Life is good

It’s been a disappointing day. My super-secret fun thing that was supposed to happen this morning (SWAT team barricade training) was canceled just before I walked out the door. At 4:00 am. After rolling out of bed at three.

And then I got a rejection email for Blind Fury.

But so what?

In the scheme of things, these are minor things to be upset over. Much, much worse things could have happened.

I could be the reason the SWAT team got called out at three in the morning, for example.

And despite my disappointments, both incidents brought positives. I got to go back to bed and get a full night’s sleep. A rarity these days.

The rejection had helpful, and even some positive, feedback. Sometimes hard to take, but always better than a generic “not for me” response. I even got a request for future work.

Bonus.

So in an effort to focus on the good things, because really, these are such tiny problems compared to a real bad day, here’s a small list of some of what’s good in my life.

I have an awesome family
My husband is gainfully employed
We’re healthy
Both cars are almost paid off
My computer works 😉
I get to write every day!
I’m alive

I could list hundreds of good things. I could go on and on. Under the avalanche of all the wonderful things in my life, those disappointments, inconveniences, and frustrations get crushed.

Reese’s peanut butter cups help too.

By tomorrow, the little knot in my gut will be gone, right along with the feeling that I suck as a writer and should quit now, and I will look at that rejection and be grateful to the agent who took time to not only read my entire MS, but to comment on what worked and what didn’t.

Life is good.

0 Comments

Mona Pease

14 / Oct / 2011

A girl after my own heart…Thumbs up!!!!
- Gwen Hernandez
  
  14 / Oct / 2011
  
  Thanks, Mona! Life’s too short to focus on the negative, even if I have to force myself not to. =)
spleeness

14 / Oct / 2011

Stephen King said he could wallpaper a room with his rejection letters. Don’t let this get you down (easier said than done, I know). I think you’re a wonderful writer and I can’t wait to read your book. If they were willing to take time to give you feedback, they must have seen promise, as even in today’s economy with the influence of e-publishing bearing down on publishing houses.

Your gratitude list makes me appreciative for the things I have too even if not all goes as planned all the time.
- Gwen Hernandez
  
  14 / Oct / 2011
  
  Thanks, spleeness! This is not my first rejection, nor will it be my last, I’m sure. It always takes me until the next day to get over it. I’ve just learned that that’s my process and I go with it.
  
  It can be hard to stay grateful in the face of things that go wrong (especially bigger difficulties than these) or are devastating, but for me at least, looking at what’s going well keeps me sane. 😉
Rich

14 / Oct / 2011

That’s a very healthy attitude, hopefully you are 100 percent sincere about it or maybe you’re trying to give yourself a pep talk? Either way, you are doing what you love so really in the end that’s all that matters. Right? You could be stuck in a cubical listening to Milton mumble about his stupid stapler.

Personally I would love to wallpaper my entire home office with all your rejection letters, so get crackin!
Gwen Hernandez

14 / Oct / 2011

I’m totally sincere, Rich. Which doesn’t mean I always feel 100% better, but it helps. And yeah, it’s probably a bit of pep talk/self-admonition.

I am thankful every day for no longer being stuck in a cubicle!! When I have enough rejection letters for you to paper your walls, I’ll be happy to send them along. 😉
Curtis

14 / Oct / 2011

O.K. it’s the next day. 🙂 How’s it rolling? None of those, ” I suck as a writer” thoughts right? You didn’t think I was going to let this slide did you? I know the only way I will ever be able to read your submitted fiction is when it shows up between two covers and I order it from Amazon.

Please note, I’m not getting any younger. Let’s get on with it. 🙂

A rejection slip with comments. Outstanding. Frame it. You will need stories like that when you write your, ” How to Write Fiction”.
- Gwen Hernandez
  
  14 / Oct / 2011
  
  Thanks for asking, Curtis. I knew you wouldn’t let it slide. I’m fine today. I knew I would be. In fact, I almost didn’t blog about it, but it was the only thing on my mind.
  
  And thanks, I’ll work on getting it done. Just get one of those editors or agents to cooperate will ya? 😉
  
  I appreciate your support. My blog friends totally rock, which is why I share. Thanks!
Maura

14 / Oct / 2011

Hey, I’ve read Blind Fury…you most certainly do NOT suck!!

Have some chocolate, hug your husband and kids, have a great weekend, and then back to work!! 🙂
- Gwen Hernandez
  
  14 / Oct / 2011
  
  Ha, thanks, Maura. You rock too! 😉 Chocolate, check. Hugs, check. Decided to focus on some craft and fun reading in between swim meet madness. Will be back on track by Monday for sure.
  
  *hugs*
Jolyse Barnett

15 / Oct / 2011

Yes, you’re blessed–in life and as a writer. It will happen. I’m so excited for you that you received a request for future work. That’s the best kind of rejection to get (from what I hear).

I’ve been a little mopey recently, wondering how I couldn’t have heard yet from the editor and agents who have my ms. I think the worst kind of news for me would be never getting a response at all, as I hear can happen often since the business is so hectic.

I wait and see, count my blessings like you, and work on my next book.

Take care, Gwen!
- Gwen Hernandez
  
  15 / Oct / 2011
  
  Thanks, Jolyse. It’s good not to lose sight of what we have for sure. And you’re right about feedback being better. I used to get none, so it’s an improvement. I’ve also had agents/editors that have never gotten back to me, but most of them do. It’s not an easy business.
  
  Like you said. Count my blessings and work on the next book. 🙂
Pingback: The hangover « The Edited Life