Sometimes pain leads to happiness. So does
rejection.
Last January, my agent sent an email to her
romance writers that Carina Press had a call out for Christmas novellas. She listed the
desired word count and other particulars. It's a chance to move ahead to a larger
publisher, I thought, and interest sparked.
So, I wrote like a fiend to meet the
deadline ... and got rejected.
A step backward.
I’ll confess the rejection stung. It was my
first and brought along a passel of self-doubts. When I told my agent to send
the manuscript back so I could rework it, she claimed she’d already sent Santa Wore Leathers on to other
publishers. I groaned inwardly. More rejection was bound to come.
A month later, a contract offer came from
HarperImpulse. Ah, a step forward.
The next week, my agent called again. “Vonnie,
I need the first three chapters of that paranormal you’re working on. Oh, and a
synopsis. An editor at Random House loved your novella, but since you’ve
already got a contract, she asked if you had anything else she could see. Isn’t
that great?”
Irritation rolled in my stomach. “What have
you done? This paranormal is my play story. I piddle with it whenever I hit a
rough spot in my current WIP. It’s not meant for publication. I don’t write
paranormal. It’s just a play story.” I was repeating myself out of nervous fear.
“Well, play story or not, we’ve got another
Big Six editor interested. Send me the three chapters and write up a synopsis.”
I felt myself sliding backwards. How could I
write a synopsis of nothing?
The editor at Random House loved A Highlander's Beloved--bear shifters and all--and contracted it, offering options on three more. A big step forward.
Rejection can be a step backward. Or in my
case, a few steps forward. Santa Wore
Leathers led to a three-book contract from Harper-Impulse.
2014’s going to
be a busy year. I hope yours if full of steps forward, too.
** Learn more about Vonnie at www.vonniedavis.com
18 comments:
Onward and upward, Vonnie! Congratulations.
wonderful story. Keep it up.
You took some giant leaps forward in 2013. I'm betting 2014 will be just as exciting!
Thanks, ladies. I so often stop once I've met rejection. I tend to throw up my hands and go, "See? I wasn't good enough." I'm learning that rejection in one area doesn't mean rejection from all fronts. We work in an industry that's very subjective.
I read this post twice, because it is so full of hope and opportunity. Way to go, Vonnie!
I've been rooting for you all through 2013, and this year will be no different. The give and take of this business is a rollercoaster, but it really just mirrors life. Congrats on all your "ups"!
Thanks, Christine. Imagine, one rejection led to contracts with the Big Six which have evolved into more contracts. It's a wonderment, isn't it?
Alison, this business is really a wild, fanatic ride. I had no clue when I started four years ago. Just as clueless as a newborn...lol. What an awakening I've had watching and learning and experiencing. Still, for all that, I'm loving every second of the ride.
As long as you don't let the rejection throw you off your path. I for one, had no idea I had such s strong Scottish stubborn streak, until I kept on trucking for 22 years until I got the contract offer. I think rejection just makes the good parts of writing that much sweeter.
And, Miz Vonnie, you know I must get a copy of that bear shapeshifter when it comes out. Cannot wait....
Wow, what a story Vonnie! Congrats on all your success in 2013.
Paisley, I envy your strength. I don't know if I believe in myself enough to endure 22 years of working, waiting and whining over rejections. I honor you, my friend. For sure you will get a copy of what I'd wanted to entitle "When Paisley Meets Plaid," but as we know, those pubs often rename our literary babies.
Thanks, Jana. It was a mind-bogging journey for a while, believe me.
Oh, Vonnie, I didn't mean for you to give me a copy. I will gladly buy it to support you always. Cannot wait...
Instead of stepping in bear pooh, your steps backward seem to land you in a field of poppies littered with gold! Go Vonnie!!! I keep telling you you have NOTHING to doubt when it comes to your writing darlin'. Maybe one day you'll believe me. :)
Ah, yes. Lovely story. I'm so happy for you! And Calvin was definitely a giant step forward. What a wonderful man. Congrats on your success. Wishing you continued steps forward!
Do we ever feel we write good enough, Calisa? I feel like I'm on this continual learning curve and hope I at least make some progress. Thanks for the support!
Thanks, Alicia. Calvin is my blessing. I often say I have arrested development. I didn't start college until I was 44. Didn't meet the love of my life until I was 55 and didn't achieve my dream of being published until I turned 63.
We are sould sisters, Vonnie. I was 68 when I got my first contract. :)
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