The jet-propelled rejection.

[hirez]

It looks like now would be a good time to submit stories to Interzone if you're looking for a rapid turnaround.

Hey, and indeed ho. Onwards and upwards.

I can't say I'm entirely surprised they didn't take to it, mind. I think the start needs a bit of a kick in the nads so it begins with more of a bang and less of an ugly sentence.

Next!

(I seriously need a writing usericon.)

In other news; tiresome Bristolian car drivers:

o You in the snot-green Micra on the school-run from Frenchay toward town. Yes, it's generally accepted that you leave cyclists more than six inches of clearance. I hope your children put the new waving gesture I demonstrated to good use.

o Arse-visage in the silver-and-rust Astra estate driving past the parade of shops on Fishponds road. Which part of 'Zebra crossing' do you have the problem with?

Comments

[eljaydaly.livejournal.com]

Awww, poop! Was it a form rejection?

I'm so sorry. I don't know whether the fast ones are more painful (because they're so sudden) or less so (like jerking off a bandaid). I guess it's like comparing a slow, studied kick in the stomach to a quick, unexpected kick in the stomach.

Where's it going next?

[hirez.livejournal.com]

Yup. Mind, I did get a blue paperclip out of the deal. Ha!

I think it goes without saying that this is part of the learning process. If one can't stand to send the work out, or if a rejection causes a blue funk complete with teenage door-slamming and cries of 'It's not fair!', then one should probably stick to the day job.

(Lord I hope not, the day job is becoming Really Quite Tedious.)

Next? F&SF, I think. No sense pissing about.

After that, dunno. I think I'll have to ask around at that point. It's a shame it's too long for Escape Pod.

[sarah-mum.livejournal.com]

A blue one? well with that you should eventually get a deal, or house, or was is leadership of a small country?

Anyhow, bad luck. See you for lurching later.

[inulro.livejournal.com]

I had ignored zebra crossing experience in Clifton again yesterday as well.

Bastards.

[hirez.livejournal.com]

Well, quite. I'm always struck by the spirit of being two streets further away before I can think of a rejoinder wittier than 'You complete cock!' Although of course the day I do, the cock in question will screech to a halt and challenge me to single combat.

[maluse.livejournal.com]

I seem to remember reading something saying that a pulse of adrenaline in the system effectively reduces one's IQ (it's presumably evolutionarily useful to shunt the consciousness out of the way a bit in case it starts thinking about where or why to fight or flight rather than just doing it) which is why witty responses always come to mind after the event.

[sarah-mum.livejournal.com]

That's OK, you're married and therefore exempt.

[dedbutdrmng.livejournal.com]

I got a really quick form rejection from Interzone, less than a week. Andromeda Spaceways Inflight magazine are quick too. The odd thing I've noticed is the pick up rate for my stories I don't like is far higher than the rate for the ones I do.

[jarkman.livejournal.com]

They're clearly very silly, and will be sorry in the morning.

Arse!

[thunderbox.livejournal.com]

and arse again…

Re: Arse!

[hirez.livejournal.com]

Good Lord but you've changed young fellow. Are you sure those pills are for the headaches?

[krylyr.livejournal.com]

That sucks, John. Sorry to hear about it. Better luck with F&SF

[reddragdiva]

Excellent! Now collect rejection slips AS FAST AS YOU CAN.

[hirez.livejournal.com]

And THROW THEM AWAY IN A CAVALIER MANNER.

If I kept the bloody things, I'd end up hoarding them in a tin box. Then I'd take them out sometimes and hold them up to the light so as to deduce the SECRET EDITOR COMMUNICATIONS with the ALIENS BENT ON STOPPING ME.

[spride.livejournal.com]

Their loss. File under "passed on the Beatles Band".

Where is Beatles Band?

[zenmonkeykstop.livejournal.com]

I got turned down for 2000AD once, but I got a Judge Dredd pin out of it.

[totnesmartin.livejournal.com]

I got turned down by Cherry Red - I didn't get anything, but the letter was on nice paper and looked good in the scrapbook.

PS - you can use this icon if you want.