Mystery: July 13, 2005 Issue [#57]
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Mystery


 This week:
  Edited by: darkin
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Welcome to the Mystery Newsletter. A good mystery is like that strange friend you've always had, and wouldn't give up for anything. Mysteries make you think, trying to solve the crime before the detective can. You follow ever clue, examine all of the crime scenes and remember what each suspect said when questioned by the detective. A good mystery can keep you interested until the end. A great mystery will keeps you guessing until the last page...when it makes you slap your forehead in surprise!

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Letter from the editor

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Rejection


Rejection, that one word can fill a writer's heart with fear, pain, and questions. Why was my story rejected? What can I do to make it better? What do they have against me personally?

Every writer, I don't care how famous, has been rejected! J.K. Rowling's first book was rejected dozens of times before finally being sold for $4,000.00us.

So, where does that leave the rest of us??

The best thing a writer can learn is how to live with rejection. Because you know it's going to happen...you just don't know when or where...or even why?

Here are some tips to help you live with the inevitable...and learn from it too.

1. Always remember that only the piece you submitted has been rejected, NOT you as a writer!

2. Getting rejected is a natural part of being a writer! Every writer on the planet, no matter how famous, has had work rejected.

3. Remember that pieces get rejected all the time for all kinds of reasons, most of which have nothing to do with the piece.

4. Don't let rejection shake your faith in your work...or your writing ability. Keep submitting!

5. Be patient. Don't expect to get your first or second submission published. It might take longer. It could take years to find that perfect fit of writer and magazine.

6. Remind yourself regularly of your skills and achievements as a writer.

7. Put encouraging rejections letters (yes, there are such animals!!), acceptance letters, copies of publishers check, and/or copies of your published works in a prominent place.

8. When a piece is rejected, don't let it collect dust! Send it out immediately!!!

9. Counter the emotional sting of rejection by doing something you enjoy every time (or every other, if you get as many as I do) one of your pieces is rejected.

10. If you get thoroughly sick and tired or rejections, put up a sign above your desk that says, "Some editors wouldn't know good writing it if bit them on the backside!" If your symptoms persist, add an illustration!

Before I started writing this, I went though my rejection folder. Yes, I've kept every rejection I've received since I started submitting my work, almost 15 years ago. I counted 78 letters telling me my work wasn't right for their publication for whatever reasons. Some letters are polite, some are pretty rude. I had one editor tell me my fiction story had "no basis in reality." What does that mean??? I have no idea, but I found it amusing since the story idea came from a newspaper article about someone doing exactly what my hero does in the story!

But life isn't only full of rejection. I've also had some wonderful acceptance letters (25 to be precise!). One editor told me I have a "magical writing voice." So, which letter do YOU think is hanging above my desk???

Rejection happens. Writers have been dealing with it since the beginning of publishing time. It's going to happen, no matter what you do. No matter how good of a writer you are. The only thing that's important is how you deal with it.

Thank you for taking the time to read. Happy Writing!

darkin

Editor's Picks

Here are some short stories I found while traveling the highways and byways of Writing.Com!

 On the Grill Open in new Window. (13+)
What's cooking on the grill has an accountant worried
#432456 by Joy Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt:Crimson, violet, and blue embers flickered and shimmered with the droppings of grease from a red savage-looking steak on the grill. “A drop of whiskey,” murmured Glen to himself.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#922962 by Not Available.

Excerpt:The first time I met Lady Elizabeth was at Scarborough Castle, a castle from the 1500s converted into a beautiful hotel. I do not think that I will ever forget that evening. It was a dark and misty one, contrasting greatly to the warm, sunny day that had preceded it.

Bomb Threat Open in new Window. (13+)
A dream prompts a man to prevent a tragedy.
#906575 by Robert Waltz Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt:“Why am I still here?” I kept my tone calm with effort.

“Just a few more questions, sir.” The cop flipped through a big folder, not even looking at me when he spoke.


 The Homework Thief Open in new Window. (E)
I wrote this story for my creative writing class.
#920157 by Kenny Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt:The Homework Thief was at it again.

 
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By the Book Open in new Window. (13+)
Sophia is planning to get married but something is terribly wrong.
#890133 by Write-fully Loti Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: “Something is wrong with Allan.” Perplexed, Sophia leaned back in her chair and stared in her roommate’s direction.
 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Don't forget to support our sponsor!



Ask & Answer

When you are writing a mystery story, do you prefer to plot the entire tale out, from start to finish, or do you like to be surprised when you reach the ending? Let me know and your response might get into my next newsletter*Smile*
 
Have a question or comment for the Editor?
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