When I went to the post office today, and saw yet another manila envelope with my name and address in my own handwriting, I was ready to throw in the towel. I really enjoy writing, and I've gotten some kind and helpful comments from hatrackers, but if people don't want to read what I write, I can't think of any reason to keep on wasting my postage.

Then, I read the rejection letter, from Janet Hutchings at Ellery Queen. "Thanks for letting EQMM read "Heaven and Earth". I wish we had space for every good story we see. We enjoyed this one, but unfortunately it does not suit any of the spaces we currently have open." It made me realize how much of a role luck plays in selling fiction, and you can't get lucky if you don't play the game.

It is hard not to put more significance on a sale or "good feedback" than on a cold rejection. I used to think that once you "started" making sales they would necessarily come regularly after that. I was disabused by editors of the notion.

Fair trade?

I was listening to NPR a few months back and some guy was going on about how the only reason for making art was for the sake of the artist. "Wow... this guy obviously knows nothing about art," I thought. Turned out he was a famous artist (though not famous enough that I remember his name )

Anyhow, I'm still not sure I agree with the guy, but it had an effect on me. Shouldn't it be enough that I enjoy writing? The desire to create is a part of being Human. One of the good parts.

I'll keep writing. If someone reads what I write and enjoys it, great. If not, well... *I* enjoy it. One can only do what one can.

Sounds like you're close... no doubt you'll get published if you keep at it.

And, sooner or later, you'll click with an audience and editors will buy your name. I just recently saw an author I critted at Critters published in Asimov's and Analog so it is possible.

Cheers,
Pat

If you never submit anything, you never get rejected.