Ever since I reported, back in June, that I'd hit my century—one hundred short story rejections from literary magazines and journals—I assume you've all been on pins and needles, wondering when I'd hit century number two.
The wait is over. I've received another hundred rejections.
It may not be immediately obvious why this is such a momentous accomplishment. "Can't anybody get rejected a hundred times," you might ask, "simply by being a really crappy writer who submits a lot?"
A naïve but understandable view.
We humans are programmed to want to get along. We are social animals, like bumblebees or octopuses. Our humanity thus reaches its highest expression when we agree.
Let's say I write a short story. I've known, as far back as I can remember, that I'm a turd who nobody could like. The same goes for any piece of fiction my mind produces. I have no reason to expect anyone will like the story I've just written; I think it's lousy. Right, time to submit!
Some time later—in my experience, it can be as long as nine months, or within twenty-four hours—I receive a response from the editor. "Though we are not accepting your work for publication, we hope you find a better fit for it elsewhere." This is industry-speak for, "Your story is lousy."
Do you see? I and the editor are in agreement.
In today's crazy world, humanity needs more things we can agree on. This is where fiction writers like me come in. No need to thank me. We all do our bit.
Anyway, this fight is far from over, and I'll keep you updated as I work my way toward—let's not say three hundred rejections, but rather, three hundred agreements.