Wednesday, June 5, 2013

IWSG: Ray Bradbury on Rejecting Acceptance

First, I just wanted to thank my readers for the thoughtful comments they left for me over the weekend when I shared about some stuff that was making me feel uncertain about where I was as a writer. You guys are really AWESOME! 

Today is Insecure Writer Support Group day. Thanks to Alex Cavanaugh for hosting.

A year ago from today, Ray Bradbury passed away. He is still missed. His writing has always pushed me to think about topics that many people prefer to overlook- xenophobia and the suppression of free speech, for example. Here's one quote of Mr. Bradbury that I reach for on days when I remind myself why it's important for me to stand by my values:
“You have to know how to accept rejection and reject acceptance.”
Many of us are taught that rejection is a part of life (especially if you're a writer!) and that we should accept rejection with grace. The idea of knowing when and how to reject acceptance is less common. But this is a very important awareness to have, especially when winning the approval of someone or something comes with a price tag or an unspoken agreement that you must leave part of who you are at the door when you walk into the Mansion of Conditional Acceptance. 

Please take my word for it when I say that at the Mansion of Conditional Acceptance, the wine sucks. And it's okay to spit out bad wine, and walk out. 

(That's just one example of how Mr. Bradbury's words have encouraged me to think.) 

Have you ever rejected acceptance? 

25 comments:

Annalisa Crawford said...

I wrote a guest post this week about how rejection is character-building. I think there have actually been times when I've rejected acceptance - I think it helps to have a firm grasp of who you are and what your beliefs are.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Yes, we can't embrace acceptance if we have to give up something important about ourselves. I've never really thought about it before. Mostly it's been how to deal with rejections.

Dianne K. Salerni said...

Huh, this might be good advice for me today. I have a phone call with my new editor later over final revisions on my manuscript. My husband cautioned me not to be so eager to please that I give in on everything just to win her acceptance. I may be in error on some things, and I may have to compromise, but if something feels wrong on a gut level, I need to stand my ground.

Thanks for the timely post!

randi lee said...

Agreed. I've given in to gain acceptance before and felt like a total chode after the fact. Stay true to your work; it'll stay true to you!! Great post!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

When there are conditions, it's not really acceptance, right? We should never compromise.

Unknown said...

Oooh! Thought provoking topic, my dear. I shall put that in my back pocket for safe-keeping.
~Just Jill

Pat Hatt said...

Well it depends on the amount of dough, if I'd compromise or not haha but yeah it isn't something I'd do for many a thing.

Stina said...

I haven't thought about it. But it wouldn't hurt some people to do that more often, then they wouldn't have an overinflated ego. lol

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I never thought of it quite that way before - rejecting acceptance. I've done it, but it was rarely easy and it felt like I was "fighting against" instead of "choosing to reject." Great post!

Unknown said...

There is a lot of discernment in both and a lot of self-talk and evaluation-- when it's time to compromise and when it's not. I agree, acceptance sometimes comes with a price. Rejection can be rolled with a bit easier I think.

Elsie Amata said...

What a great, inspirational quote. Thank you for sharing it. I'm still learning to accept rejection. My skin isn't thick enough for it yet. I'll get there soon enough, I'm sure.

Laura S. said...

LoL, what a great quote! It puts things into perspective. Thanks for sharing Ray Bradbury's wise words!!

Happy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines

Unknown said...

Great post. I've learned to accept rejection, almost expect it, but have a harder time rejecting acceptance. You've really provided food for thought. Thanks for sharing. Enjoyed your post, am now a follower.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Any kind of acceptance that means leaving my true self behind is something I'd immediately reject. Ray was a wise man.

Cherie Colyer said...

Interesting question. It is probably easier to accept rejection than reject acceptance. Something to think about. :)

Anonymous said...

Ah, good point...knowing how to accept rejection could make a huge difference now and in the future.

jonyangorg said...

Thank for popping by and telling me comments didn't work!

S.P. Bowers said...

I've seen people who tried so hard to fit their manuscripts to someone else's idea of good that they ended up completely ruining it. Rejecting acceptance is important.

Lynn Proctor said...

wow, that is an excellent thought to ponder!!!

Stina said...

Hey, Cynthia. To answer your question on my blog. I won't be going to SCBWI LA this year. Because I now write NA, I won't be renewing my SCBWI when it expires later this year. My RWA membership is enough for me. :)

Anonymous said...

hmm - did you plan for this post to drop right before I meet with my critique group? ha!

Sherry Ellis said...

Definitely something to ponder.

Nick Wilford said...

Rejecting acceptance - interesting idea. Kind of reminds me of that quote "I wouldn't belong to any club that would have me as a member" (Oscar Wilde?)

Empty Nest Insider said...

My boys tell me that I don't freely accept compliments; yet accepting rejection is much more difficult. Thanks for reminding me that I have to work on both areas!

Julie

Cynthia said...

Thanks for commenting, everyone! I'm glad my post helped you think!

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