Before I write this next post I am going to remind myself of the quotations from the last one (written Wednesday)
Work on the right projects at the right time.
Just because I find it doesn’t mean I have to do it.
Beginning to hate the thought of firing up the laptop … is not good.
Keep building the collection.
It is definitely within my grasp, I will go for it.
I am feeling fulfilled and positive about writing, I love a daily tap of the keys, I think, dream & breathe writing, I always have done but now I feel it.
Yesterday (Thursday) as I checked my Inbox I was delighted to hear from a publication (the editorial pile ride can take a while), obviously I had high hopes as I opened the message and within the first few lines was aware of rejection No.1 2013. (As long as that number doesn’t exceed the submissions HA! HA!)
It’s okay. I am feeling okay about it. My material wasn’t suitable to that particular publication at that time, I know better than to discard it and on the plus side I have 6 unique poems which would never had been written if I hadn’t decided to rise to the proposal challenge.
Yesterday I was ill and slept most of the day, in the afternoon as I lay in bed I read articles, drifting in and out of more sleep, as I read, the process of the writer became of paramount interest. I read a Judith Spelman interview with Ken Bruce, he was talking about writing his autobiography. Which he did by using his 45 minute commute journey everyday. It took him 6 months to complete. I am currently working on my freelance career between 6 – 27 hrs a week – banking 2- 23hrs more than Ken, I have the time commitment finally, now I just need to keep the faith.
Often people’s main problem is finding the time. I started working part-time – gaining 30-50 hours of life back per week, I have also cut down TV and social media/internet time. (I have probably spent less time on housework and household chores too! Every minute counts huh!) I have realised that a writing schedule is essential and since the end of February instead of trying to follow crazy, scribbled notes in my writing journal I have been using a timetabled approach.
This is much better, easier to follow and if you have an off day you can clearly see what you have missed and then decide whether you need to readjust the next days work to accommodate the missing time or if the project meets the slush pile – as a few of mine have this month.
If I miss something I consider important I add it to my RESEARCH list to look up the same opportunity next year, hopefully by then I will already have a piece in mind that I can enter. The opportunities can still be chased, just in future time when better prepared. I don’t know many people who would attempt a marathon barefoot – although, strangely enough I know a lot of people who run marathons!
To make myself feel even better, I re-read the poems with a critical eye, as well as reading a section of W&A by John Whitworth.
‘If your poems are good they will find a publisher if you preserve.’
(Which I think sounds a little like I should let them out Free Range.)
I am not discouraged. I may use them for other submissions later in the month or as part of the collection I am writing as I am now nearly 1/3 of the way there and potentially have another 9 months or so to improve and develop ideas.
As far as rejection letters go I am no expert (having only ever received a few), I thought it was pleasant in tone and vaguely helpful and in this ‘modern submission age’ with the 1000’s of entries they must sift through I am surprised and delighted that they bother to send an email at all.
I post proudly, we have all been there, ‘Rejectionsville’ is just a place to pass through though, never think of applying for permanent residency!
Happy Writing x
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