I got a helpful rejection today: "The imagery was quite beautiful and the plot was intriguing, but by the end [we] thought the plot raised more questions about the character's identity than it answered. The plot was a bit too vague."
Well, that sounds easy to fix for the next submission.
It sounds like, for speculative fiction, I need to remember to have a clarifying scene.
Depends on the editor. But I would generally agree, even the more experimental mags have a more cut-and-dried approach to storytelling.It sounds like, for speculative fiction, I need to remember to have a clarifying scene
Nail it to the Cross
I used to complain that so many stories are told the same way. Now I see why that is.
It reminds me of the obligatory "paranormal expert" scene in speculative horror films.
I remember reading a book that took at least one chapter explaining what a vampire is. "Please," I begged the author, "stop."
But that's what editors tend towards.
(I'm not being salty about the rejection I just got; this is just a related and relevant tangent.)
If only the landlord accepted unfortunately's as payment.
I'd be set for life.
Heard from Clarkesworld today, after subbing to them four days ago. I appreciate how quickly they crush my dreams.
F&SF are great like that, too. 2-day rejections. A mixed blessing.Originally Posted by Tiamat
In my mouth, if there be sweetness,
It has come from my Creator;
If my hands are filled with beauty,
All the beauty comes from God.
~ from The Kalevala (paraphrased)
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And earth has nothing I desire besides You.
~ Psalm 73:25
Christ is risen from the dead,
trampling on Death by death,
And on those in the tombs,
lavishing light.
I'm still sitting on a maybe from them from a month ago so hopefully that one pans out!
Even a maybe is worth a congratulations if it's from F&SF.I'm still sitting on a maybe from them from a month ago so hopefully that one pans out!
Nail it to the Cross
Rejections inhibit the creative process.
Also, queries take up a goodly chunk of my writing time.
Tis why I became an Indie.
Don't feel bad. Clarkesworld has been crushing everyone's dreams for some time now, myself included.
-J.
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