In early December I did something I've never done before: I sent in a submission to a public writing contest. The Writer's Digest Short, Short Story Contest requires you to write your best fiction in 1,500 words or less, and there's a lot of good competition. The magazine is an informative, understanding magazine that helps and inspires authors and wanna-be authors.
But, alas...the deadline (to find out if I'm a winner) looms. Feb. 11th is coming up and I've not received any promising mail yet (and hopefully my beautiful wife didn't throw it out thinking it was junk mail!)
First through third place are to receive cash prizes, while fourth through tenth receive Writer's Digest gift certificates. Down through 25th place will ALL get their articles published in the June 2008 issue! Are you telling me I'm not even good enough to get 25th place??! You think I'm a loser?
No.
I'm a writer who's just gone through his first rejection. I'm told it happens quite a lot.
But you know what? I now have a pretty cool short, short story that I never had before! I actually wrote something instead of fearing that I had no ability! I refused to let that fear disable me.
So...
What is fear disabling YOU from doing? Don't let that little voice call you a "loser" any more! It's better to DO something while trembling nervously than to be paralyzed with fear. Add discipline to your growing confidence and you will be well on your way toward a breakthrough!
4 comments:
From what I've read most great writers got lots of rejections before they sold anything. They didn't give up. They kept doing what they love and finally were very successful. So don't let this keep you from writing something that will make a mark on people's lives. Love ya, Mom
The deadline is February 11th so don't give up hope yet.
I like your perspective.
And I REALLY like your last paragraph.
I'm with you on that. There's a quote on the outside of a teacher in my hallway's door that says "What would you dare to accomplish if you knew you couldn't fail?" How often the fear of failure prevents us from achieving what God has given us the talent to do.
By the way, the deadline is not up - don't lose hope yet!
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