With my poetry collection… I’d send it to places and they’d say it wasn’t quite right but then they would give some really nice feedback… and that’s what kept me going, because they actually took the time to tell me that so that probably is a good sign.
caitlin stobie
In this episode, writer and scholar Caitlin Stobie talks about the start of her writing career and how rejection felt ‘crushing’ but, at times, it could also be encouraging.
We have all felt lost at the beginning trying to place our first poem or the first piece of prose fiction in a magazine or a publisher. But we all also have at least one rejection that was encouraging and showed us we were on the right path. Sometimes, these kinds of rejections can be even more inspiring than acceptances.
What is the ‘best’ rejection that you have ever received?
At the time, rejection always feels crushing, especially if it’s something where you think you actually stand a chance.
caitlin stobie
Listen to this extract to find advice on:
- Handling rejection as a starting writer
- Recognising the ‘nice’ rejections – and using them to keep working on a project
- The value of rejections
Connect with Caitlin:
The Wandering Bard podcast is also available on Spotify. You can also find us on Twitter at @TheWBmag.
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