Jennifer Bartell Boykin

I received another rejection letter last week. However, I do not write to you today from a place of despair, but instead hope.

Out of 848 submissions, my book made it to the final round. The words “we want to encourage you” appear in the rejection letter. And you know what? I am encouraged.

These rejections do not define me, even when it feels as if they do. It’s so easy to focus on the one moment and fail to put it in context. I’ve gotten several rejections in this lifetime, but I’ve received several acceptances too, some key important acceptances. Rejections are like the rain and acceptances are the sunshine. We need both for growth.