by Larkin Williamson

Created on: January 31, 2009

Rejection is not only in the beginning, it follows a writer forever. Rejection along with constructive criticism helps writers to become better at their craft. I am still learning to write correctly with the help of people who know how to write correctly. A great story can be rejected because it isn't presented properly. I have noticed while rating stories on Helium, a simple mistake will stop the flow of reading. For example: "Mary was speeling out the, name of her lover in the dust on a old black table.' It is an interesting line but annoying to read because of the errors.

A writer must look at rejection as a way to improve their skills. If a writer submits an improperly written manuscript, the publisher probably won't get past the first paragraph. The publisher is use to reading professional material. Would a person show up for a job interview in a three piece suit under a bath robe? A story is like a song, it must correctly flow with the content. We can be rebellious and say," I don't care about being correct, the substance is what counts." I've had hundreds of songs rejected with that very statement in mind.

After rejection, if a person takes the time to critique your material, be very thankful. People can be wrong about content but are rarely wrong about presentation. My favorite saying about writing is, " If it aint right, don't write." A famous songwriter and friend, Bobby Braddock, once taught me, " Write with your heart and read it over with your head." As a producer, he rejected many of my songs and I still have the utmost respect for him. He is one of the greatest writers of our time.

As writers, we must look at rejection in a way to help and not to hinder. It doesn't break my heart to see one of my stories listed at number 49 out of 50 on Helium. I think, "Well, I really bombed on that one but there is always another page!" I write because I love to see the words jump from inside of my soul to the screen. It feels wonderful when I can communicate an event or emotion to people through writing. Rejection is never easy and there is always a measure of hurt involved. To be a good writer, one must build a tolerance for rejection and be willing to learn from it.

I would much rather suffer the tears of rejection than be a falsely praised writer. You can't leapfrog an ego. I will keep writing and I will keep being rejected. I am always thankful for those that read, whether they like it or not.

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