Just a quick post today as I am getting for the monster’s birthday which is tomorrow as I write this but today as you read it. I am hoping he loves his presents and I can get some footage of him opening a present in the morning and his cake in the afternoon.
I am determined to keep positive in the face of adversity at the minute so the latest rejection has not phased me, infact I was positively delighted by it!
No, I have not lost my final marble, let me explain. I decided that I should as they say reach for the moon in the hope of ending up amongst the stars, so I submitted my story to what I consider one of the best Sci-Fi magazines out there, (should you be part of a different Sci-Fi mag don’t take it personally I am sure I will get to you) this is an award winning magazine so as a totally unpublished writer I fully expected to be rejected. Now let me tell you why I was so thrilled, firstly I did not receive the form email, I actually got a personal response from the editor then as a bonus he pointed out that although my story was not what they were looking for at the minute I had actually not got the right format they like for submissions and he provided a link showing how they like work submitted for future reference. I want you to bear in mind I was physically shaking last week when I hit the submission button, though why I am not sure it is not as if they were going to come to my work and scream in my face I was rubbish and never to write again but I guess that is what nerves do to you. I could get really down this is the second rejection for this story but I really like this story and believe in it, for me it is a case of finding the right place for it and I will keep submitting it until I find a market or until I decide to use it in a different way as part of an anthology or collection.
With reference to the competition I mentioned last week I did message them for more clarification on certain points and do feel a little more comfortable about their responses, the reason for not dates announced was they expected to have to extend the deadline (I am guessing to get enough entries to cover the prize money) I have not decided if I am going to enter yet mainly now as the story I was writing took a path I am not sure is right for the competition but we shall see, I may take a chance with it knowing even if it gets no where I have another piece for submission to other areas.
Okay better go get stuff organised and let the dogs out, then towel them off as it is throwing it down here once again and I am sure the fox has been back in the garden judging from the smell of the spaniel when he comes back in.
Paula Acton 
I’m sure you will find the right home for your story! Good luck with it!
LikeLike
I wasn’t actually sure I should have “liked” you post, as it was about rejections 😦 but we all get them, and you’ve learned something valuable from the process. I like to say, “one no closer to YES!” Here’s hoping that proves true for you.
LikeLike
Paula,
That kind of rejection isn’t really a rejection at all. It’s a personal message, complete with helpful suggestions, and the next best thing to an acceptance. Hurray for you–you must be close!
Best wishes,
Naomi
LikeLike
I’m sorry it’s been another rejection Sweetie but I’m glad you’re not downhearted by it.For them to send information on how they like submissions appears to me to be a positive step in the right direction.
I hope the preparations for the birthday move along nicely and of course the Monster will like his gifts, they’re from his Mum.
xxx Gigantic Hugs xxx
LikeLike
It says a lot about the person who sent a personal response to you — so many are too busy to do even that. Keep your chin up and keep submitting. You’ll find the perfect home for your story!
LikeLike