Embracing Rejection
Illoguild question #21 - How do you move forward after rejection?
Hey there,
Rejection is tough? But how do you embrace it and turn it into success?
In this newsletter we share how members of the Illoguild deal with rejection and keep creating.
Rejection is a common experience in the children’s book industry. We are all familiar with the most well known story of how J.K. Rowling (despite the immense success of the Harry Potter series) received numerous rejections before finding a publisher. This process can be disheartening and challenging, but it is important for us to remember that rejection is not a reflection of our talent or worth. Instead, it is an opportunity for growth, resilience, and eventual success.
We have an Illoguild Live on 4 March discussing ‘Embracing Rejection’. You can sign up here for the free event. (And catch the replays here). We will share our own rejection and success stories and would love to hear yours.
We also had a bonus Illoguild Live this months where we discussed the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. You can catch the replay here. We talked about how to prepare, what to expect and gave lots of practical advice.
Lastly, this month we shine a spotlight on the Uber talented author and illustrator Tammy Angelis. She embraces all creative techniques, and has a particular love for collage and exploring stories around neurodiversity.
So here’s what members of the Illoguild have to say about rejection:
Tammy talks about the setbacks she has experienced (both in life and illustration) along the way.
Katie Stack shares some responses to submissions.
Carla Hoffenberg shares her top 5 go-to strategies for dealing with rejection.
Brenda Harris talks about how negative experiences can lead to positive ones.
Noreene Anne shares her own experiences and how she tackles rejection.
Jen Gubicza shares what helps her to deal with rejection.
Announcements
Join the our Illoguild Live on 4 March: the illoguild goes Live to talk about Embracing rejection. Join the live event for free. You can catch the replays here.
Carla Hoffenberg co-hosts a “take-over’ episode of “Words and Nerds” where she joined by the creator and fellow contributors of ‘Our Australian Heart’, and co-host, David Lawrence, author and Indigenous Literacy Foundation Ambassador. They discuss the Anthology, the importance of literacy in young people and the creative process. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
Illoguild Illustrator Spotlight
Tammy Angelis is an active member of Illoguild, SCBWI, and 2 critique groups. She has a degree in OceanScience and postgrad qualifications in Marketing and Programme Management and works as a Project Manager. She and her husband have 2 'tweens', a feral cat and a lot of nieces/nephews. Before studying with Mats, MIID and Goodship Illustration, Tammy learned blockprinting and machine embroidery to make home textiles and gets much of her inspiration from time in the Scottish Highlands with family. Her goal is to create a sustainable creative career through writing and illustrating, with a line of stationary and home decor products.
You can see more of her work on Instagram and her Website.
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