Friday, February 12, 2010

Congratulations...to me!

After most "victories," Brian very sweetly gets me one of these helium balloons. This week, I got one to celebrate my most exciting victory yet--one of my short stories, Cartes Postales, will be published in the Spring Issue of The New Plains Review!

It's been a little over a week since I've heard the news (I didn't want to share until I got in touch with the editors of the other journals that were considering the story), but I still get giddy when I talk (write) about it!

Maybe that's the benefit of having Cartes rejected 17 times--yes, I counted. Now this victory is all the more sweet for being so hard won.

Another twist: of the four journals from which I had to rescind my submission, three wrote back to say the story was being seriously considered for publication and I should send other work.
Of course I was very happy to hear this--and it makes me wonder if Cartes got close to publication at any of the 17 journals that rejected it. Man, that would have been nice to know! It would've taken the sting out of those rejections just a wee bit....

But anyway, I am so so so so happy about this. It's so gratifying to know that my instinct that told me this story was ready was correct, despite all those rejections. And it's a good reminder to all of you out there who might be on rejection #16....Keep sending your stuff out! After a series of rejections, you might want to look at the story again and tweak it as you see fit (I did that a few times). But most of all, keep sending it out. All it takes is one! And, of course, keep writing.

My very exciting plans for this Friday evening involve doing just that. Best Blogger Tips

8 comments:

Kelli Russell Agodon - Book of Kells said...

congrats!

January said...

You are such an inspiration, Bug! Yea you! Woo hoo!

(I'm at Starbucks, raising my grande hot chocolate in your honor!)

Erin Dionne said...

WHeeeeeee!!! Congratulations!! You rock!!

You are a perseverance.

Erin Dionne said...

Ummm...that was supposed to read,

"You are an example of perseverance."

xoxoxo

Shannon McDonough said...

That is such great news, Christine! How gratifying! Keep it up!! Can't wait to read this story and others. I can say I knew you when. :)

Kim said...

Yay!!!! I am so happy for you... and your story!

Writer Bug said...

Thanks all! :)

And Erin, I am definitely a perseverance.

Erika D. said...

Congratulations! And you know what? Seventeen previous rejections isn't really THAT much! Enjoy your success!