You are more than your writing

Literary agent Kristin Nelson sends out a monthly newsletter (I think it’s monthly—I should pay better attention!) with news about her agency, her writers, and tidbits about the writing industry in general. It’s really worthwhile and often entertaining; consider signing up for it here at her agency’s website.

Anyway, in her February newsletter, she talked about a talk (ha!) she gave to MFA students at Regis University, and the topic of rejection came up. I know, imagine that! You’d be forgiven for thinking writers are rejection junkies, considering how often we go out of our way to court it. It can be frustrating, for sure.

But here’s the thing Kristin mentions and I agree with: A rejection is often not a commentary on your writing talent.

I won’t repeat all of the reasons she gives, because instead I can just link to last month’s newsletter and let you read it all for yourself.

Writing is personal. You put a lot of yourself into what winds up on the page. (And if you don’t, well, I don’t know what to say to that.) But your reaction to the business of writing shouldn’t be. And yes, I do know how hard that is. I frequently forget to follow my own advice. And let’s face it, it’s not even my advice, it’s Kristin Nelson’s advice.

But it’s still good advice.