It is my belief those who possess an obsessive compulsion to write are, indeed, a moody lot, predestined for bouts of melancholy, and devastating self doubt.
This is particularly true when an author receives a rejection, a refusal, or a rebuff of their latest literary attempt.
Upon hearing the word ‘no’ in the same breath containing elements of our beloved manuscripts, the oppressive maladies fling themselves out of a dark abyss, screaming like harpies while feasting on our most vulnerable asset: our creative energy.
How can one overcome the heaviness, the repression, and the devastating blow of finality ‘no’ seems to bring to our lives?
During such times, we, as writers, need to remind ourselves ‘no’ does not cater to the same definition as ‘never.’
In the publishing world, the word ‘no’ may imply ‘wait,’ ‘later’, or ‘not at this time.’
‘No’ may signify a chance to become brutally honest with yourself and reexamine your story, your writing style, or how you present yourself to editors and agents.
The word ‘no’ could be a new opportunity for you to break free from the rut you are in. For example, try to create a unique character; chance a submission to a new, diverse publishing house, or simply choose to tell the story with a different point of view.
When should a writer take a verbal ‘no’ as the ultimate death blow to a cherished dream?
When NEVER = no.
And to tell the truth, I find ‘never’ rarely happens in one’s lifetime. The variable of infinite possibilities looms on the horizon, waiting to be explored through words written by you. There is no time to waste on the word ‘never.’ That dreary word is for fatalists and Emo boys to build their gothic poetry with.
Whether we are multi-published or aspiring authors, engaged in any facet of fiction, no writer is immune to the sense of failure, or impervious to the plague of pessimism.
So, delay trashing your ideas. Keep those written pages away from the shredder. Don’t cave in because someone, whether out of wisdom or ignorance, dared to utter the word ‘no’ to you.
‘No’ slammed down on your manuscript is not the time to become discouraged. With small effort, a ‘no’ can evolve into a yes, if the writer believes this new challenge to be a positive opportunity to explore, discover, and learn more about the craft.
An attitude such as this would behoove all authors to remember a ‘no’ is just a yes, waiting to be unearthed from unnecessary story elements.
