I thought I had one.
As most of you know, I am a poet. This means doing submissions – and then waiting months for an answer. (Rarely, it is only days or weeks, but it’s usually months and sometimes over six.)
This morning, I saw that I had a response from an online anthology that I thought I had a good shot to win a place.
But, no.
While one of the poems had made the shortlist, I had not won a spot in the anthology.
Sigh.
It’s a good thing that Hearts came out so that I have a huge positive plus in my life as a poet because it cushions the rejections, of which I am on a pretty long streak at the moment.
Maybe soon I’ll get some positive news on a new submission.
Maybe…
*****
Linda’s prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday this week is “one/won.” Join us! Find out more here: https://lindaghill.com/2023/07/28/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-29-2023/
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Joanne Corey 
Oh well. Still it’s admirable that you keep sending in submissions. Best of luck for the next one. 🙂
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Thanks so much! The odds are really long for most publications but, every once in a while, you can make a match. One of the poems in this submission made their short list. It was the first time I had submitted this poem aside from its place in a manuscript. Now, I will be more likely to submit it as an individual poem because it was almost chosen for this anthology.
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It’s such a good feeling to get something published. Even this one of yours that made the short list, it’s good to know it’s worthy of attention, and will probably be chosen another time.
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I just sent a note to the editors, thanking them for their feedback. You’re right. It’s so helpful to know.
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Putting ourselves out there is always allowing ourselves to be vulnerable subject to someone else’s aesthetic. As Barbara said, you made the short list and that is no small feat.
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Thanks, Maggie. I must say that many rejection letters make a point of saying that the rejection isn’t a comment on the quality of your work as much as it is of what fits their current needs. It’s rarer to get a comment on a specific poem, so it’s noteworthy when it happens.
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It sounds like something to be proud of.
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Submitting our work is hard work. I continue to admire your persistence.
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Thanks, JoAnna. When I started writing poetry more seriously, the more business-y side of getting published and doing publicity was not on my radar. It’s proven to be even more daunting for me than the creative side, but I keep at it.
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Good for you! Hang in there!
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