2025

I started collecting rejection letters around the age of 14, similar to the Stephen King quote from his memoir, On Writing. King discusses keeping every rejection letter as evidence that you are in the game and you are in fact writing, which is what writers are supposed to do after all.

Ever since my first read of that book, I’ve kept the rejection letters and honored them just as dearly as the acceptance letters. They are both proof that I am writing, trying, and seeking connection with a reader TBD. Sometimes I’m lucky and things work out. Most of the time they don’t, which is a perfectly normal and typical writer experience.

I share my reject count to help normalize that for myself and for all of the writers out there who may feel alone in their discouragement. Normalize rejection—it’s proof that you’re in the game.

I am returning to the world of submissions after a few writer seasons of non-writing and life lifing me hard. As I put my accountability checks and motivators back in place, I invite you to behold my rejection with me! Enjoy the happy accidents sometimes called acceptances along the way.

I’m collecting 100 rejection letters, so let’s just see how long that takes!