I said, "No!"

I'm a writer. I'm a writer of magazine and web articles, corporate web copy and nonprofit press releases. I enjoy writing across these industries and for a variety of clients. But my true love is fiction. And I've finally started querying literary agents.

I've also started racking up the rejection letters. This is not a fun part of the process. In fact, it's downright discouraging. I actually wanted to work for a literary agent so that I would better understand the process. That's me: research and learn as much as you can before you dive into something. Unfortunately, working for an agent wasn't a possibility.

I'm sure I'm learning from this process; I'm just not quite sure what as yet. Any suggestions?

Rejection protection

Does anyone handle it well? I can be pretty stoic in public, but the truth is, I'm pretty sensitive in my private life. I like to think that this trait makes me more sensitive to others' feelings.

What's the secret to getting past rejection .. in relationships, work, family? I don't know. But I always feel a little better when I take the angst of the moment and put it toward something productive. For me, the outlet is writing.

Next time I face rejection, I'm going to be easier on myself. Sure, it hurts. But I'm going to try to pick myself up faster and move on.

My three gifts to myself today:
1. Time with family
2. Time for self
3. Time to re-examine my goals