Claire - Over the past ten years, I began a healing journey, which includes the unearthing of a love and passion for writing. After a series of painful events beginning around that period of time, I decided to go back and do some self-reflection (whew!!!!!!) on my childhood and the lifelong decisions I made stemming from my father leaving our family when I was very young and the fears of abandonment and rejection as a result. I would love to explore this here and share some insight on my healing experiences.
So my thoughts are that I will publish pieces here on Substack and then anonymise some lines for a longer collaborative piece... a co-creation on rejection if you will - I've seen it done well with people's stories but I also want to add in full stories and some of my own so yes working it out live as we go. Thanks as always for your support lovely. ✨
This is such a lovely project. I’m only starting to accept rejection, because it has been a brain freeze throughout my life! I am dwelling on this this year, befriending it. It’s so important to not see rejection as negative, but I am not sure how to see it. How do you see it Claire? ✨
And one of the things I want to revisit is being fired due to a burnout in 2020 and how that was a deep rejection because I had given all of myself, and how in a way it was actually important. I have brushed it off as a ‘of this was the best for me’ and it was, I didn’t fit in anymore. Which then made me think, was I rejecting it first? Anyway, rant for another day I guess 😂
Thanks so much Nadja - so yes burn out and that age old question of is it too much of everything or too much of too many things or maybe too much of the wrong fit of things... ever hopefully to better understand my own energy in this new season too and taking time with this project felt right... ✨
Ooh this is so exciting !!!! It’s so interesting you combine rejection with hope. Because for me it’s the same with chronic illness and it always comes back to belief for me. When I submitted my book proposal back in March, the preparation of it depleted on every level (physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually). I sent it with as much celebratory energy as I could. I asked for support (in the form of card reading/guidance/coaching) and cheer leaders around the submission. All the time I was preparing the document I kept telling myself and believing that it was a winning book proposal - I named it this when I spoke of it to others. The year up to it I had been working on my self-belief around writing ALOT. So when it came to the day the winner was announced and I didn’t win, I felt relieved to at least find out and be informed. My belief that a book deal was coming was strong so I didn’t feel the sting of rejection because there wasn’t one. (The proposal I submitted, though to a winning standard in terms of content was unpolished. I knew this submitting it but I knew that I had done my very best so was in a place where I could be content with my best being good enough - probably for the first time in my life!). The next day I woke up and I felt a tiny bit disappointed momentarily but that was it.now I’m in for round 2 of a submission, hopefully I send it before 5 mins to the deadline of midnight this time😆
I loved hearing this story and re reading it - it was very healing for me. When’s the next deadline for your winning book proposal? Cheering you on and SO excited to hold that book in my hands.
I think part of the genius of any creative project is knowing when the story is complete - with memoir I think this is so interesting and I’m leaning into learning more this year. I used to think memoir was a one time thing but I realised as we grow older there are more filters, more words, more ways to be with the same stories and more ways to connect them. I’m excited to better understand when mine wants to be written. I have sketched out 12 chapters (in heart leap) and I’m now just leaning into the process of this project and we’ll see how we go. Collaboration is my absolute fave! Thanks always for your support amber! ✨🙌🏻✨
End April. Haven’t done a single thing towards it yet. Coming to the painful and unwelcome realisation that the book I’ve written isn’t the book. It’s the book before the book. (In order words, a form of therapy for me). It’s a very confusing time at the moment because I don’t have any answers on what the book I’m meant to be getting a book deal for now is🤷🏼♀️ the messages I’ve received are “trust the process” and “listen”
Absolutely love this whole idea Claire. What a fantastic way to turn rejection into something so hopeful and helpful.. artistic alchemy at its finest! I would love to submit a piece on rejection being redirection, around trying to get a book deal?
Instantly makes me think of rejection sensitivity, it's ties to shame and for me the current practice of building evidence and contrary proof to the fact it has, predominantly been self rejection rather than external or received rejection. It's a very interesting topic and emotion
Yes I spoke about this in an earlier post I’ve been reading up - it’s really fascinating - I’m super excited about the whole reframe. So glad you’ve connected Casper. ✨✨
Ohhh yes rejection... I definitely know her and would be delighted to join in if that feels good! I loved Sarah R's reflections on rejection too, there's definitely a whisper of realignment in the no's, whether that's friendships, life decisions or work projects... so much richness in this fab topic Claire! 🌟
Realignment - yes... I love this space... I had such an 'extreme' reaction to my last funding rejection and realigned to have my best month in business yet - it's true... out of the ashes!! So excited you're keen Sarah!! ✨
Oh perfect! So I’ve given docu dox a go but have used mixam too... I’d like it to be slightly cheaper to order proof copies as we only have a black and white printer but I see in colour - maybe this is the cheapest way...
Aah thank you so much for the mention - and very excitingly I have a gorgeous interview with Beth Kempton herself coming out in my 'The Book Deal Diaries' series in just a couple of weeks!! xx
Yes definitely!!! Sorry I’m travelling to India this morning so have been beyond busy!! Love your project and would be delighted to be involved. Don’t think I’m waiting for an email from you? ❤️❤️
Gorgeous idea. Rather than what story could I write, it is more “what of the many many stories should I write”. I’ll think on and save this post x
I can't wait to share more - it's a heavy topic so giving myself space on it. Thanks Nelly.
Claire - Over the past ten years, I began a healing journey, which includes the unearthing of a love and passion for writing. After a series of painful events beginning around that period of time, I decided to go back and do some self-reflection (whew!!!!!!) on my childhood and the lifelong decisions I made stemming from my father leaving our family when I was very young and the fears of abandonment and rejection as a result. I would love to explore this here and share some insight on my healing experiences.
Would love to hold space for that story Charlene ✨✨❣️
Will you reach out collectively on details of when to begin, how to submit, etc.
I will ✨😌
What an idea, Claire 👏 I think you’re going to have SO many submissions, at 1000 words a piece the manuscript will be well over 100,000 words x
So my thoughts are that I will publish pieces here on Substack and then anonymise some lines for a longer collaborative piece... a co-creation on rejection if you will - I've seen it done well with people's stories but I also want to add in full stories and some of my own so yes working it out live as we go. Thanks as always for your support lovely. ✨
Think it’s going to be brilliant x
This is such a lovely project. I’m only starting to accept rejection, because it has been a brain freeze throughout my life! I am dwelling on this this year, befriending it. It’s so important to not see rejection as negative, but I am not sure how to see it. How do you see it Claire? ✨
And one of the things I want to revisit is being fired due to a burnout in 2020 and how that was a deep rejection because I had given all of myself, and how in a way it was actually important. I have brushed it off as a ‘of this was the best for me’ and it was, I didn’t fit in anymore. Which then made me think, was I rejecting it first? Anyway, rant for another day I guess 😂
Really really great idea 🥰
Thanks so much Nadja - so yes burn out and that age old question of is it too much of everything or too much of too many things or maybe too much of the wrong fit of things... ever hopefully to better understand my own energy in this new season too and taking time with this project felt right... ✨
Ooh this is so exciting !!!! It’s so interesting you combine rejection with hope. Because for me it’s the same with chronic illness and it always comes back to belief for me. When I submitted my book proposal back in March, the preparation of it depleted on every level (physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually). I sent it with as much celebratory energy as I could. I asked for support (in the form of card reading/guidance/coaching) and cheer leaders around the submission. All the time I was preparing the document I kept telling myself and believing that it was a winning book proposal - I named it this when I spoke of it to others. The year up to it I had been working on my self-belief around writing ALOT. So when it came to the day the winner was announced and I didn’t win, I felt relieved to at least find out and be informed. My belief that a book deal was coming was strong so I didn’t feel the sting of rejection because there wasn’t one. (The proposal I submitted, though to a winning standard in terms of content was unpolished. I knew this submitting it but I knew that I had done my very best so was in a place where I could be content with my best being good enough - probably for the first time in my life!). The next day I woke up and I felt a tiny bit disappointed momentarily but that was it.now I’m in for round 2 of a submission, hopefully I send it before 5 mins to the deadline of midnight this time😆
I loved hearing this story and re reading it - it was very healing for me. When’s the next deadline for your winning book proposal? Cheering you on and SO excited to hold that book in my hands.
I think part of the genius of any creative project is knowing when the story is complete - with memoir I think this is so interesting and I’m leaning into learning more this year. I used to think memoir was a one time thing but I realised as we grow older there are more filters, more words, more ways to be with the same stories and more ways to connect them. I’m excited to better understand when mine wants to be written. I have sketched out 12 chapters (in heart leap) and I’m now just leaning into the process of this project and we’ll see how we go. Collaboration is my absolute fave! Thanks always for your support amber! ✨🙌🏻✨
End April. Haven’t done a single thing towards it yet. Coming to the painful and unwelcome realisation that the book I’ve written isn’t the book. It’s the book before the book. (In order words, a form of therapy for me). It’s a very confusing time at the moment because I don’t have any answers on what the book I’m meant to be getting a book deal for now is🤷🏼♀️ the messages I’ve received are “trust the process” and “listen”
So that’s where I’m at✨
Absolutely love this whole idea Claire. What a fantastic way to turn rejection into something so hopeful and helpful.. artistic alchemy at its finest! I would love to submit a piece on rejection being redirection, around trying to get a book deal?
Yay! Yes please!!!
Instantly makes me think of rejection sensitivity, it's ties to shame and for me the current practice of building evidence and contrary proof to the fact it has, predominantly been self rejection rather than external or received rejection. It's a very interesting topic and emotion
Yes I spoke about this in an earlier post I’ve been reading up - it’s really fascinating - I’m super excited about the whole reframe. So glad you’ve connected Casper. ✨✨
Love this project Claire! 💫
Thanks Sarah! That means a lot... would love you to write for it - we have 3 years... ✨🌟✨
I love the expansive timeline and would definitely love to join in. ✨
Ohhh yes rejection... I definitely know her and would be delighted to join in if that feels good! I loved Sarah R's reflections on rejection too, there's definitely a whisper of realignment in the no's, whether that's friendships, life decisions or work projects... so much richness in this fab topic Claire! 🌟
Realignment - yes... I love this space... I had such an 'extreme' reaction to my last funding rejection and realigned to have my best month in business yet - it's true... out of the ashes!! So excited you're keen Sarah!! ✨
I’ve got questions!
I was going to be writing something that would fit. Does it qualify if it’s released on my Substack before submission?
Yes! I love this question and thanks for asking it.
Ooooo fabulous idea, I love this!
I hope you'll write for the book Gillian - I'm just dreaming up sponsorship asks as I type...
I would LOVE TO ❤️
yay I'll voice note you about it when we're back in the swing...
Excellent. Am I’m very much here for general book production chats too, my geeky specialist subject 😂
Oh perfect! So I’ve given docu dox a go but have used mixam too... I’d like it to be slightly cheaper to order proof copies as we only have a black and white printer but I see in colour - maybe this is the cheapest way...
This sounds so exciting, Claire! LOVE the idea of an anthology. I have a few experiences I can write on, you'll have me!
I also wrote about my intentions for my 30 Days of Rejection challenge: https://brandseasons.substack.com/p/rising-above-rejection.
And shared some reflections: https://brandseasons.substack.com/p/reflecting-on-rejection
I'd love that Sarah - yes please - I am seeing it as a really beautiful book and one we get time to know the story of - excited!
These long form projects can be so beautiful, both in terms of the content but also the time spent on developing and evolving them. GOOD LUCK!
Aah thank you so much for the mention - and very excitingly I have a gorgeous interview with Beth Kempton herself coming out in my 'The Book Deal Diaries' series in just a couple of weeks!! xx
Can’t wait for this !! 🤩🤩
You guys!!!! 😭 so so brilliant for us! What do you think of my project? Might you write for us? Do I owe you an email btw?
Yes definitely!!! Sorry I’m travelling to India this morning so have been beyond busy!! Love your project and would be delighted to be involved. Don’t think I’m waiting for an email from you? ❤️❤️
I just checked it’s your turn to reply! No rush and have a wonderful time. Xx
Oh goodness I’m sorry darling! I’m hoping I may get to do some catch up on the flight 😍😍