I Could Soon Feel Quite Rejected.

Twenty years or so ago I did a creative writing course at night school. One of the assignments was to write a magazine article, and send it off. The idea the tutor told us, was that we would find out what it felt like to have our work rejected. I can't remember exactly but I think we then had to bring the rejection slips to the class for a discussion on how we felt about being rejected.

A few days after I had sent my article off I received a phone call from the magazines editor. She said she really liked my article and would like to publish it in the magazine. She paid me £35.00 and asked if I would write some more articles. Of course I said yes. These were published too. Then I wrote a couple more articles for another magazine and they were also published. After that I wrote a few bits and pieces for the local paper for a short time. This new writing career was short lived however, because my word processor suddenly refused to work and I never got around to fixing it or getting another one.

I never did get a rejection slip to take to the class. In fact I had to go and tell the tutor and the rest of the class that my article was about to be published. I was so embarrassed. Everyone was really pleased at my success and congratulated me heartily, as they smiled sweetly. That night as I was removing all the daggers from my back, it suddenly occurred to me that I could now legitimately describe myself as a writer.

Although it was a short lived career, it was a real thrill to see my work in print with my name above it. I called myself Jonathon Bain in those days, simply because I thought it had a better ring to it and looked better written down.

Why I mention all this is because the tutor from those long ago days has agreed to have a look at the manuscript for my book. I am hoping that he might make a few suggestions and give me his opinion on it. I am a bit worried about what he thinks because I have been very honest about some awful things that went on in my childhood. There are some graphic accounts in there. I hope he is not too sensitive.

Well I am going to wait to hear what he has to say, and then I might add another chapter or two, before finally sending it off to prospective publishers.

I have a strong feeling in my bones, that I shall finally find out what it feels like to receive a rejection slip. Or two. Or three. Or four. Or ....