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.