Hey guys,
I want to apologize for the lack of updates. I’ve been experiencing some significant shoulder pain in my dominant arm that’s making it difficult to turn my head or sleep, and it’s caused a bit of trembling in my hand.
I did see a massage therapist about two weeks ago, and she helped get the range of motion back in my neck. Now the pain is concentrated right under my shoulder blade, and is migrating up to my shoulder itself. Overall, it feels like terrible burning. I have an appointment with her, again, tomorrow. So, hopefully, I’ll be in better shape.
I also want to talk about something I’ve been ramping up on lately: submissions. I recently began submitting my work all over the place – and I want to encourage you all to do the same. I know it seems daunting, and the prospects of rejections is a little terrifying at times …. but you should do it. Submit. Go for it. We need diversity of voices in this genre – and you can bring that diversity – in your experience, in your style, in your own way. Do it. Submit.
The worst thing that can happen is the editor says no. But guess what? Your skin is still on, and you’re still breathing. Look, I submitted to several places this month and here’s the results so far:
- Feral: Rejection (no reason)
- Versification: Rejection (no reason)
- Trouvaille: Rejection (didn’t feel my work was right for them)
- Floodlight: Rejected (no reason)
- Sublunary: Rejected (isn’t right for their aesthetic)
- Ample Remains (not a match)
- Once Upon a Crocodile: Accepted
- Claredon House: Accepted
- Anti-Heroin Chic : Accepted
- Vailent: Still waiting
- 1870 : Still waiting
I honestly expect the remaining two mags to reject me – and that’s ok. Despite our best efforts – reading the submission guidelines, spending time reading through the issues to feel out whether or not your stuff matches with theirs and typing shit up – shit just happens.
I want to say this; even if you feel that your work would fit with a lit magazine after reading through the issues and they reject you … don’t take it personally. Aesthetic, theme, etc. is subjective, and editors are going to pick what speaks to them (and what they like). And, again, THAT’S ok, too. You don’t like every writer’s shit, right?
I want to make a distinction here, though.
There is a large difference between style and technicality. My style, for example, is minimalistic realism. I’m writing about shit that happens to me, without sugar coating it and without any flourish or embellishment. It’s one thing for an editor to not like your STYLE – it’s another thing if you can’t write for shit.
So do it. Submit! Let’s celebrate the acceptances and rejections together. And let me know in the comments what your experiences have been with rejections.
L
Poems that Suck 