Friday, February 6, 2009

Double Whammy!

Today I received two rejection letters.

Of course I was disappointed, but I feel really good, too.

One year ago, I had no idea I could be a freelance writer. One year ago, I had never heard of Writer Mama, I had no idea that I could write and submit articles to regional publications, and I didn't even know Military Spouse Magazine even existed.

I have had articles published in over 10 regional publications and have had an essay picked up by a national magazine. I write a monthly column for an international magazine. I have come so far, how can I be discouraged? Receiving rejections means that I am persevering, learning and trying. And for goodness sake, I only work about 12 hours a week!

It is so hard to be rejected. It is so good to be writing.

3 comments:

  1. No big deal. You will bounce right back!

    How many do you have "in play"?

    :) C

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  2. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – How To Sell A Home in a Recession - Essay Contest

    Pahoa, HI, February 7, 2009: Sheri Smith and John Williams, a couple from Southern California (the wife was born in NYC) who now live in Hawaii, have come up with a unique, pro-active way to “sell” their one-of-a-kind 1,300 square-foot custom, never-before-lived-in home in a depressed real estate market - they are offering it as the grand prize in an essay contest.

    Smith and Williams, as WinHawaiianHome.com, llc, are sponsoring Essay 101, a contest of skill, where anyone (21 years old or older) can write a short essay (101 words or less) and, for a $101 entry fee, get a chance to win a brand new, custom home on the Big Island of Hawaii. The contest is open worldwide, however essays must be submitted in English, and must be the entrant’s original work. 101 finalists will be chosen and then judged by community leaders.

    This home (affectionately called the “Sweetheart Cottage” due to its many design details) was built by Williams, a local builder, with the goal of selling it immediately and using the proceeds to finish construction of his castle (www.castleinhawaii.com), a future vacation rental or bed and breakfast. Due to the recession, real estate sales are down and thus, this fun and exciting vehicle was created. Contest entries will be made online at www.WinHawaiianHome.com, although postal mail entries will also be accepted. Local schools in Puna to benefit by donation from the sponsor. Essay 102 is in the works (with two spectacular homes to choose from) and they hope to write an e-book to share their method with others to try to turn around the economy, one house at a time.
    We CANNOT be successful UNLESS people find out about this contest. PLEASE help us spread the word. Mahalo! Sheri

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  3. Just read your article in Southern Living and was wondering if you are as concerned with teaching your children Southern history as you are with programming them to call any carbonated drink a "Coke"? It is a peculiar Southern trait to proudly display (like the Confederate flag) twangy accents, mispronunciations, poor grammar and revisionist history. Your kids have the advantage of a diversity of cultures...they'll figure out the South on their own. (Also, they were right...soda is the proper word....please don't dumb them down)

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