“We Regret To Inform You: Dealing with Literary Rejection” with Laura Maylene Walter
Saturday, Nov. 15, 9-10:15am (Session C8)
Writers get rejected. It’s a fact of life, but it can still be difficult to swallow. In this session, we’ll examine literary rejection in all its glory by exploring actual rejections, including the famous, the funny, the crazy, and the bizarre. We’ll consider why literary rejection stings, break down the most common reasons for rejection, discuss the best ways to handle it, and develop strategies to turn that “no” into a “yes.” This session is led by a widely rejected (and published) writer and editor. No one will be rejected from this session! Presenter Laura Maylene Walter offers additional details below.
Who should attend?
Any writer who ever has or ever will be rejected.
What can attendees expect from your workshop?
The venting of frustrations. The sharing of ridiculous/heartbreaking/agonizing rejections. A behind-the-scenes look at rejection from the fiction editor of Mid-American Review. And, most of all, a practical look at why your work is being rejected.
Name one fun fact or bit of trivia about this session:
During this session, you’ll have the exclusive opportunity to take a peek at my rejection wall of shame, aka a display of years and years of my personal rejection documentation. Come and bask in the glory of my failure.
Quick! Summarize the benefits of this workshop in 10 words or fewer:
You can only prevent rejection if you stop submitting.
Any last words?
“I love my rejection slips. They show me I try.” – Sylvia Plath
Image: Caro Wallis
The countdown to Winter Wheat 2014 has officially begun! In these final weeks leading up to the event, we’re giving our presenters some space here on the blog to share additional details about their sessions, so be sure to check back for more previews. (Remember, this year’s Winter Wheat is bigger and better than ever — see this sessions list for proof.) For more information on the conference, which takes place Nov. 13-15 on the campus of Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, visit the Winter Wheat site.