First rejection.

Everybody nice and comfy? Yesterday’s badge distributed as desired? Good, good… Because the rest of this week is kinda maybe sorta Rejection Week.

No, don’t run away!

While it’s not something writers look forward to, rejection can have a good side. For example, earning the “first rejection” merit badge is a sign you were brave enough to put your work out there in the first place, right? Right?

Look, just go with me on this, or it’s gonna be a very long week.

This is part of the merit badges for writers series, and may be posted on your site or blog. Have you earned this badge? Will you never earn it? Tell us why in the comments.

8 Comments

1. anwa
   Posted June 22, 2010 at 10:39 am | Permalink

   This is really ironic. I just opened my email to find a fresh new rejection letter.

2. DQuartermane
   Posted June 22, 2010 at 11:24 am | Permalink

   I am not quite ready yet for this one. Nothing I have is complete (Not a cop out, honest!) But I have an idea for a few things bubbling.

3. Em
   Posted June 22, 2010 at 12:57 pm | Permalink

   @anwa: I guess there’s not a good time to be rejected, but maybe that’s better than some ’cause it’s funny.

   @DQuartermane: Normally I would cheer you on, but I’m not sure that’d be kind in this case? Good luck with submitting, at any rate.

4. Casey Lybrand
   Posted June 22, 2010 at 4:10 pm | Permalink

   I was really excited when I saw the topic in your tweet, and the badge does not disappoint. (Never does.) I love the crumpled little paper and that the “No.” is sincerely signed.

   I may change my mind once I start querying, but right now the process seems so enticing that even a rejection seems exciting — just because it’s part of the process.

   @anwa I think you are *so brave*! Congrats on getting your work out there.

5. Casey Lybrand
   Posted June 22, 2010 at 4:12 pm | Permalink

   Oh wait. I just looked again. The paper is *not* crumpled. Did I do that in my mind? (That’s what you’re supposed to do with rejections, right?)

6. DQuartermane
   Posted June 22, 2010 at 9:10 pm | Permalink

   Hey Em,
   Cheering on never hurts. I am hoping this current tale in my head I might try submitting around. But seeing as how it was kinda inspired by the recent BP disaster I am planning to give some of the earnings to a ocean charity. If it is even bought of course.

7. Em
   Posted June 23, 2010 at 1:48 pm | Permalink

   @Casey: You crumpled it with your mind? OMG, you are the one that was foretold to us.

   @DQuartermane: In that case, go you! Get rejected! Rah, rah, rah! (Gotta say that still feels weird.)

8. Casey Lybrand
   Posted June 23, 2010 at 4:50 pm | Permalink

   Ooo, shiny! I always wanted to be foretold and all!

One Trackback

1. By Merit Badge Update on a Tuesday Afternoon « Casey Lybrand on July 26, 2010 at 4:45 pm

   [...] First Rejection: This will mean I have sent something out! I really don’t have any illusions or grand dreams. I will march into the queries-and-submissions fray, and keep going. [...]

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