I had a wonderful conversation with one of the other Scholars today about science fiction (surprise surprise), and I’ve been thinking about stories ever since.

Last year for my Genre Fiction class I wrote a short story called Free to Good Home. After a few rounds of edits, I sent it off to two science fiction magazines and got rejected from both of them. I was disappointed but excited, because rejection is just part of the process. Stephen King, as a young writer, nailed his rejection letters to his bedroom wall to push himself to keep improving.

I wish I had Mr King’s resilience, I tell ya.

Anyway, after our chat today, I started thinking about Free to Good Home again. I can understand now that it was lacking, not quite ready, but heading in the right direction. I’m thinking that a rewrite is in order (and there’s no time like the present!).

In between sf ramblings, we had some guests come and speak to us about scholarships for studying overseas. They all sound super amazing and competitive and way out of my league, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t apply, right?

Even if I don’t get in this time, it doesn’t mean I won’t ever get in. Maybe it’s just not the right time, maybe I’ll be not quite ready, but heading in the right direction.

Off to a fancy reception and dinner tonight. I’m pulling out the big guns (my sweet new hounds-tooth blazer and the nice jeans).

My second ever rejection letter, nailed to my virtual wall.