Doubt and confusion are weapons an adversary uses to defeat his enemy. This morning, my enemy is active and effective. I received my first rejection yesterday and as I try to write this morning, I'm second guessing everything. Normally, the words flow, I reread, rewrite and a rhythm begins. This morning I'm thinking about commas, sentence fragments and spelling. The rejection was professional and constructive, nothing Sunday morning fellowship with friends, a motorcycle ride along the beach and time with family can't put back into perspective.
This morning, however, hand grenades are being lobbed into the vulnerable portions of my head. I am bombarded with so many thoughts, emotions and images that I can scarcely catch a glimpse as they rush past. At the same time, I feel a haunting wind blow through with biting creative emptiness.
I love to write, but I'm not mechanically sound. I need to work harder. I must work smarter, but at this very moment, the grenades bang and flash. The smoke of battle. I need to step back, regroup, rearm and prepare for the next round.
As always, any suggestions, editing or insights are welcome.
Jerry, when I was younger (16) I submitted SOMETHING to SOMEONE at least once a week. By the time I was 21, I had collected nearly 350 rejection letters in a tidy binder. My favorite read "You, young man, should stop torturing those who can read, and become a reader." Editors edit. Writers write. Write on, my brother! Punctuation be damned!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tyler. Each time I feel I'm close I realize there's another hill, but I am getting closer.
ReplyDeleteThat's quite a note from the editor, worth framing I suppose.
I enjoy your insights and writing. Don't stop!
ReplyDeleteThe only correction I have is that comma's in sentence 5, should be commas ( no ' ) :) But I'm not sure if this is the one you actually wanted editing comments on!
ReplyDeleteI love reading these blogs from you. Would also love to read your book; do I have to wait until it's published??
u said was me...hit the wrong button.
ReplyDeleteLisa....your cousin!! :)
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteEdit away! Thanks.
Jerry
Oh, Lisa, I didn't answer your question. I'm going to do another rewrite before I submit it again. Hopefully you can read it then.
ReplyDelete