May 11th, 2007
Who needs Alcatraz when self-doubt is so handy?
I’m so new to writing with the intention of being published that I have no experience with acceptance or rejection.
But with just one statement from a [gold-mine of a blog](http://www.annemini.com) I found written by Anne Mini, I suddenly feel more prepared to have a balanced response to rejection when it comes.
In her post from way back in [August of 2005](http://www.annemini.com/?p=293) she wrote:
>”Secretly, most aspirants walk away from their first writers’ conference crushed that their single pieces were not instantly pounced upon by the perfect agent and carried off like trophies to New York, where they naturally would sell instantly. Despite the fact that this scenario almost never happens, most of us expect it, and question our talent when it doesn’t occur, not our professional readiness.”
Wow! That’s like a Get Out of Jail Free card!
See, I am planning to attend my first writers’ conference in late June. I am not going for the purpose of selling my book idea, but to learn boatloads about writing, speaking and womens’ leadership. Asking to be considered for a book proposal appointment with a “literary professional” was essentially a lark.
But knowing me, I will pour myself into it and become so invested that I will mirror the “aspirant” that Ms. Mini describes above.
And upon rejection, what is the only thing on which I’ll likely fixate? My talent! Which is probably the only thing over which I have little to zero control.
Even on the front end I can say, “Alright then!” to whatever talent I have and then go on to spend my energy honing my skills, learning the rules, meeting people, and getting advice, and feedback, and blessed criticism!
I went all the way back to the [beginning of Anne Mini's blog](http://www.annemini.com/?p=295) and would like to read every word; she is opening an almost entirely mysterious topic to me, and making it clear and accessible!