The Art of Rejection
It all started with an email almost two years ago.
I have created a lot of content for others, and it didn't bother me not to have my own content...until it did.
Story time! If you read Baby Steps is Still Movement…you can skip if you like.
I was awarded a scholarship to a mini mind and oh boy did I have fun and learned new tools to add to my tool box. Me...mother of 4 children under 11. No matter how many times I applied myself with the abundance of knowledge I have acquired through work, school and volunteer work. I was still considered "just a mother". *I have been out of the paying work force for over 8 years*
Me... I applied myself and I was given the opportunity to be in this course. Hooray for me!!!!
During this mini mind it was suggested to me to apply for Haro. (Help a Reporter Out) HARO joined Connectively and both have joined CisonOne. You can read more about that here: Connectively has been discontinued.
Again, I applied to some postings, and I didn't hear back. Until I did...
She said that "I like to know more about you. I can't find anything about you online, for example. Do you have a website?"
Two things honestly, one my digital footprint was small which is amazing in the way of the world now. And two she liked me enough to Google me.
Now
If you Google my name, I pop up number 6 listed (as of March 13, 2025). If you Google Stephanie Creates Blank I pop up number 1! (Go me.) I used to “compete” with Stephanie V Blank a specialist in Gynecologic Oncology. (There is no competition, I am not in the medical field. We just happen to share Stephanie as a name.)
In the (almost) two years that I have been blogging. I was told my website host was inferior to another website platform. I would not have a high-ranking blog article. Thank you Mark Towse for the splendid 48 hours of being ranked higher than Google Books on his bestselling novel The Sound of Suffering. You can read that article by clicking HERE.
I was told my “introduction blog post” was a blogging mistake. Baby Steps is Still Movement is still a higher performing blog post for me. In comparison to my “About Me” page.
Comparison data of the “About Me” page and “Stephanie Creates Blank Blog” post.
Had We Listened to Rejection
My blog wouldn’t be here where it is today.
We may not have ever had hopes of receiving our Hogwarts letter. J. K Rowling’s original manuscript for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was rejected 12 times.
Alan Ritchson may not have been a household name. (Might be a stretch but we are Jack Reacher fans and it’s an Amazon popular show.)
Stephen King may not be a “king” of thriller novels. Carrie was rejected by 30 publishers.
Chicken Soup for the Soul was rejected 144 times! That book, has been highlighted on daytime television, almost every doctor’s office (or at least the ones I have been too), and there are over 275 titles in the series. Per the Chicken Soup for the Soul website, it has been translated into 43 languages and has sold more than 500 million copies worldwide!
How to Handle Rejection
Every person is different. Stephen King nailed his rejection letters to the wall… I screenshot my email and used it for motivation.
For legal purposes, I am not a professional (please make your own choices). I recently took a travel writing class. It was recommended to use humor, set goals, and practicing self-care for your brain.
First, welcome to the club! (That is a joke) As listed above, many people have face rejections. It is not just in the writing world. Search Morgan Freeman’s career or Steve Carell. I am sure there are more but Despicable Me is playing as I write this, and while searching in the realm of Stephen King, The Monkey and reading that Frank Muller will narrate the 30th year anniversary edition of The Shawshank Redemption(…how has it been thirty years since the movie release.)
Setting goals of rejection may seem odd. But hey you are trying. You are trying to do something. Take this opportunity as not yet, next. I am not saying purposely cause something to get the “rejection stamp”. But get 5, buy yourself a treat? (Again…another joke.)
Practice self-care for your brain. Whatever this is…you are working for…You are trying. Join a community that can be a way of support, online or in-person. A group that can share experiences, you can get feedback if you wish, and potential collaboration opportunities. Each group is different, go find your people!
Final Note
What works for others may not work for you. Finding what works for you is just as important as finding out what does not work for you. (In my opinion). Some adventures are fun, some not so fun, and some are fun to talk about after. I hope that you can find joy in the process. If it weighs on your mind, why not go for your dream? Time will still move forward whether or not you took the first step. Remember baby steps is still movement.
Sources:
Stephen King | The Official Website
Stephen King | THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION Standalone Edition
Facts & Figures | Chicken Soup for the Soul