My writing life has gone weird again, folks. It was just a matter of time before the odd stuff started occurring again.
This is where you all groan and quickly move across to the next blog on your reading list.
Over the course of this year I have been devouring articles on the subject of asking the universe for guidance. Readers, I don’t know why I developed this strange reading habit.
Actually, if I am honest 2017 has been full of creative surprises, both good and bad. At times I have felt a bit lost and in need of some sort of spiritual guidance to validate whether I was on the right path or any literary path for that matter!
Anyway after months of deliberating whether or not to ask the universe for a sign about my writing future, I decided to bite the bullet and seek its help.
Given that nearly all the articles, blogs and books on the subject spoke about how a ‘little wink from the universe can be extremely comforting,‘ you could say I was naively thinking the sign would be positive.
A bit of background. In the summer I sent out a few query letters about a novel I had written. This autumn has been mostly spent daydreaming and watching my email box like a hawk. Up until last week I had heard nothing.
So, last week I decided to do things properly and write out my question to the universe.
At the start of the week I sat in a coffee shop and did just that. I asked for a sign regarding my writing future.
I always like to go OTT on requests for help so I gave the universe a long-winded side of A4 on the ‘story so far’ with my literary career. I said any help or comforting winks it could give would be much appreciated.
I sat back, sipped on my cappuccino and said, “wink away, my big friend!”
Within 2.5 hrs (the universe does not beat around on stuff like this) I had a literary rejection ping into my email inbox.
I shrugged off the rejection (its B.A.U for the unpublished writer) and put the event down to coincidence. This has nothing to do with the universe, I told myself.
Three days later I decided to ask the universe for another sign regarding my writing. Obviously my earlier attempt had been a weird coincidence and the universe was either busy that day or had forgotten my request.
Once again I wrote another question on a piece of paper, requesting a sign. Once again I gave it a detailed account of the story so far, in case it had mislaid my previous submission.
3 hours and 20 mins later I had another literary rejection ping into my inbox.
An hour later I received a third rejection.
Can I just say, the universe’s response time is faster than some well-known large retail brands. Seriously, these retail brands need to read this post and take note on the speedy response times of this mighty spiritual force.
This time I did shed a few tears, although they were more about the universe’s choice of sign, than the actual rejections.
Where was my comforting wink?
After a bar of chocolate, a large glass of wine, a good old bitch about the universe (who the hell does this mighty spiritual power think it is showering me with rejections?) and a slushy romcom I felt a lot better.
So, what does this all mean?
Is the universe trying to tell me something?
Well, I have decided to view this strange situation in a positive light, because I’m not quitting writing.
Cue my next post titled ‘I told the universe I was not quitting writing and I got hit by a bolt of lightening for not listening!’
The universe could be nudging me in a different direction.
At the moment it’s not entirely clear what that different direction is, but I have a list drawn up of potential options:
- Send out to different literary gatekeepers?
- Revise my draft and send out?
- Work on something else?
- Do something completely different?
The mighty universe could be stating the obvious – a writer’s life is full of rejection.
I believe rejections are a sign I am putting my work out there. There are thousands of people who dream about writing a novel but never start it. There are thousands who start one and never finish it and there are thousands who write one but never send it out. I am ahead of all these dreamers. I am out there and getting rejections so in the universe’s eyes I am on the right track.
You will be glad to know I have thrown myself into a comedy script writing competition which has has been like a creative tonic.
I have also decided to have a break from asking the universe anything as I think it might be a little grumpy 🙂
So, the moral of this tale is; be prepared for ALL answers when you ask the universe for help or guidance.
Take care, writers!
Oh Lucy! You keep going… the Universe is just preparing you for better things xxx
Arrr thx Ritu 🌈
I can feel it in my bones babe!!!!
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
So the Universe doesn’t like your new book? Or just the people you sent it to?
This is the trouble with questions… there are always far too many answers…
I believe the Universe will open doors and opportunities and many more success…Keep up with your great work!!
It’s not always about being on the wrong path, Lucy. More often it’s the right path but not the right time! Potentially, there’s an editor out there who is just about to move publishing companies and when they get to their new job will be actively looking for the kind of work you produce – then the universe will get working on your behalf. Keep writing, keep submitting, keep up with the chocolate intake – it will all work out for the best in the end. Be patient xxx
Arrrrr thx Shelley Wilson 🌈🌸
Possibly you are directing your queries to the wrong part of the Universe. Scientists are still arguing over how much of the Universe is ‘missing’ and the call it Dark Matter and Dark Energy. So possibly all literary agents only work in the Dark Side.
Clearly, this is all down to interpretation, and I think your view of the rejections letters meaning you’re making progress is a good one. It’s what Edison would have said – and he didn’t do too badly (though I don’t recall him writing any romcoms…).
Thanks Graeme, I am out there and dealing with rejection. I am on the right path. 😎 I bet Edison would have liked to write a romcom 👍🏻
Who wouldn’t?
Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
Good for you for persevering, Lucy!! The answer is that if writing that novel is what you want to do, keep at it. Yes, changing gears and working on different things works for some people, maybe volunteer with your favorite charity, do some other creative activity (dance, music, painting, etc.), and even just reading other writers you admire can be a way to reignite your passion for getting published. [Says the lady who’s never published a novel . . . yet!] In any case, best wishes!
That old universe can be a bitch sometimes, can’t she? I remember asking the universe for help once, at a particularly low point in my life – just an itsy-bitsy little sign that things were going to get better – and when I went outside I found a dead rat on the front path. I didn’t bother asking again.
Omg Annabelle – wish I had spoken to you first! I think the universe is a no nonsense / straight talking sort of person
She certainly is. Maybe she was trying to get me to see the positive side of a negative – as in, a dead rat is better than a live one!
I SO love this! You are a rockstar and an inspiration. We have very similar beliefs and approaches, and I loved your humorous spin on something that can sometimes feel very defeating. You 100% right, YOU are doing it. You did it! You took a leap and actually are pursuing you dream. No, you are living your dream! And yes, you are getting rejections, but that means you are out there and about to fall in the hands of that one (or maybe more) ‘accept’! Regardless the outcome, you ARE a writer. The Universe has already given you the gift. Maybe It just wanted you to write this for all of us who fear rejection so much we don’t even start/finish our books!!! 🙂
Thank you for making me smile tonight. This is one of the best comments I have had on my blog. 🙋🏼💐💐💐
Well that just made me smile… what this is all about, right? We writers have to have each other’s back…which includes the front. Simply can’t get through it some days if we don’t have anyone to make us smile ☺️!
It was so comforting to read this! I had a similar experience some time ago and it was *really* hard to find the strength to move on. I can only imagine the way you felt, but I’m glad you’ve decided to look at it the way you did, it’s really inspiring!
Great job!
Thank you so much 🙋🏼 Good luck on your journey
I love this post! I completely agree that the Universe communicates with us…the question is, who listens? Clearly, you are making an effort to establish a line of communication and acknowledge the answers you are receiving. I agree that sometimes the answer isn’t clear. However, I believe that when you are following your Divine purpose, you will know it…you will feel it! (and the more you ask and listen, the better the communication will become). I definitely do not believe that the Universe’s messages are always presented in the affirmative. However, they are always Loving! In other words, if you ever feel guilty, scolded, etc., that is your Ego talking, not the Universe (Spirit, God). Like you, I have a proposal that I’ve been shopping around to publishers. Personally, I welcome the rejections, because each “no” brings me closer to my “yes.” The perfect agent/pub is out there for both of us, and as we cull the list, it clears the way for us to find it! Best of luck!
What fabulous words! This post was a tonic for me and it’s meant I only ‘wallowed’ after rejection for 23 mins. I have felt great ever since 💪🏻
Not one to put stuff out in the universe like that but I can say your heart and mind was closer to the truth, acceptance is tangible as you hold it first for your passion. The article make me chuckle, too funny 🙂
Thx for reading my post. Glad I made you chuckle. My work here is done. Happy Saturday 🌸
Your handling this like a pro! I love your writing! Keep on keepin on!
Arrr thx. I still love the Universe and it’s cheeky ways
How can we not!
You are one of the most inspiring writers I know 🙂 Don’t stop writing and don’t stop pitching. Soon enough those rejection letters will be a thing of the past. I just know it 🙂 May 2018 be your best year yet!
THANKYOU!! Love this comment. Happy Weekend my friend 🙂
Maybe the Universe is having an off week, Lucy, or perhaps you have sent your work to the wrong people! From what I have read of your writing, you never fail to entertain, and always put a smile on my face. Keep going, you will get the break you deserve. 🙂
At least you got an answer Lucy. I often don’t get as much as a wink. Maybe like you I should be more detailed in my requests! Full page essay next time! 😉 Best of luck with your novel and do not give up!
I got a rejection note the same day my mother-in-law passed away. I took it as a sign from the universe too. Not that either thing had anything to do with the other, but it put the rejection into stark perspective. I’ve had many rejections ( I think I was at 25 at the point I decided I didn’t want to pursue that novel anymore). But none had as strong an effect on me as the one that came on such a terrible day. Signs from the universe are powerful, but I agree with you, they’re all in the interpretation. You are a great writer. The universe is definitely on your side.
Where one door closes another opens…. So they say. 🙂