When the call to challenge rang out on
May 1st, many of our PAD and MNINB group members paused, took a deep
breath, and sighed. I think it would be fair to say that few could believe what
they were reading. “Submit at least one piece of work each day for the entire
month of May.”
Yep. You saw that right. Some of the
group simply can’t comply due to more critical situations at home and at work,
but for the rest of us, we’re gamely attempting what seemed like an impossible
feat just a few short days ago.
This is day four of this last minute
challenge that none had contemplated. We each post on the group sites what we
subbed and to which publication, whether online or print, contest or blog, and
watch to see who else took the plunge that day.
I have yet to hit the send button today.
I have three possibles on the starting line, waiting for a shove into the
chute. I have a children’s story that can go out any time. It’s been polished
to within a paragraph of existence. I have poems coming out of my ears that can
go in nearly any direction. And I have a couple of polished and professionally
edited essays that can go out on their own.
There’s a coin I’ve been saving for just
such an occasion as this. I’ll do a three-way toss to see which item goes out
today. That gives me plenty for the next few days. Who knows? I might send more
than on submission out per day and really scare myself.
For those that are timid about subbing
and worry about those nasty rejection emails, don’t be. Take a page from my post
today on Claudsy’s Blog. Make that rejection your best friend. Embrace it. Plaster
your wall with it and its friends. Proudly show that wall to family and friends
and declare “See how much work I’ve sent out!”
If you’ve chosen to accept such a
challenge as this, comment here. Tell me about your personal submission
challenge. If you don’t have one, but want to try it, feel free. Post a comment
here each day you’ve braved the “SEND” button and sent out a piece of work. I’ll
gladly help you show the world how much you’re working on the craft.
Until later, keep writing while you
enjoy the process,
Claudsy
