Chapter 1: The Interplay of Failure and Success

Failure and success often coexist, as illustrated by this storefront. Photo by the blowup on Unsplash.

As a dedicated artist and writer, I initially perceived my struggles as failures, only to realize that I was actually partnering with success. In the realm of freelance writing, we frequently send out numerous “queries,” which essentially means we’re asking, “Is this something you would like?” Sadly, the response is often not a triumphant “YES!”

We must reflect on these narratives as we attempt to rise again after setbacks.

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Section 1.1: Notable Examples of Resilience

One remarkable story involves Theodor Geisel, who faced rejection from 27 publishers. On the verge of discarding his latest manuscript, he encountered a friend who happened to be an editor of children's books. This connection led to the publication of his work, which received tremendous acclaim. Ultimately, Theodor, more famously known as Dr. Seuss, published over 60 children's books, despite his many early failures. He once remarked, “If I’d been going down the other side of Madison Avenue, I’d be in the dry-cleaning business today.” Thankfully, he didn’t give up too soon!

Another inspiring tale involves a manuscript that faced 30 rejections. The author, Stephen King, was so disheartened that he nearly discarded it. However, his wife rescued the manuscript, urging him to persist. After being rejected by numerous publishers—one of whom dismissed it due to its "negative utopia" theme—“Carrie” was eventually published by Doubleday, selling over a million copies and becoming a film. Stephen King has since authored over 54 novels and 200 short stories.

Section 1.2: Personal Experiences in Writing

Why should my experience be any different? Like many, I faced my fair share of rejections, often accompanied by unkind comments. Nevertheless, I pressed on, and my determination eventually bore fruit. I have contributed to various magazines, including The Old House Journal, The Mother Earth News, and Country Living, among others.

I authored a book titled “50 Secrets Humans Should Know,” merging my artwork with wisdom gleaned from my experiences with dogs. Initially, I secured an agent in New York, only for the project to stagnate for a year. Frustrated, I took control and sent it out myself, ultimately selling it within a week to a small publisher that sold nearly 50,000 copies.

Chapter 2: The Artistic Journey

In the video titled "Bad Writing Advice from Stephen King's ON WRITING: A MEMOIR OF THE CRAFT," we explore some of the common misconceptions about writing that can lead aspiring authors astray. This insightful critique aims to clarify what truly matters in the writing process.

The second video, "Stephen King Writing Advice You Might Not Have Heard," offers valuable insights into the writing journey from one of the most prolific authors of our time. Discover lesser-known tips that could enhance your writing skills.

Animation is another field where persistence pays off. Walter Disney faced rejection early in his career, being told he “lacked imagination.” Despite this, he founded Laugh-O-Gram, which ultimately failed. Nevertheless, he persevered, teaming up with his brother to establish the Disney Brothers’ Studio. Walt Disney's legacy—including Mickey Mouse and Disneyland—demonstrates the power of resilience, earning him 22 Academy Awards.

Section 2.1: My Artistic Endeavors

Following the advice to pursue what I love, I began creating vibrant paintings of dogs, capturing their personalities in a spectrum of colors. Naturally, I sought to have my work displayed in galleries. A particularly harsh rejection from a prestigious New York gallery stung deeply, as I was deemed “technically proficient” but not selected. Those words still resonate with me.

After overcoming this setback, I exhibited in mid-tier galleries across the country. Eventually, I transitioned into licensing my artwork, which is now featured on products from home décor to puzzles, enjoyed by audiences worldwide. It seems that a little anger at rejection fueled my ultimate success.

Facing Failure?

My best advice is to always believe in yourself. If you lack confidence, how can you expect others to believe in you? Embrace the journey with that partner who leads you to success! As Jack Canfield wisely said, “Don’t worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.”