My grandmother – who was the most influential and beautiful person in my life – would say that you have Moxie! I could also say that you are brave and strong and resilient and those things are all true but to me the word moxie implies just a little bit more. And that’s what you are, a little bit more. And I mean that in the best possible way in that you are more creative, more compassionate, more introspective more observant than almost any other person I know. I am sorry that you have experienced so many of these frustrating rejection letters. The letters are filled with both encouraging accolades and vexing rejections. I don’t know what to make of that, except that most of the systems and powers that be in this society seem pretty fucked up. I thank you for continuing to share your work with us even if it hasn’t found a concrete home in a journal. Your vagabond words still find us and inspire us in such good ways.
Welp, this is going directly into a folder where I keep things to turn to on hard days. Wow, wow, wow--thank you for this, Christie! Moxie. I love this word.
P.S. I hope your upcoming retreat is truly amazing! Easeful but encouraging, and transformative in all the good ways <3
I’m going to start a literary magazine about relational horsemanship. As a serial submitter/never been published writer myself, I have received similar feedback and have felt the rollercoaster of emotions. I’ve never sat on the other side as the picker.
What would be a respectful way to communicate that a piece isn’t right for the publication? What kind of feedback would you want as a writer? What would feel encouraging despite not being chosen?
Wow. Rejection is such a punch in the gut. The mood of this piece fits my mood today so well. I've been trying to read poems and my brain is having none of it. The words dance about and don't mean anything and I feel stupid while everyone else is saying such clever things about them. I especially loved hearing this in your voice. Putting your voice out there takes so much courage. But I love the way you've made some lovely lemonade here.
This feels like essential reading for all of us in the throes of submitting.
My favorite/worst rejection of late:
Please know that multiple editors loved your collection and it was in our 30 finalists. We were sad that we didn't have room to include a few more of our favorites and yours was certainly one of them. One of our editors even proclaimed that they should be teaching your collection in their syllabus.
Good morning dear Sara. Not the post I was expecting! I have had so many manuscript rejection letters they became book length unto themselves. At some point, I switched course, and self-published 10 books. Working with artists, editors, publishers of my choosing was always heady, hearty, and in the end, a handheld box containing what some Indigenous Peoples called "Talking Leaves" were delivered in a box. In addition to the unaccepted works, there have been countless unfinished manuscripts. An idea takes hold; an idea fades. A unique idea, turns out not to be. My friend Scott would offer presentations around the NW about his fish habitat restoration projects...all focused on his "failures," and the lessons he learned. The most fascinating, humbling talks.
Success begins when the pen is first dipped in the inkwell. Everything after that is sweet gravy. Love, Bill
My grandmother – who was the most influential and beautiful person in my life – would say that you have Moxie! I could also say that you are brave and strong and resilient and those things are all true but to me the word moxie implies just a little bit more. And that’s what you are, a little bit more. And I mean that in the best possible way in that you are more creative, more compassionate, more introspective more observant than almost any other person I know. I am sorry that you have experienced so many of these frustrating rejection letters. The letters are filled with both encouraging accolades and vexing rejections. I don’t know what to make of that, except that most of the systems and powers that be in this society seem pretty fucked up. I thank you for continuing to share your work with us even if it hasn’t found a concrete home in a journal. Your vagabond words still find us and inspire us in such good ways.
Welp, this is going directly into a folder where I keep things to turn to on hard days. Wow, wow, wow--thank you for this, Christie! Moxie. I love this word.
P.S. I hope your upcoming retreat is truly amazing! Easeful but encouraging, and transformative in all the good ways <3
Also, hearing your voice is everything.
And again, you might enjoy this piece from X. P. Callahan: https://xpcallahan.substack.com/p/7182024
gawd, so good
!!!
Well I just completely want to read your book!
<3!!!!!
I’d love to hear from your community, Sarah!
I’m going to start a literary magazine about relational horsemanship. As a serial submitter/never been published writer myself, I have received similar feedback and have felt the rollercoaster of emotions. I’ve never sat on the other side as the picker.
What would be a respectful way to communicate that a piece isn’t right for the publication? What kind of feedback would you want as a writer? What would feel encouraging despite not being chosen?
DM-ing you!
Wow. Rejection is such a punch in the gut. The mood of this piece fits my mood today so well. I've been trying to read poems and my brain is having none of it. The words dance about and don't mean anything and I feel stupid while everyone else is saying such clever things about them. I especially loved hearing this in your voice. Putting your voice out there takes so much courage. But I love the way you've made some lovely lemonade here.
It's SO nice to find kinship & empathy in these *having none of it* moods and gut-punching realities. Thank you for being here with me <3
Dear Sarah, I love your proverbial hopes!
This feels like essential reading for all of us in the throes of submitting.
My favorite/worst rejection of late:
Please know that multiple editors loved your collection and it was in our 30 finalists. We were sad that we didn't have room to include a few more of our favorites and yours was certainly one of them. One of our editors even proclaimed that they should be teaching your collection in their syllabus.
Good morning dear Sara. Not the post I was expecting! I have had so many manuscript rejection letters they became book length unto themselves. At some point, I switched course, and self-published 10 books. Working with artists, editors, publishers of my choosing was always heady, hearty, and in the end, a handheld box containing what some Indigenous Peoples called "Talking Leaves" were delivered in a box. In addition to the unaccepted works, there have been countless unfinished manuscripts. An idea takes hold; an idea fades. A unique idea, turns out not to be. My friend Scott would offer presentations around the NW about his fish habitat restoration projects...all focused on his "failures," and the lessons he learned. The most fascinating, humbling talks.
Success begins when the pen is first dipped in the inkwell. Everything after that is sweet gravy. Love, Bill