Friday, December 10, 2010

One Person

Last night, when I went to the post office, I opened my last rejection for 2010. It wasn't a good feeling. If you've been rejected, you know what I mean.

Then today, I went to eat lunch with my son at his school because it's his week to be recognized in his class. A girl I vaguely recognized came up to me in the lunch room. She smiled at me and looked fluttery, though I couldn't imagine why.

"Mrs. Foster?" she said.

I nodded.

Her smile got bigger. "You came to our class last year and wrote poems for us."

"Yes, I did," I said, realizing why she look familiar. She'd asked a lot of questions during my poetry workshop.

She ran off, and I ate lunch with my son, but I'm not feeling as upset over that rejection anymore. It doesn't take much to lift another person, the way this girl lifted me today.

One of my critique partners has pledged to make school kits for children in need, one for every book we buy for a child this Christmas. All you have to do is go over to Jackee's 200th Post Celebration and tell her you've bought a book for a child (by December 23rd), and another child will receive much needed school supplies. Oh, and you'll be entered in her drawing to win books. It isn't so hard to make a difference.

Have a great weekend!

19 comments:

  1. That is such an awesome story. You made an impact on a child if not on an agent. What a wonderful gift that little girl gave you!

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  2. Little things really do mean a lot. It's what keeps us going at it, right? I'm glad your day ended on a high note.

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  3. It's amazing how a little smile can be such a pick-me-up.

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  4. Rejections are no fun, and being remembered for your writing definitely IS. Glad the second of these happened to you!

    I went to your friend's blog. I am giving books to every child on my list this year!
    =)

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  5. What a sweet girl. Sometimes I think we forget to say kind things as often as children do. We may think them, but we don't always say them out loud, and it's the saying that makes all the difference.

    Thanks for reminding me about Jackee's cool challenge.

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  6. You're right. That's how my days work sometime. I'll teach my little heart out and not feel like anything's working...Then, one student will say one thing that makes me feel like it was all worth it. And that is what keeps me going. Hope you keep going, too.

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  7. Awww, how sweet! Don't you just love elementary school kids!!! Sorry about the rejection...The good news is obviously they weren't right for you. You deserve someone who is perfect for you and your work, Myrna. 2011 will be your year. I can feel it! (((hug)))

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  8. That is so sweet! I love that she was fluttery. :) Aren't kids the best??

    Amy

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  9. I remember those end-of-the-year and beginning-of-the-year rejections. But I'm glad your mood was brightened.

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  10. Smiles ARE wonderful!

    I saw your comment on KarenG's post, and I thought, I know her. I did follow you way back, but I got a glitch in Blogger and had to do a new blog. I'm trying to "retrieve" the followers I lost!! I'm glad to be back, and I hope you'll come over and follow me again, too, at my new address!!

    Have a wonderful Sunday!!!!
    Ann Best, Long Journey Home

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  11. I just love that Jackee's holding this contest! And I'm so glad that girl was there to lift your spirits - we all need that little lift sometimes!

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  12. Its the little things in life that make the difference. Thanks for sharing.

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  13. It's amazing the way something small can really lift you up. It's a good lesson. You just never know when a kind thought or a smile will lift up someone else. I hope 2011 will be a little brighter for you as well. May it be THE year.

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  14. Rejections suck. But they made me a better writer. A much better writer. If you are already a better writer, than I suggest writing a response to your rejection, and then do a dance while it's burning. Makes you feel better every time.

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  15. Aww :) I'm so glad that girl made your day better.

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  16. And about rejections--one of my professors writes poetry, and he recently got a few published in a journal. Before he shared those with us, though, he showed us the notebook he keeps track of his submissions and rejections in. Some of those "No" lists were loooonnnnggg. But in the end, he got to write "Yes" a few times. May 2011 be a great year for you :)

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  17. Those kids are awesome for uplift! I'm facing rejections too, and had a kiddie uplift the other day as well! Funny how writer's lives are so similar sometimes! Carry on! :)

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  18. Sorry about the rejections. I just got two from agents I'd forgotten I queried. Obviously they weren't my dream agents. ;)

    I hope next year is more sparkly for you (sorry, saw New Moon today, and sparkly vampires are on my mind). :D

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