Write. Edit. Submit. Wait. Rejection. Now What?

"You know what my biggest problem is?" Tightening my hands on the steering wheel, I looked at my friend. "That nagging voice that says, 'who do you think you are? Writing a book. You're no writer.'"

My writing mentor smiled. "Someone once told me that if you can stop writing, then by all means, stop. But if after awhile, you can't help yourself and you start writing again, only then are you a real writer."

Wise words shared with me two years ago.

Last week I decided to stop, throw in the towel, and call it quits.

Why?

I'm glad you asked.

I sent the first few chapters of my book in progress to six different editors / publishers. I'd edited, fine tuned, agonized over ever sentence and thought it perfect—well, close at least.

When the first rejection came, I sat enjoying a gentle breeze off the Atlantic Ocean while sea gulls caught stale bread midflight. Who can't tolerate bad news in that serene environment?

But last week, two more rejections rolled in. And suddenly I felt like a porcupine that had been de-quilled. Completely bare and defeated. Of course, the nagging voice screamed the same old song. Disappointment blanketed me like sticky glaze on a hot doughnut.

We've all experienced rejection. Being the last kid picked to play kick ball or not making the soccer team or being turned down for the promotion you expected. And every time old rejection rolls around, it feels like the worse experience ever. Whether we're five or fifty, it's a real bummer.

I started to imagine my life without writing. I'd have lots of free time. Possibly better sleep since I won't be re-writing scenes or blog posts over and over in my mind. But most of all, the constant juggle of all the writing chores—book, proposal, blog post, building a platform, social media—will be dropped. A massive release of pressure like instantly shedding one hundred pounds.

After a few days, I reviewed the three rejections again. I noticed some comments I'd overlooked amidst the suggestions on POV (point of view), real time vs. flashbacks, and developing voice. Observations like with some tweaking and polishing, your story can be a touching women's fiction which will draw a reader in—your storyline is a fresh idea that I haven't seen—and your story is interesting and intriguing.

So if my storyline is worthwhile and with work I can improve my weak areas, then just maybe I need to persevere and take the offered advice. These aren't my first rejections and I'm sure won't be the last. Living life means rejections will occur. 

I guess what matters in the end is what we do. Wilt and recoil or revise and bloom.

May my revisions bloom into a redeeming, well-crafted story that silences the nagging voice forever.

How do you handle rejections—of your writing or some other aspect of your life? After all, life offers valley and mountain tops moments. Please share in this journey called life.

Tammy Van Gils is a writer, blogger, and co-owner of S & N Paint Contractors, Inc. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Word Weavers International. In the Richmond area, she is a member of The Christian Writers Hub and Word Weavers Richmond. Visit her Facebook Page, Pinterest and Twitter @Tammyvangils.