June 1, 2012

I'm A Real Writer Now!



My first rejection letter, center-left

I've been indocrinated into the wonderful world of writing euphoria and rejection.

I was so excited to make it as a runner-up in the Wilde's Fire Query Contest. It was a lot of firsts for me. First query letter, first 500 words to an actual editor/publisher. Runner-up and a three-chapter request!

That was the euphoria part.

And then my first rejection letter. You can read more about this next Wednesday when I write my post for the Insecure Writers Support Group.

That was the rejection part.

I printed the letter and hung it on my corkboard, like those people who display the first dollar they ever made. A milestone of sorts. I considered writing "rejected" in red marker across it, but I don't want to look at that every day.

Seriously, though. It was a great experience and wonderful opportunity. The participants and hostesses, Sharon Bayliss and Krystal Wade were so helpful and kind.

Even my rejection was kind!

And yes, I did pin the letter to my corkboard, because now that I've been rejected, I'm a real writer. I put myself out there, experienced the glow of approval and the despair of rejection. Yep! Real Writer!

So my first rejection letter is proudly displayed.



CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP!

WINNERS
Victoria Smith
Ryan Hancock
Larissa Hardesty
AK Fotinos-Hoyer
Jade Hart
Juliana Haygart


RUNNERS-UP
PK Hrezo
Kelly Gerschke
Jamie Ayers
Tuere Morton
Jessa Russo
Hope Roberson
Gwen Gardner
Deana Barnhart

Thank you everyone!

When did you become a real writer?

6 comments:

Jenny S. Morris said...

Congrats!!! Maybe I should post my first rejection. Lol. Good luck!

J E Fritz said...

I'm glad you got runner up and I'm sorry you were rejected. Well, it's another milestone for you :)

Also, I just want to warn you that I clicked the link to your author site but got an error page. I guess the link is broken.

Gwen Gardner said...

Jenny, thank you - if you enlarge it you'll be able to read mine in the photo. It's a very nice rejection, though.

Jeanne, thank you, it was rather thrilling. Thanks for the heads up on the link - I fixed it:)

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the rejection, Gwen. You are officially on your way to becoming an overnight success. :)

Gwen Gardner said...

Linda, thank you. An overnight success?! It could happen:)

T. Powell Coltrin said...

It's true, you have arrived. I have a room wallpapered in them. :)

Teresa