As parent, teacher and writer, the last several months has been a trip! In addition to my online essay writing classes, I teach “The Fundamentals of Healthy Living” at a local college. I’ve had the added fun of learning how to navigate the online teaching platform, Canvas. Oh, and homeschool three kids who desperately miss face-to-face instruction and interaction with their friends. One of my kiddos falls to the floor in tears on a daily basis.

Let’s just say, I’m not exactly living healthfully. These are crazy-making times for all of us!

So, in the midst of the madness, I try to focus on the silver linings. And, I’m trying to find time for personal essays! Some of those essays have sold; some have not. When you spend time developing a story on spec, even (or maybe especially) as a seasoned journalist, rejections sting. They can be especially frustrating when the story is tied to the news in some way and needs to be published quickly.

A few ideas to keep putting one foot in front of the other:

  • Be persistent: Sometimes editors just can’t make it to the bottom of their inbox. I prefer a rejection over non-response, so I follow up … until I get a no or the story lands somewhere else. After a rejection, I say pitch again with a new, and hopefully better idea.
  • Take a class: Writing classes are great. I have another personal essay writing workshop starting up on October 12th. But I’m not just referring to writing classes. Hop on YouTube and learn how to draw a hummingbird. Get on Zoom with a favorite musician. Not only will you learn something new, you may even be able to share the experience in essay form.
  • Join a group: If you’ve taken my writing classes, you know I’m a big fan of critique groups. If you haven’t started or joined one yet, the pandemic may be the ideal time. Not only does working with a group offer you valuable insight on a given piece, but it can also help you forge valuable friendships. I’ve taken an inordinate amount of comfort in responding to emails from my “critter” friends.
  • Release the judgment: Let’s face it; most of us are not our not our best selves right now. We’re stretched thin, trying to accomplish too much without the usual coping mechanisms that make us feel good (happy hour with friends, a much-needed massage, hair color, you know, the basics). Sometimes the best you can do is get out of bed. Let that be okay and release your inner critic (so says the woman who desperately needs a few hours lying on the couch engrossed in a really good novel).
  • Look out for number one: You’re not going to be any good to anyone if you can’t function. Before you tend to your kids, your boss, your editor or the dog, make sure you have the stamina to do what they’re asking of you. If not, take a few minutes to do some deep breathing, or you know, a 15-minute Yoga with Adriene YouTube session. Try this one for when you are stuck. Most important, step away from the people and things that make you bat-shit crazy (since most of us are already there).
  • Spend time outside, preferably exercising: It really doesn’t matter what you do. I’ve taken to bird watching, just because, well, it makes me feel good. I walk the dog at least twice a day, usually with  children in tow in the morning and by myself in the evening. Homeschooling has tethered me to the house, so I’ve also taken to running up and down my street several times a day since I can’t do my usual running route.