Member-only story
Finding the Positive in the Negative
If you truly love your babies, don't put them up on pedestals
I recently submitted a story about challenges in my life that affect my career. The publication I sent it to is devoted to writing about writing. Two weeks’ worth of writing, editing, trimming, re-editing, and fussing over formatting netted me a story I felt was a perfect fit for the pub. I read their stories regularly and thought my unique take on attempting to succeed as a freelance writer was different enough to be a valuable reading experience. As you might have guessed by now, they rejected my story. However, they were kind enough to review my work the day after I submitted it and leave me a pleasant note. The editor said that while they appreciate the effort, they receive too much on the subject, so they’re passing on it. While I’m not thrilled, at least it doesn’t seem like they lined their bird cages with printouts of my story.
Too much?
After reading the editor’s note, I grumbled for a few minutes, dusted off, and started something new. What else was there to do? This whole episode did get me thinking, though. What the heck is there left to write about writing that is truly a 100% original take at this point? I bet someone else has even already written about this topic too, but I’ll try to be quick.
