The desire to write is a passion. A spark deep inside of us that can’t be squelched. No matter the turmoil, negative critiques, rewrites, rejections … a writer keeps on, trudging down the path to publication.
And not an easy road for most. While we dream of publishing contracts, best selling novels, the word author as part of our bio; criticism, redirection and rejection often become the norm as we hone our craft. So, how do we handle the growing pains of a writer?
- Although you put your heart and soul into your writing, you can’t take criticism or rejection personally. Consider the rejection or critique as constructive feedback. Check your manuscripts over, dig in and try to understand what others are seeing or not seeing. If something is missing, fix it!
- Consider the source for any negative feedback.
- Did the comment come from someone familiar with your genre?
- Editors and agents have preferences and opinions that may not jive with your own. Don’t discount their feedback, but also don’t accept changes that don’t feel right.
- Keep writing! Stay diligent to your dream. The more you write the stronger your writing will become. That is if you open to new ideas and incorporate workable suggestions.
- Remember that you are not alone. Most authors, even best selling, have received negative critiques and/or rejections. You are in good company!
- Remain prayerful. God has a plan and His timing is perfect.
Writing takes hard work and diligence, but the payoff is fabulous. People always appreciate what
they’ve worked for!
After many critiques and a few rejections of my own, I received my first book contract. When I
opened my email and saw that I was offered a contract, I just sat there reading it over and over
again. Surely I was reading it wrong. Once I allowed myself to really believe it was true, tears
filled my eyes. A personal accomplishment for me and the Lord!
What's been the hardest part of your writing journey?
What's been the hardest part of your writing journey?
Mary Annslee Urban’s debut novel, Tapestry of Trust, White Rose Publishing, came out June 15, 2012. Her second book, She Came to See the Snow: A Colorado Christmas Romance, will be out this fall.
Mary has also been a freelance writer for several area newspapers, has contributed to magazines, Upper Room Devotionals and online websites. She and her husband reside in North Carolina. They have five children, three grandchildren, two dogs and three cats. When Mary isn’t writing, she works part-time as a Registered Nurse. She enjoys travel, cooking, long walks and anything chocolate.
