment when I read the words? Especially when I have several pending contracts to choose from, one of them I am very excited about and currently in negotiation. I’ve heard only wonderful things about this publisher and I am looking forward to becoming a part of their family.
However, it is in our nature to fear rejection, we want attention, crave affection and dream of perfection.
And I’m a bit of a perfectionist and I guess I was going for 8 for 8, which is very unrealistic because rejection is part of the game. As a friend pointed out, I’m lucky enough to have received a contract offer, even two or three. Some are not that fortunate. And for that I’m grateful and will continue to fine tune my writing skills.
I love this quote: “You can let rejection
define you. Or you can let it help build a stronger foundation for you to excel on.” I’ve decided to go with the latter
Happy Writing All!
love & kisses,
Mika Jolie
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