And speaking of success, here’s reason #1 to always send a thank you when you’ve been rejected and to never let an open-ended conversation (even via email) end…
I think I mentioned the query I sent to the RWR–the monthly magazine of the Romance Writers of America–proposing an article on opening lines–ten ways to improve your opening lines.
Last week, I received a wonderful rejection. Actually, I view all rejections as wonderful (no, my middle name isn’t Pollyanna) because to me, it’s a sign that I’m writing and that someone has taken the time to tell me–hey, this isn’t what we want/need but at least there’s merit. But anyways–the editor sent along a rejection of my initial idea but said some really flattering things about my writing–and invited me to propose something else. Being the good, midwestern girl I am, I knew I had to send a thank you but instead of sending it alone, I tacked on two more ideas: one that I’m currently researching for my own interest and another that I’ve been thinking about for a few years now.
Long story short: she liked them both. The second idea I already have something written up on, albeit still rudimentary and basic in form, and she wants to see that first to get a feel for my writing style. (My writing style…do we ever really recognize our own writing style?). On the first idea, she wants to know how long I envision the article. Now–maybe it’s just me, but that’s a pretty sweet request. Knowing my strengths as a writer, I can usually nail a word count within twenty words and say what I need to. Ten words? No problem. Fifty thousand words? No problem.
Needless to say I’m really excited today. I guess this means I’ll have to change my goals with the Serious Writer girls–but I think they’ll happily understand. Maybe the fiction will have to be on hold for a little while. Again.
But you should see Pollyanna grin.
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