I haven't been around lately because I'm knuckling down to work on my travel memoir. But I don't want to abandon my blog! Here's a little story about the life of a lowly writer.
PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields |
Rejection
‘What the hell is this?’ the Producer waved a sheet of paper
in front of me.
‘It’s a piece for the local news slot.’
‘But it’s not cute or funny. It doesn’t even feature a dog!
You know the rules.’
‘I thought it might be refreshing to report a genuine human
interest story.’
He threw the script away. ‘Who wants to hear about the
struggles of a wannabe novelist?’
‘People might find the reality interesting instead of the usual
glossy hype. You know? The instant bestsellers and six-figure deals.’
‘Pah! Boring!’
I left his office, chalking up yet another rejection.
I hope you enjoyed reading this and I look forward to your comments. If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields - her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page. On a final note - I always attempt to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been redirected to your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign into wordpress first. Please check and amend your settings. Thanks. |
Yep, trying to tell non-writers how little reward there is, they never understand. See also working in television - it's not glamourous at all for 99% of those involved.
ReplyDeleteHe he - the perceptions of Joe Public, eh?
DeleteDear Susan,
ReplyDeleteAh true to life story. I take comfort in a quote I found not too long ago on Facebook and (with permission) have requoted. "Wanting to be a writer and not wanting to be rejected is like being a boxer and not wanting to get punched."
Good story, ma'am.
Shalom,
Rochelle
That's a great quote, Rochelle! :)
DeleteI was just listening to that quote that Rochelle mentions on Walter Mosley's Masterclass, just today. Lots of punches to the face to be expected :)
Delete- Juatjoyfulness
Thankfully, I'm not at that stage with my book yet. (I have no allusions though.)
DeleteRejection is your friend
ReplyDeleteIndeed! :)
DeleteGreat story to this picture and rejection is what many writers face. They also face perseverance
ReplyDeleteLessons we all learn as writers. :)
DeleteI think the producer probably has a point, most people are not interested in the struggles of a wannabe novelist.
ReplyDeleteI daresay you're right - but he could have been nicer about it.
DeleteMy biggest roadblock, I admit. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda. I think we've all been there, haven't we?
DeleteIt is a challenge, isn't it. Truth just doesn't sell :(
ReplyDeleteEspecially when it comes to journalism.
DeleteWe've all been there. The trick is in getting up and getting there again. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteAs I've already commented, I'm not at this stage with my book, but I know about rejection of articles. You do indeed have to pick yourself up and brush yourself off.
DeleteNow if you shot the Producer on screen, then that would get their attention and maybe your book would sell.
ReplyDeleteJames McEwan
He he - now there's an idea. :)
DeleteA rejection for a piece about rejection. I wonder if we could manage an infinite regression of rejections...? Nice story, Susan
ReplyDeleteNot sure, but we could try. :)
DeleteConsider rejection to be but a step on the ladder to success. Better luck next time Susan!
ReplyDeleteFortunately this story isn't about a real life experience. :)
DeleteI know how she feels! And glad to hear you're working on that travel book.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz. I'm on a roll at the moment. :)
Deletesadly, the networks is all about the ratings.
ReplyDeleteYes, sad but true.
DeleteHuman interest story? What's he thinking? We want to see that dog that barks "Happy Birthday"...
ReplyDeleteWell, of course we do! :)
DeleteNo body gives struggling writers a break...
ReplyDeleteGood on you for being productive S!
Thank you. My book draft is going well and I don't want to lose my current momentum. (One of the benefits of lockdown!)
Delete