then set that aside and keep going. It helps to realize that you don’t need to take it personally, and a rejection of any one manuscript is not a global verdict on your talent or character or promise as a writer. If you are ever in a position to choose from among a pile of manuscripts for publication or a prize or admission to graduate school, you understand how many compelling, wonderful pieces don’t get selected. I have a friend who makes sure she always has a story out on submission. Having something out there being considered is a hopeful state for her, and as soon as something is rejected, she revises and sends it out again. Rejections can also be a gift—they can teach you something. As an editor was rejecting the first story in my collection, “Nemecia,” he said, “And by the way, I think your story ends here.” He marked a spot about two-thirds of the way through the story. He was exactly right! I revised it again, ending it right on the image he had pointed out, and I sent it out again and it was eventually taken. So practice rejection, and then get good at bouncing back. What advice do you have for aspiring writers? Along with the usual advice—treat it as a job, remember that writing is a long game, be patient—my main piece of advice is to be observant. Ask questions. Get in the habit of really looking around you. One of the practices that I’ve had for years now, and that I make my students do, is to write down one interesting thing a day. I’m not much of a journaler, but I do keep a notebook and I try to notice and record one interesting thing a day. It can be anything: an overheard exchange, a line I read and loved, a scandalous anecdote. I call them my Notable Items. Many of mine seem to involve animal attacks. I’ve found that when I fall out of practice, I notice less in the world. It’s a little trickier during the pandemic when we’re not out and about and constantly talking to new people, but so much is happening to us and around us, even if we’re spending a lot of time in our homes, and we can witness that.
Santa Fe Literary Review
101
