Back when I was in my 20s, I wanted to be a writer. I submitted an average of a story a month, and though it didn't happen a lot, occasionally I'd get some encouraging words with the rejections.

So I don't know why I have such a fear of rejection now. It's not like I've never faced it before. But because of this (or perhaps it's a fear of success), although I continue to write, I've stopped submitting, even online.

But today I decided that that's ridiculous. I don't need to become famous or rich (although "well off" would be nice), but I do need to write, and I want to see my name in print. Sure, a few of my things have been 'published' online, but to me, that's just not the real thing.

So I went back to rewriting my "Demon" story. I want to sub it to somewhere big, like Cemetery Dance. But who am I kidding? A place as intimidating as that will stop me stone cold for sure. Frozen solid. Need to think more realistically.

Anyway, I plan to post here how long I worked on the rewrite every day, and I plan on subbing that blasted thing by the end of the week. By Friday. I'm writing it on my calendar. I'm declaring it here. I need to DO this thing, before I'm stuck forever in "I should'a" land.

Thanks for being here, storycrafters. Glad I joined.

Ok getting my cattle prod ready......have more faith in yourself....and dont be afraid of rejections. You can get published In Cemetary dance, and your online stories do count.....means someone likes your writing.
Post on critique section to get that added boost...I find most people are honest with their critiques...and although I may or not agree with everything, it let's me see from a different point of view. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!! No more negative attitude....Im proud of you for setting goals.......(shines cattle prod)

I'm not really into prods, Starr. That is Pam's weapon of choice. I usually pull on a big boot and give people a swift kick in the backside.

Rejection is tough, but if you don't submit anything you can't post in the Bragging Rights section and tell us what you have sold. So pack the self-doubt in the closet and get to writing. I know we'll be seeing you in Bragging Rights soon.

Cheryl

Harry Potter, Narnia, and many other popular books. They are huge now, but how many times did they get rejected? "A Wrinkle in Time". A book that is regarded as being one of the best ever writen. It was regected 32 times before it got a yes. Don't give up. It is possible that you need to look for a different publisher, but that's up to you.

The main thing that makes it hard to get a yes, is that as I understand it, publishers pull Joe Shmoe off the street and pay him/her to read your story. If they like it, then it goes to the editor. If they hate it, then you get regected. So perhaps when you sent it in, you got the wrong Shmoe. Keep at it, you'll get published.

Thanks, all of you, for the encouraging words. I appreciate them.
I haven't been online much due to health issues, but I'm hoping I
have them under control for a while.
I will be writing tomorrow!

Thanks again.

hope your feeling better soon!!!! And I hope you get some writing done.....

Here's hoping that you get back into the swing of things real soon!

Cheryl

Thinking of you Starr. Hope to hear from you soon

Sassy

Just wanted to check in and tell you, you are missed!!

Hey Ya Starr,

Everyone that creates whether in print or on canvas is leary of allowing another to view their work. I know for me, I honestly think everything I write is terrible. Same for my artwork, but that is not neccessary the case. Once you start submitting and recieving acceptance this feeling will lessen.

We are always the hardest on our own stuff. Doesn't mean that it's bad, it just looks that way to us. The more you write the more you will learn and learning is the true key to success. Do research on where you want to send your work. If they don't take what you write, don't send it to them.

Two years ago, I mailed off 23 query letters to agents. I received 23 rejections. Okay in the file they went. The same month I mailed those queries, I sent the same query w/synopsis and 3 chapters to HQ Temptation line. They had the submission for 8 months before the editor wrote me a full page letter stating the strengths and weaknesses of the story. Learned a lesson. I now know where this story can go and where it can't go. I've since started revamping and the entire book is now much stronger. If you can look at your writing as a constant learning experience where you never quite learn everything then its not so bad because the more you learn the better your writing becomes.

Lord, I hope I haven't gone over board.

DON'T GIVE UP.

Hey starr...just checking in? Hope all is well.

Hang in there, Starr. You've got some great people looking out for you =). That's what we're here for!