Years ago I had a basketball coach who taught "if you're not getting at least four fouls in a game, you're not playing defense." He didn't like fouls, but his point was, in the process of playing the game aggressively, fouls are going to happen. Fouls are not necessarily indicators of defeat, they are indicators of effort. Likewise, Keyes' approach to rejection is that all successful writers deal with rejection.
Nothing gives me hope like hearing anecdotes about famous writers who received tons of rejections before going on to publish a best-seller.
I think these kinds of stories are encouraging whether or not the person is even famous. So, I am going to start bringing you personal stories of writers who persevered and got published after dozens of rejections. Stay tuned: my first guest blogger will be Linda Sanders-Wells author of the adorable picture book, Maggie's Monkeys. It took Linda nine years and 18 rejections before her book found a home. Be sure to come back to read her whole story.
If anyone else is interesting in sharing their experience here, please contact me!
12 comments:
I can't wait, Corey! This will be a great series of posts! I, too, love reading about writers when they succeed despite rejection.
Shelley
I look forward it it....
That's a great quote -- very timely and applicable -- and I love the idea that you're drawing from it. It will definitely help boost the energy among authors struggling to get past the slushpile.
I look forward to reading these tales, and I do wish that I had a success story to tell. Unfortunately, I'm one of the many with only failures to look at. ;)
Have a great weekend!
Wow. I love that quote and I LOVE rejection stories. What a great thing to share :-)
I am so excited! I love these kind of stories. Maybe, someday, I can be a guest blogger. That is when I'm actually published. I've got the rejection thing under my belt, so I'm half way there, right?
Very cool idea, Corey. Funny how we humans find hope in the oddest places.
Sounds like a fun idea! And I love that quote...
People will be surprised to find out the hardships and rejection stories before the success in many great artists and writers. It motivates the struggling ones to persevere.. ;)
~Silver
What a good idea. I need to hear that right now. Thanks for doing this!
Can't wait to read these!
Perfect timing
sf
GREAT idea! Nothing motivates like a good success story. Without perserverance, nothing would ever get done.
I can't wait to read your posts!
Great story. Thanks for sharing.
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