Monday, November 7, 2011

Coping with Writer's Rejection: Tips from Children's Writer Eileen Spinelli

If you're a writer, don't abandon your pen or computer when the rejection letters start rolling in. Even the most successful writers get them. Children's writer Eileen Spinelli gets rejections for her books. So does her husband Jerry Spinelli, a Newbery award-winning writer.

Eileen shared some tips on 'rejecting rejection' in a class I took with her last summer at the Highlights Foundation Chautauqua Summer Workshop:
    • Be sure to have at least one friend who is a cheerleader . . . who loves your work . . . who loves you. Call that friend.
      • Read the biography of any writer. See that you are not alone when it comes to rejection, bad reviews and general disappointment.
        • Move on to another writing project . . . one you are enthusiastic about.
          • Write a caring and supportive letter to yourself.
            • Ask for a hug.
              • Treat yourself to something special . . .a massage . . . a hot fudge sundae. . . an overnight trip.
                • Make something with your hands . . . a card . . . a knitted scarf . . . a pie . . . a bookshelf . . . and then give it away. Bask in the light of the recipient's smile.
                  • If you are so inclined, say a prayer. Ask for patience, hope, a sense of humor.
                    • Write something short and silly just for fun.
                    • Listen to your favorite music. Sing along.
                      • Do something physical. Tennis. Hiking. Dance.
                      • Vent: scream . . . punch a sofa pillow . . . kick leaves.
                        • Make a list of ten people you know of who have had a worse thing happen to them than getting a rejection slip.
                        • Next morning, look out the window. Note that, contrary to all expectations, the sun has done it again . . . it has risen.
                          Spinelli also shared a list of rejection experiences of famous writers. A few examples:

                          Steven King received dozens of rejections for his novel "Carrie."

                          Beatrix Potter's "Tale of Peter Rabbit" was rejected so often that she eventually printed it herself.

                          "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville was said to be too long and rather old-fashioned.

                          According to one publisher, "The Diary of Anne Frank" was scarcely worth reading.

                          George Orwell who wrote "Animal Farm" was told: It is impossible to sell animal stories.

                          "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle was rejected 19 times. It went on to win the Newbery.

                          "Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch" by Eileen Spinelli was rejected 25 times. It has won several awards including a Christopher award.

                          Finally, Eileen shared some encouraging words and assorted wisdom for writers:

                          Getting ahead in the arts requires avid faith in yourself. You must be able to sustain yourself against staggering blows and unfair reversals.

                          Your writing affirms your life. Writing is an embrace of life with all its sorrows and contradictions and an affirmation of the creative power within you.

                          Find out more about Eileen Spinelli and her books at her website.

                          Readers, how do you cope with literary rejection? Please share your tales and tips.

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                          9 comments:

                          1. Oh, thank you for this post! Eileen Spinelli is one of my favorite writers (IN MY NEW YELLOW SHIRT, NOW IT IS WINTER, FEATHERS...yes!) I, too, find it helpful to knit and bake and make jam in response to icky writing news. Making heals. Now, as I wait for my book to come out in 2013, and as the newest rejections hit my screen, I will reread Eileen's words here. A.

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                          2. I'm glad you like the post and Eileen Spinelli's wonderful books, Amy. Congratulations on your new book!

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                          3. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. We have all been there. . . and will continue to be. It is encouraging for all aspiring authors to know that some of the most successful stories have been rejected too.

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                          4. Wishing you happy writing, Sandi! Kathy

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                          5. Great reminder to keep on keeping on. Thanks!

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                          6. Wow, those are some pretty cool ideas and though I've never been through the process it will definately help if I ever get brave enough. Thanks so much for the advice, I'll definately take it to heart to think about. Might even help me right now as I'm doing NaNoWriMo.

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                          7. I love Eileen's books, too, and I especially love Somebody Loves You, Mr Hatch! I (ahem) used to think (before I was published) that once a writer was published, they didn't have to deal with rejection any more. Not so! I love when writers share stories about rejection of now-published books, and also ways of dealing with rejection. It's encouraging for others. Great post!

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                          8. The main thing for me is to always keep in mind that a rejection does not mean your offering was not good. There are so many reasons for rejection that have NOTHING to do with the quality of the manuscript.
                            And then there's the story of Shlomo Kirshenblach. Never heard of him? That's because he gave up after a rejection...

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                          9. I absolutely love reading posts like this. Thank you!

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