Rejections

If you’re an author of anything, you’ll have to deal with rejections. Everyone takes them differently. I know that I’ve read advice along the lines of “don’t take rejections personally” enough times that there must be some people who still need convincing. Having done a lot of art classes in the past, I’ve become pretty hardened to negative feedback. I welcome harsh crits and rejections don’t phase me. It’s something that should come in handy on this very long journey.

I got another rejection letter for “They Trade in Eyes” today, and I’m damn happy about it. Why? This is the first time I’ve been rejected personally. I’ve had a few form letters sent back, but this one was a real nice surprise.

Dear Chris,

Thanks for showing us your story “They Trade In Eyes,” but I’ve decided not to take it for Futurismic. I found the writing very well done and the subject matter is right in our wheelhouse, but ultimately the story didn’t quite connect. I think perhaps it was a bit too premise-heavy for my tastes–in other words, it seemed more focused on examining its premise than on telling a story. Anyway, I’m going to pass, but good luck to you with it, and I do hope you will send us more when you can.

Best,
Chris East
Fiction Editor, Futurismic

When an editor takes the time to write you a proper reply, you sit up and take notice. Hearing that my writing was well done makes me damn happy, and there’s some good advice in there too – I need to work on developing my story telling over my technique for the moment.

I’m really chuffed right now. Totally chuffed.

So, if there are any readers who are also authors – how do you feel about rejection letters? What’s the best one you’ve ever received?

The Hard Sell (Short Story, 12,000 Words)

Finally, a new story post!

This was a class assignment originally intended to be an essay, but I managed to wheedle my way into doing it as a piece of prose. The subject was anti-consumerism, and specifically anti-consumerism activists. I chose to write would could essentially work as a introduction to the concept contained within a story – an introduction to not just what these adbusters and culture-jammers do, but also the politics and hypocrisy sometimes prevalent in the culture. Although I handed in the piece today, I still consider this a personal first draft and would like to refine it further on my own.

Much of this was based on interviews with members of the adbusters, the Space Hijackers of London, and various personal manifestos such as Banksy’s “Wall and Piece”, the autobiography of T-KID 170 and the manifesto of Shepard Fairey, creator of the “Andre the Giant” cult sticker phenomenon.

I’ve given the story its own page, just because it’s so large. Hopefully a second draft will knock off a few thousand words. I’d love some harsh feedback on this one. Did you learn anything when you got to the end?

CLICK HERE FOR “THE HARD SELL”

Neil Gaiman in Melbourne

Well, Neil Gaiman came to Melbourne yesterday and did a few appearances. Being a big fan, I made sure to turn up to every one.

He’s a funny fellow, Neil. He read to the crowd from his upcoming book “The Graveyard Book”, which sounded pretty damn fine, and answered a number of questions from the crowd. Seeing as I went to both his appearances and asked questions at every one, I think I accounted for 20% of his Q&A in Melbourne, which makes me feel a tad greedy.

Hearing Neil read his own prose was brilliant. He adds a tremendous amount of character to his stories, and it was pretty staggering how quickly he brings new characters to life with only a few lines. Something well worth analysing.

When we went up to get books signed I wanted to be a gusher and talk about how much he’s inspired me to keep writing. I wanted to go on and on about my own stories and plans. But I know he’s heard it a hundred times before, so I kept it all in check.

New resolution – I will get a book on Neil Gaiman’s desk and his comments on a cover of mine. I’ll do it. I will work my arse off until it happens.