Bad News Comes in the Mail Part 1
I used to like getting mail. As child I’d wait by the window for the mailman to come in hopes of getting a letter from the half a dozen pen pals I had. I’d listen to my mom’s old 45 record as I bopped to the fifties style music and I sang along to the words…sitting by the window, feeling sad and blue. All because I haven’t heard from you. And then my momma said, “Look. Look. Here comes the postman twisting down the avenue. He’s got a letter in his hands and I know it’s got to be for you…
Yes, I used to love getting mail. That was before I started to see those big manila envelopes in my mailbox with the SASE I put on them! Not a good sign. Any writer will know what I mean when I say bad news comes in the mail. And for all you non writers out there I’ll translate the meaning…REJECTION.
Remember how I’ve been hanging on to that last bit of hope that maybe writing again was just around the corner. I bet the farm, put it all on two things. My Genesis contest entry and my agent submission. Well, the Genesis contest was a complete disappointment and shock when I didn’t final especially when there weren’t too many entrants. Maybe God’s trying to teach me humility. If so, I guess He’s on track.
The second disappointment came today in the mail. I’d been hoping on the last thing I had in the works. My submission to an agent.
The rejection letter was short and to the point, but if I dig deep I can find some encouragement:
Your story was gripping, exciting, and gritty. Unfortunately, I’ve just taken on a number of new clients and am not, therefore in a position to add others. I do wish you the very best in your publishing venture and apologize for not contacting you sooner.
So is that a flashing red light? I’m not so sure anymore. I’m just so confused right now. My heart and mind is torn in two. On one hand, I hear sermons all the time telling me to use my gift and then on the other hand, I want to be obedient to God’s will and the “signs” he’s giving me. But I’m not sure about anything anymore.
Stay tuned for the rest of the story.
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Oh, Gina, I’m sorry about that. I know the feeling - I’ve gotten *plenty* of rejections, too, and I know how uncertain and stressful a trip to the mailbox can be! AND, I don’t understand those writers who say, “Keep all your rejection slips - paper your walls with them. It shows you’re a writer.” Um…I don’t need to be *reminded* of my rejections visibly…my mind keeps them at the forefront as it is!
Honestly, I think the comment from the agent is very encouraging. And I know that it can be so hard to tell if God is giving you “signs” or just closing one agent’s door so He can open another. But I think if you continue to follow the desire that is so much a part of you (writing) and try (I know it’s hard) to be okay with whatever doors God opens and closes (even though, I know from experience, it sometimes feels like he’s closing all of them), and at the same time try to enjoy the process - playing with the words, the excitement of a new idea, etc. - you’ll be on the right track.
July 10th, 2006 at 5:40 amI have often been taught by God that just because it’s hard, doesn’t mean that it’s not still of God. Sometimes it is a door closing, but sometimes He’s just seeing if you will hang in there with Him.
I’m sorry.
July 10th, 2006 at 6:22 amGina, I will continue to pray that God will give you wisdom to know which way to go AND peace to rest in Him during the journey. I so need that in my own life! Hang in there! And enjoy those kids. As my husband keeps telling me, they’ll grow up fast.
July 10th, 2006 at 8:12 amThanks everyone for the encouragement! I hear what each of you are saying and I take it to heart!
Thanks
July 10th, 2006 at 10:18 amJust don’t ever give up on writing. A gift such as yours should not be put on the shelf, so to speak. I love the scripture in Phillipians and also the one in Jeremiah 29:11, I believe. “For I know the plans I have for you . . . ..”
July 10th, 2006 at 8:32 pmAwesome blog, hope you don’t mind but I put your link on my site. Hang in there.
[…] was a little scary for me. For a while I’ve been thinking about writing again, despite my latest rejection, but I didn’t hear one way or another from […]
February 16th, 2007 at 6:08 pm