First Rejection Letter

In the journey to becoming an author, there are many roadblocks along the way.  Inspiration or the Muse must be present to begin.  Time must be set aside each day to write and practice your craft.  There is a whole different world to enter when one wants to become a published author.  WIP means “Work In Progress”.  It is the current project that is being written.  A social media presence is a must to develop your target audience.  Writer’s Block is a fear that can strike at any time, and if it takes hold, can have disastrous effects on that WIP.

If an author survives all of these obstacles, the biggest hurdle of all looms in the distance. Submissions are needed to take the scariest step of all.  Submitting the WIP for publishing.

Self-publishing is an option.  Editing is a must.  Beta readers test read the WIP and hopefully provide constructive criticism and positive feedback.  Repeat as necessary. Query letters are sent to publishing companies.

Then the waiting begins.

The self-doubting during this time, which does not always have an exact deadline for a reply can be paralyzing.  The WIP is sent out to one or many different publishers, with excited anticipation.  As the days turn into weeks, which turn into months, the feeling changes.  The belief in the WIP can fade.  Negativity creeps into the picture and can cause the author to stop writing.  This is the hardest thing a writer has to face.

It happened to me.  I wrote a poem and submitted it to my writing group.  I have experienced new friendships, answers to many questions, and support in this group.  I continue to be a member of the Ninja Writers.  I found them on facebook, and I am now a card carrying member.  I am supporting a co-operative publication.  My submission did not make the first publication.

I got my first rejection letter.  It was not the result I wanted, but it is done.  As an author, it will not be my last.  As an author, I have arrived.

Was I disappointed?  Absolutely.  Did it break my desire to keep trying?  Not a chance.  My work is just beginning as an author. There will be times when I want to give up.  If I am going to succeed, I have to be able to keep trying.  Stubborn determination twisted with an immense amount of patience will help me to persevere and succeed.

I will be looking forward to receiving my first copy of the Ninja Writers Zine.  It is called The NW.  I am planning to read it from cover to cover, more than once, so that I can up my game for the next call for submissions.  More information about it can be found at their Patreon link:

The NW

If you are interested in becoming a part of the phenomenon known as the Ninja Writers, here is a link to their facebook page:

Ninja Writers Facebook Group

It is a closed group, but the creator of the Ninja Writers, Shaunta Grimes, has given me permission to share both of these links here.  She is a published author, and leading the Ninja Writers Revolution!  She has created so many useful tools and guides for up and coming authors like me.  Thanks for giving me a place to share, learn and improve upon my writing dreams, Shaunta!  Ninja Writers Rock!

Finally, I will link the poem that I have published in January here.  It was featured on this blog, and I am proud of it whether or not it shows up anywhere else.  This is what I submitted for The NW.

Give yourself a little Grace

I will continue sharpening my writing skills until the next call for submissions.