“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not, it’s not the end.” — John Paul DeJoria, Co-founder of Paul Mitchell hair products and Patron Spirits companies.
John is referring to his early life knocks, but he could also be referring to writers, especially when he says, “Be prepared for rejection.”
Writers are given rejection advice all the time.
“Don’t take it personally.”
“Rejection slips means you are submitting.”
“At least you’re trying.”
All these words . . . do they really help when you receive a rejection notice?
I worked hard a few months ago refining a piece I’ve been working on for a long time. I felt confident and satisfied when I hit the “submit” button.
And then waited. And waited. Waited some more. You probably know this story. Finally, the notice arrived that although my piece was well-written, it wasn’t accepted. I felt . . . rejected. Yes, I felt personally rejected. “Buck up,” I told myself. “You did the best you could.”
Later that day, I read John Paul DeJoria’s story. . . “From Foster Care Kid to Billionaire,” in the April 23, 2015 issue of People magazine. I realized that things could be worse and a publication’s non-acceptance of my writing is only one rejection and their lack of interest isn’t a reflection of me nor my writing.
As John Paul says, “Open yourself up to what is possible.”
And I say: Because you never know . . . sometimes great things happen in the unlikeliest places!
So, keep trying. Keep writing and continue submitting. Good things are bound to happen. Click here for Places to Submit.
