I think a lot about how I've become annealed by rejection to the point that it (almost) doesn't affect me anymore. (If it never affected me, that struggling self trying to express itself would have died.) The capacity to have one's work rejected is like a muscle that has to be built. I notice that there is a shadow problem: acceptance. I have observed artist friends (I don't know about the others), who for whatever reason -- being in style, having a good agent, having published one book that got some play in the media, being young AND having written something pretty good, whatever -- now get only praise and 1,000 "likes" no matter what they produce. For them, critique and rejection have left the room. I feel sorry for them. Thanks for a good piece, Judson.
This is a lovely and inspiring piece, written with gently nuanced self-deprecating humor— and ultimately proving the point that you are a strong, skilled, and liberated writer.
nono! I’m sorry if it came off as snide—it was meant as a playful (and appreciative) response. Sometimes my humour doesn’t transmit as intended. I really enjoyed your piece—and enjoying my look through the work you’ve posted online.
True words, when I started my first business early success made me complacent. Something shifted in me, every down time became harder to get back up. It took a couple years to understand my own sabotage, but understanding failure can be a spring board.
I had my second book of poetry published when I was eighty , fewer years to face rejection, next year another “Tree of metamorphoses” then “For every field”People are impressed if only because of my age 😊Congratulations. Well done 👍👏
I am late to reading this, but am so glad I did. What an amazing essay, wonderfully told. I am always stunned when I read something like, "I was 16 and moved to NYC." OMG. I grew up on Long Island in the 1960s/1970s, visiting NYC, and worked in NYC on and off in the 1980s and loved that as well, but the thought of just going there to live with nothing even now gives me the heebie-jeebies! Thanks for sharing your story and your thoughts!
I love this idea of many rejections dozens upon dozens as being the great liberator. Who gives a f...? If nobody wants it, write whatever the hell you feel like without worrying about what anyone thinks. How liberating!
Just curious, Judson: do you ever seek feedback from others re your poetry, or do you just decide each poem is finished because you like it well enough yourself? I have found critique groups can be very helpful. Not all of them, but the ones that feel like a good fit for me and my work.
Usually just use myself as a guide. I am always skeptical of feedback in a broad sense. There are just so many opinions! It can lead to confusion and self-doubt. But that is just me! If there is a person or two you trust with your work, fire away!
You're absolutely on target when you say that rejection keeps us going....perhaps to prove all those critics wrong. I've kept going and have had some success, but I still prefer an acceptance, along with payment, any day.
As for non-responses to submissions....they imply complete contempt for all writers.
Great post. I used to feel bad when I received a rejection on one of my many, many submissions. Now that I have my own substack, everything I write gets published, or just about everything -- I have some standards to uphold.
It takes courage to take oneself inside out and discover what is worth reinventing. And as someone said Your plight becomes your fight. So Bravo for this inspiring essay.
I question the talent of someone who writes, "that very rejection that holds hands with the perfumic effervescence of insecurity." I also question Judson's obsessive need to become an
"artist." Does the world really need another mediocre/competent poet? Why devote one's life to that cliche of the struggling artist? Can't the struggles of a wanna-be librarian be just as tritely romantic?
I think a lot about how I've become annealed by rejection to the point that it (almost) doesn't affect me anymore. (If it never affected me, that struggling self trying to express itself would have died.) The capacity to have one's work rejected is like a muscle that has to be built. I notice that there is a shadow problem: acceptance. I have observed artist friends (I don't know about the others), who for whatever reason -- being in style, having a good agent, having published one book that got some play in the media, being young AND having written something pretty good, whatever -- now get only praise and 1,000 "likes" no matter what they produce. For them, critique and rejection have left the room. I feel sorry for them. Thanks for a good piece, Judson.
Thank you, D.P.
I appreciate your words as well!
"annealed by rejection"
What a phrase 🤯
You should be a writer, D. P. 😉
You are a fellow traveler, Paul. 😉
This is a lovely and inspiring piece, written with gently nuanced self-deprecating humor— and ultimately proving the point that you are a strong, skilled, and liberated writer.
I’m lining up to read every book you’ve never published yet!
Ha ha!
Sorry, was this meant to be sarcastic?
nono! I’m sorry if it came off as snide—it was meant as a playful (and appreciative) response. Sometimes my humour doesn’t transmit as intended. I really enjoyed your piece—and enjoying my look through the work you’ve posted online.
Ah, I get it—no problem at all! Thanks, RL. Take care!
Sounds good to me! I am looking for feedback on a particular book, if you are willing. We can chat about it if you would like.
True words, when I started my first business early success made me complacent. Something shifted in me, every down time became harder to get back up. It took a couple years to understand my own sabotage, but understanding failure can be a spring board.
I had my second book of poetry published when I was eighty , fewer years to face rejection, next year another “Tree of metamorphoses” then “For every field”People are impressed if only because of my age 😊Congratulations. Well done 👍👏
Wonderful! and thank you, Audrey. How long had you been writing?
I am late to reading this, but am so glad I did. What an amazing essay, wonderfully told. I am always stunned when I read something like, "I was 16 and moved to NYC." OMG. I grew up on Long Island in the 1960s/1970s, visiting NYC, and worked in NYC on and off in the 1980s and loved that as well, but the thought of just going there to live with nothing even now gives me the heebie-jeebies! Thanks for sharing your story and your thoughts!
Better late than never! Thanks for reading Christine!
Absolutely love this piece. Honest and insightful.
I love this idea of many rejections dozens upon dozens as being the great liberator. Who gives a f...? If nobody wants it, write whatever the hell you feel like without worrying about what anyone thinks. How liberating!
Illegitimi Non Carborundum. Don't let the bastards grind you down.
Right on, Guinotte.
Just curious, Judson: do you ever seek feedback from others re your poetry, or do you just decide each poem is finished because you like it well enough yourself? I have found critique groups can be very helpful. Not all of them, but the ones that feel like a good fit for me and my work.
Usually just use myself as a guide. I am always skeptical of feedback in a broad sense. There are just so many opinions! It can lead to confusion and self-doubt. But that is just me! If there is a person or two you trust with your work, fire away!
Great post. Moving and much food for thought. Thank you, Judson!
You're absolutely on target when you say that rejection keeps us going....perhaps to prove all those critics wrong. I've kept going and have had some success, but I still prefer an acceptance, along with payment, any day.
As for non-responses to submissions....they imply complete contempt for all writers.
Great post. I used to feel bad when I received a rejection on one of my many, many submissions. Now that I have my own substack, everything I write gets published, or just about everything -- I have some standards to uphold.
It takes courage to take oneself inside out and discover what is worth reinventing. And as someone said Your plight becomes your fight. So Bravo for this inspiring essay.
À very moving and liberating story that has inspired me. Thank you for sharing this. Powerful.
I question the talent of someone who writes, "that very rejection that holds hands with the perfumic effervescence of insecurity." I also question Judson's obsessive need to become an
"artist." Does the world really need another mediocre/competent poet? Why devote one's life to that cliche of the struggling artist? Can't the struggles of a wanna-be librarian be just as tritely romantic?
You will hear from me soon, Jefferson! I have a response to your comment.
Thanks…