I’ve written about handling rejection before and I will again simply because you’re going to have to get used to it.

I received a knock back today on a relatively small commission but nevertheless, it stung probably because of over confidence - I had the feeling it was in the bag so it surprised me to get a phone call.  To be fair, that was the first telephone rejection I have ever had as usually it is an email or simply deafening silence.

I read an email sent to me by my wonderful ex-wife, Donna who is single and looking as am I on her behalf, so any eligibles kindly drop me a line with your annual salary and housing situation. 

The email was a speech of some sort given by Bill Gates to some high school students and though not funny, it rang especially true.

One of his rules for students was “The world is not fair so get used to it.” and it certainly isn’t.  Many of us that have been around the block a few times will understand that “fair” does not come into it.  Rejection is not “fair” but it is a fact of writing life.

Another rule he came up with was “You are not going to earn $60,000 straight out of high school.  You will not be a vice president with a car phone.  You have to earn both.”  Writing for a living is just like anything else; you have to earn what you get and that means more than just the money, it also means your professional reputation and your own satisfaction with the life.

There was another rule that struck home, and for someone who had the work ethic bashed into him by grandparents who raised him, I definitely subscribe to this one.  “Flipping burgers is not beneath anyone.  Your grandparents had another word for this and it is called an opportunity.”  Writing is an opportunity for anyone with enough self discipline and modicum of common sense who is prepared to stay on their backside in front of the keyboard and concentrate with the largest consumer of calories in your diet - your brain.  You just need to apply yourself.

Whatever the rules, the number one with writing for profit or fun is to get used to rejection.  It is never personal, don’t treat it as such.  Learn from it - rejection is also an opportunity.  Do not expect to earn mega bucks writing - expect to achieve a degree of success if you are disciplined, open minded and willing to apply yourself but most of all, be prepared to learn.  With that in mind, look at rejection as some form of Darwinian factor that is going to weed out the spineless amateurs who are not prepared to face those slings and arrows of misfortune.

Finally, the last rule of Mr Gates that has nothing to do with writing but really tickled me pink.

“Be nice to nerds.  You will probably end up working for one.”

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