Okay, I know rejections are a part of a writer's experience, and maybe I've been spoiled by my recent string of acceptances, but the timing on this one stinks. I just got a rejection in my e-mail for a speculative poem that I truly believe is one of my stronger pieces. This makes the eighth rejection for this particular poem. I revised it once after receiving some helpful editorial comments with the first rejection, and I was sure I fixed any glaring flaws in the work.

The problems finding this poem a home have me scratching my head. It makes me question my own judgment when it comes to viewing the apparent quality of my work.  It also makes me wonder if the "ethereal/astral" subject matter is really working, although I have had similar pieces published already.

Some Father's Day present, huh?  I guess it's time to find another market to send this one to and hope the ninth time's the charm!

At least I have some nice plans for the rest of the day. My wife, daughter, and I plan to play some games today, and then I'm going to make a nice dinner. We're going to have steamed fresh asparagus, melon, and a nice specialty bread.  I even got myself some lobster tails, which is a special treat for me. No one else in the house likes lobster, except perhaps the cats and the dog.

I guess I really shouldn't let a little thing like a rejection on Father's Day get me down.  It's just one of those things, you know?

 

Richard H. Fay - Azure Lion Productions 

Eek!  Mr. Fay? Gosh, that makes me sound old. Please, Richard or RH is fine.

 

I have a similar story with a piece of fiction I entered in the Writers of the Future contest. Actually, it started life as a Doctor Who story for a contest put on by Big Finish. It failed to get anywhere in the DW contest, so I reworked it sans the Doctor and sent it to WOTF. I received a letter stating that the story finished in the top 15% of the stories that quarter, the lowest degree of "honorable mention" given in that contest.

 

Filled with hope that the story might actually be publishable, I sent it out again.  And again.  And again.  And again.  After a handful of rejections, I decided to read it at the local fiction writer's group meeting, to get feedback.

 

Frankly, I was a bit surprised by the feedback I received.  Apparently, even though the story is fairly well written, I may have some plot issues I have to iron out.  And I also seem to have too long a lead up to the main action, and possibly too many POVs.

 

Yes, it truly is a baffling business. 

 

Richard H. Fay - Azure Lion Productions 

Managing Editor

Managing Editor

I realize that now, but I thought it was pretty exciting when it happened. I am no longer as naive about the writing business as I once was.

 

Besides, I had my reasons for switching to poetry for a while. I think I made the right decision.

 

Still, it remains a baffling business full of uncertainties.

 

Richard H. Fay - Azure Lion Productions 

 

Just wondering aloud.

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"I'm going to do what the warriors of old did. I'm going to recite poetry!" 

 

Richard H. Fay - Azure Lion Productions 

Managing Editor

Hopelessly Addicted Writer of Speculative Fiction

and CEO of Ricasso Press

 

And, at least I can share my gripes with others, even if they are minor, petty gripes.  Which, truly, this one is. 

---

"I'm going to do what the warriors of old did. I'm going to recite poetry!" 

 

Richard H. Fay - Azure Lion Productions 

I'm tryin'! (Let the roll go on.)

 

Just recently I gained a whole bunch of new friends on Live Journal, and a fan or two, too. Fans are nice. Fans are real nice. And I wouldn't have fans if my poetry wasn't published in the first place.

 

My goodness, I have FANS!!!

 

For being a hopeless introvert in "real life", I've made quite an incredible number of connections on-line. I've grabbed the self-promotion bull by the horns and won't let go!

 

Mooooooo!

 

 

Richard H. Fay - Azure Lion Productions 

 Well, you can always finish celebrating that particular Father's Day after the acceptance comes rolling in on a random Tuesday.