Especially encouraging but honest friends. I know, I shouldn’t rely (why does that word look wrong?) so heavily on other people’s opinions, but I already know I’m not just writing for me.
It’s funny how even a note that says something needs work can brighten my day if it’s phrased in the right way. I got a rejection letter the other day. I’ve been waiting to hear back from this particular publication because I know they sent out most of their notifications over two weeks ago (this is the curse of posting statuses on your forums, just ask them). The story they had is one of my personal favorites, and it’s one of those that has a 50/50 reaction rate. People either get it and like it, or don’t like it. And I’m being stubborn on this one because I feel certain aspects of the story need to stay the way they are to make it the story I wanted it to be.
Hmm…vague is me….
So I finally got a rejection letter from them. Which stung. But they were so kind about it, and as far as I can tell, didn’t actually have anything negative to say about it, and even told me they very much liked my writing and voice.
And then a couple of other people yesterday made some comments…just a couple of words of encouragment from each was all it took to smoosh my self-doubt. Especially since they’re people whose opinions I really respect.
Sorry, this is all really jumbled I think. Maybe I’m trying to chanel Yoda and failing. Either way, thank you to everyone who puts up with reading my early drafts. If I wasn’t writing for other people, there wouldn’t be a need to care. But I am. I like to know that people are listening to me. I think that’s one thing a lot of us like knowing. That we’re not just talking to dead air.
And now I’ll leave you to ponder my almost sentimental ramblings. I’ll try and be more cohesive tomorrow ^_^