Recently, I started to submit some short stories for publication, and I realized something interesting. I have no problem sending my work to editors I don’t know who are all but certain to respond with a rejection letter. The odds of success are typically in the low- to mid-single digits, and I’m all right with that.
At the same time, I’m at least a little reluctant to have family and friends read my workânot much but a bit. I think this feeling will pass as I get more into writing and more used to the idea of being a writer. But for now, it’s there.
Due to the typical exclusivity requirements of online magazines and podcasts, I’m waiting until stories are accepted and published before posting links for people to read or listen to them. Depending on my success in the publishing game, it could be weeks or months before that happens.
In the meantime, I’ll imagine the feeling of clicking the Post button on Facebook to tell 400 people about a story I wrote.