and am struck again and again by how "easily" I can see what is, and what isn't, working in others' work, but struggle to evaluate my own stories.
I know time and distance help with objectivity, but I don't know if I'll ever be able to "see" my work the way I can others' -- Is that kind of ease of objectivity ever really possible when evaluating and revising our own work? I've been told by some very fine writers that such wisdom will come, but I don't know ...
I just got a rejection from The Collagist that hurt like a kick, despite the fact that Matt Bell is one gracious guy. I thought this last story would do it. This is my third rejection in the past hour from three excellent journals.
Right now, I could put my head down on my desk and stay there for a long, long time. Instead, I'm going for a long walk in the sunshine with my daughters. With my daughters, at least, I always know I'm in the right place, doing what I'm supposed to be doing.
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I think I read four stories today that ended with the words, "The End."
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the reading gig, Ethel! I've often wondered what that would be like. Maybe you'll run across a story of mine that's been there for nearly 4 months - heh.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't beat yourself up too much on the rejections... your writing is so honest and gut-grabbing, it will find a home!
Ha! Brandi, I hear you. I think it says something (in the best possible way) that when I saw "Brandi" within Hobart I knew straight away it was you :-)
ReplyDeleteMitzi, thanks for the kind words. And the best of luck with your Hobart submission.
hobart, hobart, luv the hobart. you will shine at this gig.
ReplyDeletei keep saying i will not send another sub to x-short-quarterly, simply because I have a virtual box of rejections, but then something in me just makes me do it. maybe for the quick response? "we don't care for you, but you do exist."
thanks for checking in on me while i was/is under the weather. I can't wait to healthy enough to be less self absorbed.
niiiiiice! congrats on the gig, ethel. you'll learn a lot sitting on the other side of the desk.
ReplyDeleteHah! Then you are blessed, indeed, among mothers. I think I know my way around words better than kids.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your reading gig. Isn't it annoying how you can never see your own flaws but can everyone else's? I guarantee you, the work will help you with your own manuscripts. Just the process of walking through a major overhaul with an editor really helped me.
Crossed fingers for both of us, cherie. I've been getting those kicks lately, too. Gracious or no, they do hurt. Ow.
Congratulations, Ethel, that's crazy-bananas. You'll be great. Too, I feel the same way about my daughter...
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Ethel. They're lucky to have you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words, Laura, Mel, Tanita, Eric, and Katrina!
ReplyDeleteHooray!
ReplyDelete