Tuesday, January 27, 2009

I'm Officially a Writer

I've received my first rejection! Yeah, I know I shouldn't sound excited, but I feel like I've crossed a threshold that the rest of you have long since passed. It's nothing major, just a short story I submitted at the end of December, and I'm almost relieved because the place I submitted said they don't accept pieces that have been submitted elsewhere. Now I'm free to send it out.

I've enjoyed the past couple days with my family. We've had one beach day so far and plan to go again today and tomorrow. Ibis may even get a day off this week (sarcasm, sarcasm). But seriously, he's planning to take Wednesday off, and might get Thursday as well. My sister and I have already played Scrabble and dominoes - yay! - and I started New Moon last night (double yay).

I hope you're all having a wonderful week. I'll keep you posted on the latest submissions.

33 comments:

Spy Scribbler said...

Oh cool! I'm looking forward to my first rejection, too. I hope that doesn't sound weird, but the only reason I haven't had one is I haven't written for anywhere cool.

I haven't read New Moon. Let me know what you think!

Congratulations, Melanie, and good luck!

Janna Leadbetter said...

*pats hoo on back* Good on ya! It does feel good to get that first on out of the way. I think they begin to sting a little less and less.

Your visit sounds fabulous! Man, if I could hop on a plane to Mexico, I'd so do it and come visit. Just imagine it: I'd bring my laptop, and we could be dueling Bloggers/Facebookers/AWers in your living room. LOL!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Spy, I can't believe you've been writing this long and haven't had a rejection! btw, my sister read your essay in the Stephanie Plum book and was cracking up!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks Janna. Because I read the email while my family was here it didn't even register as a bad thing - I was just relieved to find out I can submit it elsewhere.

Come to Mexico!

Lauren said...

Have fun on the beach with your family! :)

Jenna said...

If you're happy then I'll be happy for you :).

But you're right, it is a milestone in a way. I want to be able to say like Spy did that I'm looking forward to my first but I'm not, well I am, but I'm not...I so wishy-washy, because of course I want what I write to be so good that it gets snatched up but every writer must have a rejection at some point if they're reaching for the stars.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks Lauren!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Jenna, I think the reason it didn't really phase me is because it's a short story. If it were my novel - that'd be a much different story.

Anonymous said...

Congrats! You're officially a struggling writer.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thank you, thank you...

Anonymous said...

Congrats Mel. You're way ahead of me! I've never submitted anything and at the speed I'm moving, it won't be for a while. Enjoy the time off!

Anonymous said...

*Pops the cork on the champagne bottle* Congrats on your first rejection! Your writer initiation has now begun! (hugs) Have fun with your family!! (Oh.. and with moody Bella too!)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks Aaron. Now get cracking on a short story!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Turkey, I keep forgetting about it since I've been talking so much with my sister. I don't think I even mentioned it to them!

*runs back to Bella*

Nadine said...

Yay!! The first rejection is exciting because it means you are on your way!!!

Anonymous said...

Rejection..........
This is a subject I know plenty about. I am a pro at getting rejected.
But most of my help is getting around the pain of rejection. In your case you are happy with it, so I don't think I will be much help.

Congrats, I always thought of you as a Real Writer.

WendyCinNYC said...

Congrats on putting yourself out there!

Travis Erwin said...

Congrats on getting your work out there. it truly is the first step and one to be proud of. And trust me I know it's not easy to put yourself out on the line like that.

Robin said...

Good for you, Dudette! Kudos for an awesome attitude to boot! I look forward to reading about all you acceptances.

Your mom and sister's visit sounds wonderful. I can't imagine anything that sounds better than sitting on the beach with my family right now. Tonight it's snow, turning to sleet right about the time I drive to work tomorrow.

Jen said...

Mel, that's awesome! Well, of course, an acceptance would be better, but you sent something out...good for you!

I'd give you a hug, but you'd catch my cold. LOL I just had to give you my congrats when I saw this, though.

*burrows back into bed*

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Nadine, I hope you're right!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Penguin, I am doing pretty well. It helps that I haven't had time to dwell.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks Wendy & Travis!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Robin, it's been a wonderful visit so far!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Jen, you still aren't feeling well? Ack, I'm sorry!

Allen said...

Rejections are God's way of teaching writers how to curse. Don't worry. You'll get one that will bring out the bear in you.

I keep all of my rejections in a box. At first, it was a shoe box. Then a packing box. Now, it's boxcar.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Allen, don't scare me like that!

Jewel Allen said...

Great perspective :-). Keep sending out, you writer, you!

Aimlesswriter said...

Congrats!
Are you saving it?
I plan to save every one (I have lots!) so that someday, after I'm published, I can show them to someone who is trying to get published and say, "Never give up."
Either that or I'll wallpaper the bathroom with them.

Anonymous said...

Hey Melanie,

More congrats to you. You made that initial, big leap putting your work out there.

I remember my first rejection and I remember my first acceptance. I shrugged off the former (you have to) and danced with delight at the latter.

Much luck sending the piece elsewhere. :)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks Pink! I'll send it out as soon as my family leaves on Saturday.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Aimless, I hadn't thought of printing it out, but I do have it saved in a designated folder in my email.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks Gypsy!