I received my first rejection! I suppose I should be depressed, ready to quit, and trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life.

Instead, this moment feels like the beginning of a great and wonderful journey. The poems weren’t ready for publication. I know that now. Yet, I wanted to start the process of sending them out to the world. Pushing past fear, I did. And so, armed with new ways to work with my poetry and prose, and anticipating an upcoming writing retreat, I am ready to begin again.

I almost feel like part of the club.