As some of you may know, I wrote a short story recently to submit to Apex Publishing's A Map of Lost Places submission call. I was inspired to write the story when I read the call, so I was really hoping I would make it in. Alas, I did not.
I've heard the advice over and over to celebrate your rejections, and I do think it's true. Getting the rejection means I'm doing the work. I'm definitely holding a little space for mourning too. After all, The Map of Lost Places will be an awesome book and I would have been so honored to be included, so I won't lie and say I'm not disappointed.
However, this is the very first competitive publication that I've ever submitted a story to. The week leading up to the deadline was so filled with stress that I was mentally preparing myself for the disappointment of failing to finish. Years of late and unfinished school assignments haunted me that week, beckoning me to just let Roach Motel be another addition to the pile of shame. Despite all of that, I finished and submitted with 20 minutes to spare. I'm so proud of myself for pushing through and getting it in.
I'm so grateful to Apex Publishing, and the editors Sheree Renée Thomas and Lesley Conner, for the opportunity, and maybe I'll get into the next one. For now the plan is to look for more places to submit, and hopefully, I'll find a home for this weird little piece.
I feel you, Lydia! I printed out and hung up the two rejections I have received thus far on my wall in my office. Good on you for finishing; I was happy to have the opportunity to beta for you. 😊