All writers
suffer the same nemesis. Rejection! When a book goes to print, so often another
manuscript returns with a note exalting your talents without the offer to
publish. Or maybe like toast, rejection arrives dry with a perfunctory, “Thank
you.” Whatever the case, writers must learn to endure stinking wounds of rejection
with egos intact and pens still poised to write. How is this done? Jesus is an example.
The Master
Teacher suffered a barrage of rejection.
Friends left him in a lurch and despite the denial—He maintained
determination. Jesus practiced 5 habits to overcome rejection. These same habits
will fuel your writing when faced with naysayers. So, what did Jesus do? He
practiced gratitude, silence, benevolence, forgiveness and tenacity.
Gratitude
helps every writer WIN. When publishing
opportunities are few, focus on the goodness in your present tense. What is
good about your life right now? Give thanks for that. Jesus consistently turned
his focus up and out toward the horizon with a “Thank You, Father,” on his
lips. Like King David, perhaps you should also play music. Raise the volume. Dance.
Celebrate past victories and call them by name. Let gratitude’s joy rest on
you. Then sit down and write.
When
Jesus was rejected and needed the support of Infinite Wisdom, he went to the
mountains alone. Sometimes, all you need is YOU. Help for faulty plotting or drab
dialogue is not always a book on craft. Dedicate a part of each day to
silence. Go within yourself to perceive
the Divine. In your solitude on a couch or favorite chair, you will hear God
direct your words with precision and power. But first, you must still your mind
and make room and time to listen.
Rejection
can twist a writer into knots of self-loathing.
Therefore, like Jesus, it is essential to lavish care on others. Don’t brood over rejected manuscripts. Rise up to be a hearth for the hurting. When you wrangle attention off yourself, sharing
with others shines light through clouds of rejection. Benevolence is a healing
balm and the big-hearted always reap a harvest.
Besides
serving alms, Jesus said that as we forgive others, we are also forgiven. The greatest
feat is learning to forgive yourself for wasted time, misguided choices, and
unsuccessful writing. Remind yourself each
day that rejection and shoddy drafts pave the road to successful writing. As a creative, you refine your craft while composing
poor sentences and bad rhymes. Don’t choke on unforgiving sentiments toward
yourself. Your life is a WIP. Stay the course.
Yes!
FINISH YOUR MASTERPIECE. Understand that
the stories you are seeking to tell are also seeking you. Be tenacious. Remain steadfast—even
when editors sneer and agents say, “You are not a good fit for my list.” You
might feel wounded and weary just like Jesus, but don’t quit until you achieve the
Heavenly Vision. Write ON!
Alice Faye Duncan writes books for children and adults. Her devotional meditations
will appear in Guideposts’ MORNINGS WITH JESUS (2020). She is also the author of HELLO SUNSHINE—5 HABITS TO
‘UNCLOUD’ YOUR DAY and Memphis, Martin and the Mountaintop. Please visit
her website www.alicefayeduncan.com
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