Over the next few weeks, we’re going to focus on the rejection we face as writers. Face it, hearing criticism about your work is difficult. You’ve spent months, maybe years, pouring your heart into your writing. But rejection is a part of the writing industry. Every writer hears the word “no” at some point.

This theme carried throughout my first ACFW conference, and despite its hopeless tone, many writers presented this knowledge with a sense of passion for their work. May these next weeks, encourage you to push onward, my friend, for rejection can benefit us too…

Why is rejection good for you as a writer?

While at ACFW, I attended a workshop led by Steve Laube about dealing with rejection. One of the most poignant things came across to me during that workshop and in a later conversation with another writer friend.

When someone rejects your work as a writer, it isn’t that person telling you “no”; essentially, it’s God vetoing your work at that moment. It doesn’t mean never…just not yet…

Why is viewing rejection from this perspective important?

Well, I desire to impact my readers, and I don’t know when or how God plans to use my work. As a Christian writer, I have to be open to His plans. That may mean He desires to have me wait. Perhaps, my book can impact more people in the future. This isn’t a cop-out. It’s real genuine faith in the God I write about.

Is it possible that your work has a bigger purpose?

Whatever your reason for writing, determine it before shipping your precious manuscript out. Use this reason to face rejection with dignity. Rejection is part of our industry. Steve Laube said writers filter rejections from agents, editors, and readers…Developing a thick-skin and learning to handle it makes us better writers, but it also protects the passion inside us.

Write with purpose, and may that purpose shine through the feedback you receive. Hone your craft, for soon, someone might need to read what you’ve written.