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We writers are expert liars. Here are the top three lies we tell ourselves.

- Rejection is all powerful. You think rejection is proof that you have no talent or that the work is no good. Actually, the only thing a rejection proves is that you sent out your work. Good for you. I suggest you collect ten of these and then reward yourself.

- I will submit this story soon, when it feels finished. No you won’t. For most stories and essays there is no moment when it will feel good enough. Submit before you feel ready. Like, today.

- I’m afraid that my work will end up in a journal that’s not good enough. Right. Because keeping the work moldering in your hard drive for a few years is a much better fate for it. No one knows how prestigious a journal is or isn’t—except for those at the very top. So stop obsessing.

How your rejection phobia is holding you back as a writer.

Also see Ray Bradbury on perseverance and the fear of rejection and this list of 21 lies writers tell themselves. 

11-29-2012
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