This video doesn't really have anything to do with anything, but I enjoy this song: Find a Way, by A Tribe Called Quest, from their final album, The Love Movement.
You don't have to listen to it if you don't want to.
Last week, my friend, Renae Mercado, asked her readers how they deal with rejection.
Here's what I had to say:
Now I realize that's a bit idyllic, I mean rejection will always hurt, always sting a bit like freezing air biting against the mucus membrane of your nostrils in the morning, but I'm a Pisces. I can dream.
I vote we should start a movement. We should start calling rejection subjection instead. I just got subjectively subjected to a subjection.
Word.
In other news: my follower project experiment worked. Since last Tuesday I've gained 49 new followers. Alex and I are planning a blog fest to help it work for all of you as well. Elana may also get involved. We haven't figured out anything official yet, but I will keep you posted.
In further other news: I'll be critiquing two interesting queries on the blog the rest of the week. So be sure to come back. You might learn something. Or, even better, you might teach me something.
In final news: please visit my friend Michael Gettel-Gilmartin's Middle Grade Mafioso blog this morning. He's got a great interview up.
Esp. now Rs are more subjective than ever because publishers are narrowing their list. But sometimes it might be b/c the execution needs work; feedback is feedback.
ReplyDeleteWord.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking to get back to a few queries. I enjoy not only hearing your comments, but all the input from your readers. And who knows, with the 49 new followers this is bound to get more interesting.
Yay! I love your critiques. Even though I usually get here too late to add anything useful, I still learn stuff so it's all good :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're a pisces!! Well that would explain alot! LOL!! In a good way!!
ReplyDeleteAm at work so can't play the music clip but am sneaking this comment in! Hoorahh!
Take care
x
Rejection subjection! Let's make it happen.
ReplyDeleteI reject rejection and will henceforth subject all subjects of the word to subjection.
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't love subjection?
ReplyDeleteTry saying "I just got subjectively subjected to a subjection" five times read fast. :D
ReplyDeleteLove this idea. Maybe we can partition to have it placed in the Oxford dictionary.
I like the idea of subjection because that's exactly what it is. We can't all like the same thing. Steven King is a fine writer, but I'm sorry, I don't do horror. It's subjective.
ReplyDeleteGroovin to that song while I do my morning blogging:) Subjection! I like it!
ReplyDeleteLove it! And looking forward to more queries.
ReplyDeleteI loved your comment and so agree with it.
ReplyDeleteAwesome that you added 49 followers. Keep me updated on the blog fest please. I may blog an extra time that week if we have a spot.
Okay. I'm in. I can get behind subjection. Now I have to go polish up some stuff so I can have the possibility of getting subjected. :)
ReplyDeleteMorning, sparky. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm totally down with the subjection switch. Count me in for a freedom march on the agents of the world.
Diggin' the blogfest idea. A lot.
<3
I'm in! Subjection it is...but how could I argue with ANYTHING after listening to A Tribe Called Quest? Too bad we can't send queries that open and play Quest songs. What agent would have the heart to subject that?!
ReplyDeleteI wish you had written this subjection post 2 years ago. Perhaps I wouldn't feel so snarky about rejections (and agents) as I do today.
ReplyDeleteSubjection? LOve the concept.
ReplyDeleteOMG! I was 13 when that song came out! Ahahaha. Memories.
ReplyDelete*sob* I was subjected last week. *sniff* But knowing you're right there with me makes me feel so much better, MacNish. *misery loves company* ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreat song.
Congrats on the 49.
ReplyDeleteI am all for your movement--subjection sounds much better to me.
I'm down with that. Wish you'd developed the phrase a hundred or so subjections ago :)
ReplyDeleteThe best way to deal with rejection is to surround yourself with people you know won't reject you, and who you know are guaranteed to give you the motivational boot in the tush to get you back on track.
ReplyDeletePeople like you, Matt. Every day I find myself so thankful to have worthwhile friends like you in my life, even if it's in the realm of cyberspace.
Oh the rejections/subjections. I hate them. But without them, I wouldn't get better. ;)
ReplyDeleteOH, my goodness! I LOVE that word. Stealing. *grabs Subjection and puts it in pocket*
ReplyDeleteGoing to listen to song now :D
Congrats on all the followers!
ps I started the video and realized I KNOW THIS SONG! I use to listen to it all the time (loved it)...haha. Thanks for bringing back memories...
ReplyDeleteI love subjection!!! It's so true! This business is so subjective, what works for one agent or editor may not work for another. The word rejection is so harsh, it even sounds bad. But subjection is much softer. I like it. I think I'll use it in regards to reviews as well. ;)
ReplyDeleteA blogfest will totally shoot you over the millennium mark on your followers.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the term "subjection". You define it perfectly.
I like the idea of subjection instead of rejection. I think you're on to something here...
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the Follower Project success!
Ref: Subjectively subjected to subjection.
ReplyDeleteI think I can do that.
Glad your experiment worked out. Great numbers. And I look forward to the blogfest you guys crank out.
Cool camera views in that video. Very smooth. Subjection huh? Could be said of any rejection really, not just from publishers. And yet it's personal because it means something to me. I presented myself, my work, my idea, my sympathy, and it was not received. It's personal, but the subjective title is a bit of a salve on the wound and a reminder to just let it go.
ReplyDeleteThat's definitely a better way to look at things!!
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, I need to learn how you take all these high-tech screen shots.
Tribe = So damn good
ReplyDeleteWhile I lived "subjection" for 2.4 years, I'd like to make an important distinction. If you hear similar feedback in your rejections, then it is something to address or investigate. It's when the rejections come in with different reasons that I'd call it a true "subjection."
*snarfs* I love this. Great way to keep it all in perspective. And as I replied to your comment, no, I haven't been blogging at all in the last couple months. Trying to slowly re-engage but...you know how I yam. :)
ReplyDeleteLove it. Subjection it is.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea, but the word subjection gives me the willies. I think I might prefer to be rebuffed like a spurned lover than subjected like a serf under the iron boot of the king.
ReplyDeleteBut that's just me and words. We can be a strange pair sometimes.
In other news, can't wait for the blogfest!! (yay Alex and Elana!)
Subjection is such a better word for it. I'm going to start thinking of it as subjection instead.
ReplyDeleteLove the word. I'll join the revolution. LOL =D
ReplyDeleteYou revolutionary.
ReplyDeleteTribe Called Quest is cool~ :o) <3
I'll sign the petition: Let's change rejection to subjection. :)
ReplyDeleteMy girls and I call rejections cupcakes. We wanted a sweeter way to announce our querying news.
ReplyDeleteIt was much more pleasant to say "Agent SoAndSo cupcaked me today."
:)
dude. I am totally down with calling it a Subjection. That's quite genius, btw. Quite.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally in. Subjection works for me, since our perspective controls our reality. Can I still go out to dinner after every ten "subjections"?
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. Rejections are so subjective! I just think of all the books that I don't like but others do. Or the books that I love, but others don't.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link! (It's been a bust day!)
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on subjection!!!
P.s. Not only was your follower project a success, but your comment #s seem to have increased too!
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Matt!!
I have a friend who always tells me that stuff is only as bad/stressful/whatever as you perceive it to be. Usually I want to kill her a little bit when she says, "Cheryl, you just have to change your perception." But usually she's right.
ReplyDeletePoint is, I like your perception of rejection, errr...subjection. LOL
That is definitely the right way to look at it! Excellent!
ReplyDeleteSubjection - I like it! It is a very, very subjective business & your new word works!
ReplyDeleteLenny @Lennys world and I all rejections raspberries....It doesn't feel as severe. I got one personal and one form rejection last week. I'd call that a balanced week. LOL.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the 49 new followers!
I haven't listed to A Tribe Called Quest in sooooooooo long. Thanks for that! AND I LOVE your movement. I'm joining the subjected movement. Hear, hear!
ReplyDeletebeing subjected sounds a lot less painful than being ejected or injected :)
ReplyDeleteWagging Tales - Blog for Writers
Great point! This whole business is so subjective, and it's important to try to maintain that objectivity. I like your take on it.
ReplyDelete