Well This is Embarrassing
Rejection is a cold dish no matter how warmly it’s served.
My sister-in-law Janette and I were standing in my office talking this past Monday while I was absentmindedly checking my e-mail. I spotted a correspondence I’d been waiting for, so I clicked it open.
“Oh,” I said casually, hiding my sudden inner tumult. “My book proposal just got rejected.”
I’m thankful the rejection was given kindly, but no amount of kindness can dam the emotions that followed. Poor Janette—she was the unfortunate one who was forced to respond to my news first. She did great though. And my husband’s arms were quickly around me in support.
That night, I dreamed the other literary agent I sent my work to would reject it as well. She was also kind. The two of us met up at the DMV to go dumpster diving (don’t hate until you’ve at least tried it). Every item she pulled out was her creative feedback for why she was rejecting my work: the scissors were because there were many words I needed to cut, the ring because I wrote in nonsensical circles, the toy 747 because I had trouble landing the plane.
I didn’t want to write this post at all. Sharing my triumphs is easy, but my rejection is embarrassing news. So why share? I figure it’s the easiest way to get over myself and move on. This will also give me practice for the other agent’s likely rejection in real life. 🙂 My unhappy tidings made me grateful for the sign I made a few weeks ago. It’s the first thing I see when I set foot out of my bedroom each morning and is my honest prayer—no matter what.
“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14
I’m really sorry to hear about this Beth ;( I’m sure it was a devasting moment to get that news. But definitely remember that things do happen for a reason and, along with your beautiful sign, that when one door closes, another will open…God will provide. Then you will see the blessing. Love you hun 🙂
Aw, Beth, I’m sorry about the rejection. It does sting. But I admire you for sharing it…This is just step on the journey, yes? I’m praying the next one is totally different though–in the form of an agent’s interest!!
That sign you made is so cool…a reminder that God’s unfailing love is enough. Always.
“This will also give me practice for the other agent’s likely rejection in real life.”
Don’t make me come to your house and talk some sense into you, lady.
I agree with Jen – just because the one agent rejected the book proposal doesn’t mean the other one will. Maybe the one that rejected the book proposal was NOT the agent God has chosen for you.
Dreams can be very subjective, and because they are based on bits of reality woven together with our imagination (which can run wild), they often prove to be very negative.
Reminds me of the girl who is rejected by an early boyfriend, and thinks no other boy will ever look at her – maybe the boyfriend that was quick to “dump” her was a tad (hmm, how do I say this?)presumptuous (almost said the word “jerk”)!? Those who love you are hurt by what hurts you, but we’ll never reject you.
We will keep praying about the OTHER proposal. God’s love IS unfailing – remember that.
Having heard part of your book, I know it will resonate and that someone will pick it up! I am broken hearted for you as well, but don’t stop working toward publication! I am praying for your heart and soul to be nourished so completely that you will be able to reassess and know what to do next! ((Beth)) <3
I understand the feeling! I have the habit of checking my email on my phone. I shouldn’t. Because those emotionally-challenging emails can pop up any time but I haven’t been able to shake the habit.
And I like you even more for sharing your rejections and not just your successes. Those people who only write/talk about everything good that’s happened are kinda annoying. I’m just saying…
Hold on, Beth. The good stuff is coming.
Beth,
I will be completely honest and tell you that I don’t pray often, but when I do pray, I pray for your success.
Not just because you are a good person and you deserve for it to happen(which is true) but because you are talented and the world deserves to be exposed to what you have to offer.
Beth, thanks for sharing this! I know exactly how you feel b/c my first novel continues to be rejected, sometimes without them even providing feedback for what they liked or didn’t. Take what that agent said, pray about it, and decide it she’s right or if she just isn’t the “one”. I’ll be praying for you. 🙂
*hug*
“At times you may sense God saying you are to go in a particular direction in your life, but the ‘door’ appears closed. It might be someone is actively opposing you or seeking to prevent you from doing what God told you to do. The truth is no one can prevent you from obeying God’s will. When God tells you to proceed, no power on earth can thwart God’s intentions. The world may tell you the door is closed, but you never know that for sure until God says so.” -Henry Blackaby
Love you!
When things like this happen in life you have to ask yourself WWRD (What Would Rocky Do).
He would get up. No matter what – he would always get up
Love U
God put you on this track for a purpose… Keep gleaning all you can on the journey.
I’m happy to be surrounded by such sweet and loving people. Thank you all for your kind words and support.