Today’s episode is the first in a seven-part series on dealing with rejection.

As writers, we deal with rejection in many forms. You can be rejected by a reader, a publisher, a literary agent, a podcaster, a beta reader, a book reviewer, a peer, and so much more. This rejection can be formal or informal, big or small. It can be direct and aggressive, or indirect and passive.

Whatever form rejection takes, one thing is for certain: IT HURTS.

And when it happens, we ask the inevitable questions like these: Why don’t they like my writing? Have I done something wrong? Why do they have to be so mean? How can I move forward now? What does everyone else think? Are they just as displeased?

Those are normal questions, but when you feel rejected, make sure and ask the most important question of all: Where is the seed of truth in their rejection?

Most of the time, in most cases, there is a kernel of truth in someone’s rejection. The person who hurt your feelings might be over the top, or maybe they went too far, but oftentimes there is a little bit of truth in every rejection or criticism.

So, look for the kernel of truth. Even if criticism or rejection is delivered in a hurtful way, it doesn’t mean the person was wrong. It just means they were wrong in their delivery. So, with as much humility as you can muster, see if there is any truth in what they said and adjust accordingly. You and your writing will be all the better for it.

Daily Question: Think of the most recent time you have been rejected or criticized. Was there any truth to it?