Rejection: My story sucks the big one.
Chirpy Reflection: Now come on! (And darling, don’t revert to teen speak when you are in your thirties, it isn’t becoming.) There could be many reasons why your story wasn’t right this time, and it isn’t necessarily that your story… ahem… that your story isn’t the best it can be. But use this time – do you have doubts about your story? If so work on them! If you are satisfied that this story is the best ever then send it out again.
Rejection: My life is a big fat pile of poo.
Chirpy Reflection: No it isn’t!
Rejection: Yes it is.
Chirpy Reflection: No it… actually let’s not go there. A rejection isn’t the end of the world. The sky is still blue, the birds still sing. Understand it is not personal. I know you are eager to get on and sometimes it feels like life is on hold (while the years tick on, how does that work eh?) but everyone who is anyone goes through this stage. Look at JK Rowling…
Rejection: Please, please don’t tell me Harry Potter was rejected umpteen times before it was taken on. I know that story. I’ve injected that story to my veins. Please, no more. Leave me to wallow.
Chirpy Reflection: No can do I’m afraid. The lovely JK isn’t the only author to be rejected a few times before being published. Look darling, it happens. It means you are on your way. It doesn’t make everything in life a turd during the process, trust me.
Rejection: Why don’t they like me?
Chirpy Reflection: Honey, what did I say up there? It’s not personal, sweetheart, they don’t know you. If they met you they’d think you were the bee's knees. As it is, revise your query. Read it over again – anything you’d change? Now is your chance – take it with both hands! If you believe in it as it is, jump back on the merry-go-round. Besides, the right place for your story is out there. Make sure everything is ready for when that day arrives.
Rejection: I hate waiting, I hate it!
Chirpy Reflection (solemnly): The best things in life are worth waiting for. And don’t throw your pen at me.
