If you have to get a rejection letter...

...I hope it's as nice as this one.

I've been sending out some of my writing to contests and publications recently. I've had fingers crossed and been checking the mailbox and my email during breaks from performing, waiting for news.

I'm new at this submission thing. I haven't submitted anything for publication seriously since college. Then I got a harp and then, well, you know...

So putting my personal writing out into the world has been a little scary. It's exciting, though. It's a new road for me to travel, a different focus than my solid harp career, something I'm "emerging" with rather than continuing with as always. I like the feeling. I like the uncertainty. It's good to emerge with new art periodically in our lives, I think. It keeps us fresh (and humble).

And I love the feedback - "we very much enjoyed reading your essay" and "your piece flowed smoothly and inspired lively debates among our staff."

Onward. More mailbox and email checking in the next few months. Fingers crossed when I'm not playing holiday music. Wish me well!