Today's Fortune Cookie:

[cerulean_sky]

"Do not fear failure."

Somehow, this was even funnier when read aloud.

On the other hand, taken seriously, and applied to, say... writing, it's a good sign. At least I'm taking it as one.

Also, Alpha peoples... have you ever tried to explain to someone why rejections are a good thing? o.O I tried today. He didn't get it. At all.

Comments

[cheshibisky.livejournal.com]

Dude. I wouldn't even be able to explain it to myself.

[kihou.livejournal.com]

Rejections show that you're keeping trying, that you're determined. You could explain it as you need a certain amount of rejections before you'll get published, so you want to get them over with.

Alternatively, it builds character.

[cerulean-sky.livejournal.com]

I ended up settling with the explanation that at least the editor was taking the time to mail it back to you and not just throwing it out. And if you keep sending stuff, then your name gets noticed.

I still don't think he got it though. Neither does my dad, though he at least understood that it's good to be noticed.

[ea14spk68weeper.livejournal.com]

... y'know, I was seeing the whole thing as an excerise in depressing oneself so one could write more.

I guess I was way off.

[cerulean-sky.livejournal.com]

Waaaaay off. If you got depressed by every rejection.... you'd be depressed a lot. Some people get as many as five rejections before their first pro sale.

[ea14spk68weeper.livejournal.com]

... but I am depressed a lot.

I write, therefore I cry.

Um. Really.

*grins* Or one is inspired in the face of controversy?

[cerulean-sky.livejournal.com]

Er...?

[ea14spk68weeper.livejournal.com]

*nods* Er. Exactly.

[notadoor.livejournal.com]

Well, form rejections aren't great, but they're necessary steps of the process. Personal rejections are like getting the understudy to a Broadway part; no one's going to know you exist, but you're just below top-notch, and you can probably sell your talents in a slightly less competitive venue. At the very least, the director might remember you next time around.

And in fortune cookie news, I found out tonight that my (65 year old) dad plays the "in bed" game with his fortunes.

Creeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepy.

[cerulean-sky.livejournal.com]

Yes, but they're better than nothing, no? Like... stairs! Mwaha!

What's particularly amusing about fortune cookies, is that at the place I was at, I almost always get fortunes that tell me I'm a prostitute when you add "...in bed." Or tell me I'm a whore. "You will have great financial success." Things like that.

[elfypiratequeen.livejournal.com]

*snicker*

In bed.

Rejections are good because...um...they're normal? They let you know that the world is flowing smoothly? You play the points game with yourself? Huh.

[ea14spk68weeper.livejournal.com]

Why are rejections a good thing?

[cerulean-sky.livejournal.com]

*snicker* Because they're like stairs.

[ea14spk68weeper.livejournal.com]

Oh. So rejections are good only as far as you get something else eventually.

Or is a deep metaphysical journey that each newfound rejection takes you on that somehow highly increases your worth as a person?

[cerulean-sky.livejournal.com]

Hm... Sorta. Basically, you have to walk up the stairs to get where you're going anyway. Why not just... go for it? Besides, each rejection means that well known editors (read: the people who hold the fate of us poor poor writers in their hands) notices you. And THAT'S good.

Howl!

[ea14spk68weeper.livejournal.com]

Ah. So a sort of "get up in your face until somebody says yes because I'm that kind of persistant bastard" type thing?