Not strictly my first rejection, as I had a number of them about 6 years ago when I last sent out stuff to magazines, in the days before kids, but Rejection #1 arrived today; that is the first rejection from the pile of stuff I sent out last month. I even received a little numeric breakdown of various features of the story, highlighting areas where the piece needed work, according to the magazine’s editors. Some of the points were helpful, some amusing, considering the feedback I got when the story was assessed for my recent course. 

I’ve put Rejection #1 in a little file. I am sure it won’t be lonely. Just as I am sure I will keep plugging away. Perhaps they will like my next story, ‘Land of Nod.’ Better go finish it.

As The Joker said, ‘Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stranger.’