Ready to give up...

1. 0

   Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

   I'm up early again because hubby had to go work even though he was supposed have today off but good ol' military took it away from him again.
   
   But that's not what has been on my mind this early morning... he had to get up at 4am it is now 5:06am and am planning on going to bed after this. what has been on my mind is writing...and apparently I am no good. I have many, many, many, many, many, many, ect. rejection letters. I sent in my fantasy story into this one guy who was holding a contest, don't even KNOW if he got it let alone it if it's been rejected or excepted. He's supposed to send it back when a story is rejected but I guess I didn't put enough stamps on the enevelopes. He is publishing a book with the stories he and his panel of authors pick but doubt mine will be in there. Supposed to know by the end of this month but again I seriously doubt I am in it. I have also written a few stories for a book I use like to like to read Chicken Soup for the Soul and have looked and YEP none have been accepted. Go freakin' figure.
   
   I already have low selfesteem and with these blows...I should just give up. Obviously my talent is not talent enough for people to actually like and my dreams for becoming a published author is just that...a dream...one of the ones that'll never come true. *sigh* Oh well....I have no other talents so I guess I am just going to be a Preschool Teacher. Crazdwriter is a nobody and is going to stay that way too.
   
   Well back to bed I should go...get more sleep if my brain will let me. Just needed to rant once again sorry....

   replyreport
2. 76

   Eaglekiwiposted 14 years ago

   Just a pre-school teacher??
   
   Hmm, yes I think you gotta case of the 'poor me's'
   
   Re-focus grasshopper

   replyreport
3. 72

   Beth100posted 14 years ago

   Hey Crazd!  Don't let these situations get you down.  Don't make assumptions.  It takes time and the right fit, but until the right fit happens, it does not mean that you're not talented.  We all have slumps, we all end up on the pity pot, we all rant and we all want to give up.  DON'T GIVE UP!!  You're a writer.  Me thinks that you're tired and feeling pressured to write.  Just have some fun...like we have been.  Relax.  Things turn out just fine, give it some time!  Besides, who's gonna catch me, help me train my boxes and be "it" with me so late at night???  Cheer up!  Chin up!!

   replyreport
4. 72

   wesleycoxposted 14 years ago

   Hang in there.  Writing is an art, some will like some won't.  I have had a couple of my articles denied as well.  I sent this one, Embarassment at the Gym, to the Smithsonian magazine's humour column.  They didn't want to use it.  Does that mean it is no good? No
   Does it mean they didn't like it? Maybe, maybe not (they get like a thousand submissions per month)
   Did I publish it anyway? Yes
   
   By the way Positive thoughts brings about positive actions.  Chin up and have faith in yourself.  Trust me you are worthy of whatever you want.  Dreams are great, but I think you being a writer is more of a Goal. 
   Goals need to be worked for and towards.

   replyreport
5. 63

   Mishaposted 14 years ago

   Just write, silly. You have HP to publish it.

   replyreport
6. 64

   Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

   Aw... Crazdwriter, just take a few days off to rest your mind, re-think a few things here and there, and then get going writing again.
   
   Think about what you'd tell one of those preschoolers who dropped his wet painting face down on the floor and said he was never going to paint again.   

   replyreport
7. 68

   Ladybird33posted 14 years ago

   Power of positive thinking will prevail... get your brian wrapped around positive thoughts...negative ones will only make it worse for you.

   replyreport
8. 67

   emievilposted 14 years ago

   Hey crazdwriter, don't give up! You'll have your break, I'm certain of that. Just relax, take a deep breath and, as Lisa said, take a break. You're not a nobody and you're not "just" another pre-school teacher. I'm sure you're a great pre-school teacher and you're a great writer too.

   replyreport
9. 61

   kephriraposted 14 years ago

   I've never tried to publish anything offline, but as far as I know absolutely everyone get loads and loads of rejections. J.K. Rowling was apparently turned down by hundreds of publishers for the Harry Potter series, and now she's pretty much the best selling author of all time. My advice is don't think about it at 5.00 in the morning.

   replyreport
10. 81

    Sufidreamerposted 14 years ago

    Hi Crazd.
    
    Creative writing is a whole new ballgame - one of the reasons why I never bother and stick with technical and academic stuff.
    
    The main thing is not to take it personally - finding a publisher is a matter of very hard work, getting in people's faces and a large slice of luck.
    
    The top writers were rejected hundreds of times before finding the deal - you have to plug away at it. A writer must have a thick skin and let rejection slide.
    
    Good luck with it and, as Misha said, keep writing and striving
    
    PS - Check out Cindyvine and Blondepoet - I think that they went down the self-publishing route. Worth a look

    replyreport
11. 75

    livewithrichardposted 14 years ago

    Hey CW, you have to have thick skin if you want to be a writer.  You have to accept the criticism and know that the rejections are not a reflection of you but of the quality of writing the publisher is looking for. 
    
    I've written over a dozen screenplays on spec and have had over 200 rejections but two of my scripts have placed high in competitions.  I don't take my rejections personally because I write on spec and I send my stuff off to producers and agents that aren't really expecting my stuff.
    
    If you are writing articles or short stories and want them printed in magazines or anthologies then start sending off querry letters first and make sure you understand the submission proccess to the publications you send off to.

    replyreport
12. 64

    Gemsongposted 14 years ago

    CW never give up, never surrender. Cliche but true. You really do need a thick skin to write. Some of my stuff people like, some they don't. Write because you love it.
    
    I've got a huge collection of rejection letters in my file for stories. I would wallow in self pity for a couple days and then go back to writing.
    
    Don't give up CW.

    replyreport
13. 68

    GeneralHowitzerposted 14 years ago

    Dont be in despair we believe you can pull through...

    replyreport
14. 80

    manlypoetrymanposted 14 years ago

    
    
    Keep looking up, Crazd...! I don't remember his stats exactly...off the top of my head..but the "Babe" had a ridiculous amount of strike outs..to go along with his phenomenal home run record! Just keep swinging for 'em like they're going out of the park...One of them is bound to connect!

    replyreport
    1. 75

       livewithrichardposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       It was also Thomas Edison that once said something like "I have not failed, I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Look at how he changed the world with the the things that did work.

       replyreport
15. 81

    Sufidreamerposted 14 years ago

    Hey livewithrichard - long time, no see.
    
    That is great advice - good luck with the screenwriting. Respect to you for sticking with it.
    
    Mind you, you have the advantage that you are, in fact, Dante from Clerks. Get thee to Mooby's
    
    
    
    
    
    Richard            Dante from Clerks
    
    

    replyreport
    1. 75

       livewithrichardposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       LoL Darn Sufi you have a good eye...busted!

       replyreport
16. 0

    rednckwmnposted 14 years ago

    awwwww...I am so sorry your so upset. Let yourself be upset for a little bit, then wash your face and get back to work. I have a feeling, you CANT stop writing. Dont worry about nasty criticisim(now I cant spell it..) but listen with thick skin to constructive ..that word...and try to learn. You love writing, let that be its own reward You know, that feeling of peace when its all out?  and you dont suck. Everybody has such good advice for you here. Youll be Ok. I maybe might maybe know of someone...email me if you want? I am not sure....so, ok?

    replyreport
17. 0

    ralwusposted 14 years ago

    Most seasoned writers take great pride in those rejection letters. It will help you in the long run. So quit sniveling bout it and go for it! One day you will succeed, just don't ever give up. It can get to you after a bit, but it is a rough business.

    replyreport
18. 82

    Tom Cornettposted 14 years ago

    Rejection is just foot holds in the mountain side....keep climbing! 

    replyreport
19. 54

    wrenfrost56posted 14 years ago

    Give up! You can't give up, your organizing the hubbers party remember! Keep your dream alive CW and you know if they don't want your work then their fools, damn fools I tell ya! I recomend you read the alchamist it really helped me reignite my dream when my faith was flailing and remember don't wish for life to be easier, wish to be stronger. Take care and I hope you feel better soon.

    replyreport
20. 61

    readytoescapeposted 14 years ago

    Nicolas Cage National Treasure, correct?
    Gotta be true

    replyreport
21. 81

    Sufidreamerposted 14 years ago

    Sorry, livewithrichard - Couldn't resist and I thought that you might appreciate the Kevin Smith reference
    
    For anybody wanting to break into creative writing/screenwriting/movie making, Kevin Smith is the man. He believed in himself, got in people's faces and became successful the hard way.
    
    I believe that J.K. Rowling has a good selection of rejection letters - as Ralwus says, use them for inspiration. Spite, and determination to prove people wrong, is a great motivator.

    replyreport
    1. 0

       rednckwmnposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       you get so much more done when your good and pissed off. not so much when you sit around feeling sorry for yourself. Everybody has it happen from time to time, but its important to keep moving!
       wont she be surprised when she wakes up, logs in here, and sees all this?

       replyreport
       1. 81

          Sufidreamerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Hopefully, a nice surprise. You are quite right - we all get down about it occasionally - feels like you are bashing your head against the wall.
          
          Tomorrow is a whole new day

          replyreport
22. 60

    tantrumposted 14 years ago

    I've been rejected so many times that I stop counting ! Who cares !! Crazed, you should go ahead with your writing. Lets say you never get published. So? We ,here in hubpages ,are reading your stuff, and we like it... so DON'T STOP !! that would be a disgrace !!   in MHO !

    replyreport
23. 0

    Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

    thanks you guys for doing your best to encourage me. I enjoyed reading your comments and yes I will do my best to keep mu chin up and keep on writing. Again thanks everyone. I appreciate it!

    replyreport
    1. 64

       Gemsongposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       excellent CW. I have supports for my chin so I'll let borrow some.

       replyreport
24. 72

    Beth100posted 14 years ago

    That'a girl! 

    replyreport
25. 54

    wrenfrost56posted 14 years ago

    Yeah! Show'em what your made of CW!

    replyreport
26. 77

    europewalkerposted 14 years ago

    Don't give up. Since I joined hubs a few weeks ago, my mother has been very ill and hospitalized. Between work and her situtation I haven't had any time to really focus on writing a hub. I just try to spend a few minutes now and then to read others peoples hubs and make comments. If writing is something you really enjoy then don't stop.

    replyreport
    1. 0

       Crazdwriterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I'm really sorry to hear about yur mother. I hope that she gets better and things look up for you!

       replyreport
27. 92

    rmcrayneposted 14 years ago

    I joined the Writers'Guild in my area.  It was good reality testing for how difficult and competitive writing is.  They have an annual award for number of rejections, and update the progress at the monthly meeting!  I think the point is, to be successful or to get an acceptance, you have to weather a lot of rejections.  The more you submit, the more rejections, but ultimately acceptance. 
    
    We have critiques meetings every week, then the monthly speaker and business meeting.  Lot of corporate knowledge, including advice on how to seek the right publishing option.  Look into your local guild.

    replyreport
    1. 0

       Crazdwriterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Cool didn't think about this one. Thank you sooo much rmcrayne for the great idea. I will definitely have to see if there is a writing guild here in Anaheim or close to here. thanks again!

       replyreport
28. 92

    rmcrayneposted 14 years ago

    Just Google "Anaheim Writers Guild".  In fact, check out our site, google "San Antonio Writers Guild".  Some of the keynote speakers' lectures are posted on the site.  On weekly critique meetings, each person present gets a hard copy of the piece and writes comments and critique.  Some write nothing much, some write comments directed more toward content, others hone in on grammar and punctuation.  As guild members say, it's up to you what you do with the feedback, but it's free feedback.  I learned quickly which members' opinions I valued most.

    replyreport
29. 0

    Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

    Definitely will check this out tomorrow...time for bed for me right now though. thanks a million!

    replyreport
30. 41

    Balineseposted 14 years ago

    Hi Dont give up - this is just for fun  and enjoy !

    replyreport
31. 0

    L.A. Screenwriterposted 14 years ago

    never give up.  if writing is something you love to do, you will write whether you're selling stuff or not.  but how many great writers sent out dozen and dozens of queries and didn't get picked up?  plenty, trust me.  keep workin' it. - s

    replyreport
    1. 0

       Crazdwriterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks L.A. Screenwriter...cool name. what types do you write? From you picture looks like a mystery?

       replyreport
32. 60

    spiritactorposted 13 years ago

    I understand and feel for you, CrazdWriter. I've experienced the "I'm going to just quit" syndrome MANY times, in all forms of my arts. One thought has stuck with me though: If art is a deep-rooted expression for you and brings you joy, quitting art is quitting a precious part of you. Medical science knows now that that can bring about not just emotional or psychological challenges but actual disease as well.
    
    I have asked myself two questions (particular when faced with this "quitting" phenomena):  "What was I put on this earth to do?" and "What brings me joy?" If your answer is "teaching"-- that's perfectly fine too, a NOBLE profession! A good gauge to use in answering this question is, when an answer comes to you, does it fill ALL of you with a mix of contentment and electricity? Does it show you a light, a pure direction that leads into you and out of you in un-perceivable directions and distances? Does it feel buoyant, lift you somehow? If the answer is "yes" to any of these questions, you have found a pursuit that is precious to you-- deeply rooted to your beloved Inner Self.
    
    As with ANY pursuit, the integrity of accomplishing it requires study, planning, work, AND play-- but does not require fear. Part of the reason we were ALL put on this earth is to learn. And, when in your growing process, you feel a wave of inner contentment and a deep surge of electricity run all through you, realize you are DONE (at least for the present). Time to share-- and BELIEVE, as you are trusting and responsible to the purest of Self.
    
    The light, the passion, the desire for writing is in you (I can tell). Let that light and all fill you, experience and explore it, then let it shine!

    replyreport
33. 0

    WayneAnsellposted 13 years ago

    never, never, never give up.

    replyreport
34. 60

    heart4thewordposted 13 years ago

    I have had the same problem for years with art.  Get the guts up to send something in and get rejected. Then I would not try again for 6 months to a year.  I found that allot of the times I was sending art to companies who were looking for a different style.  They didn't know where to apply the designs I'd given them.
    
    Yet now, I understand with art and with writing, it is good to get some additional training.  Now I know how important it is to do a query letter.  (Throwing the hook and bait out there!)  Then it seems there is a wide open door for presentation if they respond wanting to see your work.
    
    Last thing, is to send your writings to 20-30 places at one time.  If you get one acceptance out of 20 that would be great:) HEY!

    replyreport
35. 60

    h.a.borcichposted 13 years ago

    Hi Crazd,
    
      Stephen King had tons of rejection letters before he made it. He says he stuck the letters on a nail in the wall over his desk and just kept writing. I think we all do who are working on it. His book - On Writing is helpful.
       Have you looked at publishers and publishing options from The Writers Digest annual edition? Tons of info that may help you find the right publisher.
       Keep writing, Holly

    replyreport