Thoughts on Grace

Several years ago I wrote a book, and since have queried more than fifty editors. My drawer is half-filled with rejection letters and tiny printed post cards. Last year, my daughter emailed me a quote from Jodi Picoult who encourages writers to be persistent, to not quit, to be someone who believes in their own work to such a degree that they refuse to give up. The funny thing about Grace, and I capitalize the word to show my up most respect, is that no matter how many times we find ourselves feeling dejected, wounded, and sorrowful from lack of acceptance, Grace has a sneaky way of showing up, right on time. Recently, I received a good rejection letter. The editor had actually taken the time to read my submission and made a few comments. The fact that she did not choose to represent my work, paled in light of the simple truth that she took the time to consider my writing. I drew a big smiley face on the white envelope addressed to me, and placed it on top of the plethora of rejection cousins. Grace moves us forward.