While all of the staff at Metonym are known to you exclusively as editors, we are all aspiring artists of our own. Almost all of the editors are creative writers, and some are poets and visual artists, too! But being an artist is scary. Time and time again, we put our most vulnerable selves out there to be relentlessly scrutinized. What happens when that inevitable “no” comes?
Honestly, it’s the worst. We can so easily and quickly tie our value and our worth to the approval (or disapproval) of others. Remember your first writing workshop where everyone relentlessly picked apart your work? Did you feel tears pricking your eyes, or maybe even an unexplainable irritation at little things that never bothered you before? Us, too. Critique is difficult. So we’ve assembled our best tips and tricks to help you make it through. But don’t worry if it still doesn’t feel easy. We’re just hanging in there and taking it step-by-step right there with you.
Tip #1: After a rejection or a hard workshop, don’t keep reviewing the notes or rejection notice. Put it down, or close the laptop, and read something you like—maybe even positive feedback or encouragement about your work. Go outside, do something you enjoy, and remember there is a whole world out there, and you are a valuable part of it!
Tip #2: After you get thrown off, get back on the horse. Keep writing, creating, drawing—whatever it is, don’t give up on it just yet. There is a reason and a purpose in your initial pursuit of this craft. One day, your art will find just the place where it can be done the justice it deserves.
Tip #3: You’re not alone. Don’t believe that lie we always tell ourselves! Find a community of like-minded people, whether that be through a writing club, book club, collaborative effort, social media, blog group, chat rooms—whatever works for you, use it. Find those great people who just get it, who will support you when you’re down and cheer for all your wins!
From the staff at Metonym, we want your stories to be heard. We love art, and it's an all-encompassing expression of what it means to be a human. Whether your story is told in our journal or is destined to find its home in a place that will tell it better, we wish you all the best. Keep on creating.