Don’t Count Your Chickens
Written by Michele T on October 8, 2007 – 2:36 pm -By
Photo Credit: chiara_gianna
Ring a bell? Remember the old adage, Don’t count your chickens, before they are hatched? My Grandmother use to warn me of this all the time. Funny how grandmothers are never wrong.
I’ve learned this lesson (again) the hard way.
Let me explain: A while back, I received an acceptance letter from the editor of an anthology. It had been decided that my story would be included. I received, read, signed, and returned my contract. All was well–or so I thought. Months went by and I grew more and more excited about the thought of my special memory being published in this nostalgic anthology. I even told people my story would be included in this upcoming anthology!
Last night, I received a phone call from the editor. I thought it strange that an editor would call at night, but anxiously answered to find out the reason.
“Hello,” I answered.
“I need to speak to Michele Tune.” She said.
“This is she,” I replied.
“Oh, I’ll just go ahead and tell you,” She sighed. “It’s with a heavy heart, I must tell you that your story has been cut from the book.”
“Oh, ok.” I said, trying not to sound “sad”.
She explained in detail: They received so many submissions relating to the same theme, the publisher/editors decided to change the whole focus of the book to that angle, which meant 15 of the stories (although the editor assured me they were 15 very well written stories) had to be cut because they no longer “fit the needs of the book”.
This editor felt so bad. She told me she just felt terrible.
Of course, I told her it was fine (and, it is) because I completely understand. The theme of the book changed, with good cause. And, some of the stories no longer worked, and mine was one of them.
I’ve said all that to say this (listen up blogger/writer friends: Things like this happen. It’s sad, sometimes heart-breaking, but it happens. This is where a true writer “shines”.
It’s at times like these, a tender-hearted writer will push away from pen and paper (or in our day, keyboard), and let their dreams of being a successful writer fade into the far distance.
Am I sad? Yes. Who wouldn’t be? I see no point in telling a lie, when the fact is I’m really disappointed! Will I let this little bump in the road slow me down on my way to my dreams? No! I’ve learned that my greatest disappointments and rejections, come right before the best news I’ve yet to receive!
To top that off, after I sat down at my computer to try and decide which market I would send my story to next (because that’s what I do), I noticed an email from another editor. A big, fat rejection was in that email. There again, I began to toss that article around in my head and ponder the next market I would submit it to.
We are winners, either way. We will make it, but only if we persist and take the bad with the good.
Keep in mind that book authors receive 50 + rejections from publishers before their book manuscripts are accepted a lot of times. Could you keep submitting that manuscript?
It’s the faithful, dedicated, ever-learning, persistent writers who make it in this world. I’m going to be one of them, are you?
I have a lot of “eggs” out there. I continuously submit articles, inspirational stories, and query different publications. I receive a lot of rejections, but I’m also really beginning to receive a lot of acceptance e-mails “Good News from so and so”, etc. I love emails with”Good news” in the subject line!
I am very determined, so I will accept the reality that my story had to be cut, as well as the other rejection I received last night, and I’ll move on. That’s the advice I give, because that’s what I do on any given day.
Definitely follow grandma’s advice: Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched! (Our grandmothers knew what they were talking about.) When you receive rejection letters/emails or even find out your story/article has been cut, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and continue writing the cyber highway!
Tags: advice, encouragement, Inspiration, news
Posted in Inspiration, Writing News, Writing Wisdom | 19 Comments »
October 8th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Michele,
My grandmother used to tell me the same thing and now I tell my grandsons.
I’m glad that you are so persistent. Did you know that Dr. Seuss had his Cat in the Hat book rejected approximately 30 times before it was published. There are many such stories of successful books and novels that just most publishers thought would go nowhere— and woe to the publishers that rejected the Harry Potter series. They must be kicking themselves now.
I have had hundreds of rejections during my writing career, but many successes as well. Writers have to be persistent and take the good with the bad. I’m glad you look at rejections positively. Yes, we feel bad and sometimes we wonder why an editor can’t see the potential in our story, but if we continue to send that story out, eventually we will have success.
Good luck placing your stories. I wish you all the best and hope they will be accepted by the next editor.
Have a great Monday. We’re celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving.
Mary
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October 8th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Hi Mary,
Thank you for visiting, and for leaving such a caring comment.
Yes, I realize that among the best books ever published, are stacks of rejection letters received on the way there.
I have learned early on that if I don’t look at rejection positively, I’ll never make it to see my dreams come true–and I WILL see my dreams come true!
I’ve heard it said, “Life is what you make it.” I believe that with all my heart.
We are what we eat. We are what we think in our heart, and we are what we write, how we write, and how we deal with rejection….
Thanks for wishing me well–I wish you well, too!
And… Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!
Smiles,
Michele
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October 8th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Michele,
We writers have to stick together.
Mary
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October 8th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
Yes, we do! Thanks again, Mary
Smiles and best wishes,
Michele
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October 8th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
There isn’t a writer alive (no matter how “famous”!) who hasn’t been rejected time and again. What counts is that you keep writing, keep submitting, because that’s they way to succeed in the long run. You obviously know that, and have the courage to keep doing it! Good for you!
I’m hoping you see some “good news” emails really soon
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October 8th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Hi Michele,
I read somewhere last week that the only way you can fail – is to QUIT! So, you may not want to count your chickens before they’re hatched but we need to “write an article a day” – send out a query a day – find a new place to publish our writing every day. With those kinds of odds we’re going to be counting alot of chickens.
blessings,
julia
julia ward – a BLINDING heart – a writer’s blog
http://www.ablindingheart.com
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October 8th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Hi Michele,
Great attitude! You go, girl!
Cyber hugs,
Renie
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October 8th, 2007 at 10:00 pm
Yes, you are right, Julia! With that kind of focus and determination, we’ll be counting a LOT of chickens
Keep writing, you’re going to see your name in print!
Smiles & blessings,
Michele
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October 8th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Hi Becca,
Yes, you’re right. All writers face rejection. The “famous ones”, the successful ones, are the ones that accept that rejection as a part of the process, and keep doing what they do best–write and submit!
It does take courage to keep fighting against the force of rejection, to keep a positive attitude, but it’s worth it when that acceptance letter (and check!) comes
I’m hoping you see lots of “good news emails” soon, too!!
Keep writing and submitting, Becca, it will pay off!
Smiles and best wishes,
Michele
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October 9th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
Great attitude Michele, you’re so courageous and inspiring.
I’m still trying to develop my armour. My bipolar means that even small disappointments tend to rock my boat and it can take me days to recover. Thankfully, it gets easier. Rejection is all a part of the process and it’s important to remember that it’s not ‘you’ that was rejected or even that story. It was the timing that was off and the only way to counter timing is to keep sending it out until the timing is right.
It’s a shame about that anthology but I suspect that getting a no this time is actually a blessing, that story is obviously destined for something even better. I hope your “Good News” emails come very soon.
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October 9th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
Thanks, Rebecca, for your kind comment!
Sounds to me, even with your struggle of bipolar, that you’re doing an excellent job with your writing (and pressing on through the rejections!) Way to go, Rebecca!
I agree with you that timing is everything! The little piece I’m having published on Common Ties next week, has been rejected and overlooked numerous times, but I had faith in it. I believed in this piece, and I kept “shopping it around.” I just wouldn’t give up. When a rejection came for it, I’d immediately submit it elsewhere! And, finally, the timing (and the market) was right–you can read it next Monday (October 15th!)
*Smiling with glee*
I also thought that there must be something greater for my story. Had it been the right time and place, it would have been published instead of cut
Smiles and best wishes for your writing (and lots of “Good news emails for you, too!”
Michele
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October 9th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
Back to say that I was reading the blog of Gayle Brandeis who has written several quite popular books. She was referring to the fact that she has been working on a book that was already sold to her publisher. However, when she submitted her final draft, they rejected it!! Now, how’s that for a big disappointment??
Her blog is here: http://gaylebrandeis.blogspot.com/
Oh, and thanks for your lovely comments on my story today! You make me feel really good
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October 10th, 2007 at 2:56 am
You will succeed! You have what it takes!! Never give up! “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again.” is another saying that has been drilled into me!!
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October 10th, 2007 at 3:36 am
Hi Becca,
Thanks for stopping back by. How discouraging! They rejected her final draft? Wow… That must have been hard to overcome. Yes, that is a huge disappointment!
Thanks for the link. I’ll have to go by and check it out. And… your welcome, I meant every word!
Smiles,
Michele
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October 10th, 2007 at 3:44 am
That’s the spirit.
Keep on writing and never give up on those dreams.
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October 10th, 2007 at 3:47 am
Welcome, Ancient One!
Thank you for visiting ;0) And… thanks for your encouraging comment!
My Grandmother drilled that saying into me as well. I can faintly hear her now… Funny how even though Grandma’s gone, her lessons and wisdom ring loudly in my soul every day….
I will never give up, that’s for sure!
Blessings,
Michele
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October 10th, 2007 at 3:57 am
Thanks, Misti!
I sure hope things are better in your corner of the writing world ;0)
We writers never give up on our dreams, do we?
Sometimes the road looks long and rugged, but as you know, we writers have what it takes to make it to the end–no matter what!
Smiles & Best wishes,
Michele
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October 10th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Back again (last time I promise!) to say I linked to your site on my Write on Wednesday post this morning
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October 10th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Well, thank you, Becca!
Feel free to stop by ANYTIME, as MANY TIMES as you wish ;0)
Blessings,
Michele
*Running over to your blog now*
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