Embracing Rejection: A Journey to Becoming a Published Author.
The journey to becoming a published author may mean facing rejection repeatedly, but is an inevitable part of any creative journey, especially for aspiring authors.
But, as Marie Jones, a published author and advocate for perseverance, reminds us, rejection is not the end of the road — it's often just a detour to success.
In this episode of the Minute Mastery, Marie shares her story of becoming published. It is one of persistence, growth, and eventual success.
Her journey spanned over two decades, filled with setbacks, rejections, and challenges that nearly led her to give up. However, instead of allowing these obstacles to define her, she used them as stepping stones toward achieving her dream of becoming a published author.
Becoming a Published Author: Rejection is a Stepping Stone, Not a Roadblock.
Marie’s journey was not a smooth ride. It highlights the fact that becoming a published author may mean rejection after rejection!
However, she emphasized that rejection isn’t something to take personally. It's part of the process. Whether it's because the publisher already has a similar author or the book isn’t quite ready, rejections happen. The key, as Marie shared, is not to give up but to see it as an opportunity to grow and improve.
"It's not 'no' forever. It's just 'no' for that person at that time," Marie explained. And when you receive feedback — which is rare but incredibly valuable — take it seriously. These insights from agents and publishers can help you improve your manuscript and make it more marketable.
Becoming a Published Author: The Importance of Resilience in Writing
So, how did Marie stay motivated despite the numerous rejections? Her secret is resilience — the ability to bounce back after setbacks. For any aspiring author, developing resilience is crucial. Marie recommends that writers take each rejection as a chance to refine their craft and grow. The writing world is tough, and honing your skills consistently is key.
"Writing is like a muscle," she said. The more you write, the better you become. Marie’s advice is simple: write every day, even if it's just for 15 minutes. Whether it’s a paragraph or a few pages, consistency will help you become a better writer over time.
Turning Passion into Practice: The Power of Routine.
We all know how difficult it is to juggle responsibilities — especially when you have a family or a full-time job. But Marie’s story shows that it's possible to make time for writing, even with a busy schedule.
Marie found a balance by setting aside specific times for her writing. "In the mornings, I work at school, but in the afternoons, I’m a writer. That’s my job," she said. It’s all about prioritizing what matters and setting boundaries with your time.
This routine became a lifeline for her, allowing her to consistently work on her craft. Marie also highlighted the importance of carving out time for yourself, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Small, consistent efforts will lead to great results in the long run.
Overcoming Self-Doubt: Confidence in Your Craft.
Self-doubt is a common struggle among writers and entrepreneurs. But as Marie shared, it’s important to focus on the value you're bringing to your audience rather than how you feel. "If you let self-doubt in, it will stifle your creativity," she said. Instead of worrying about the outcome, focus on the joy of writing and the potential impact your story can have.
Positive thinking is key to overcoming fear and pushing forward. Even if only one person reads and appreciates your work, it’s worth it. Marie's mindset is a reminder that the creative process itself is valuable — regardless of external validation.
Leveraging Social Media: Building Your Brand and Community
Social media, though intimidating for many, offers authors a direct way to connect with their audience. Marie’s platform of choice is Instagram, where she mixes professional posts about her books with personal glimpses into her life. By sharing behind-the-scenes moments, like photos from holidays or personal milestones, she humanizes herself as an author, making her more relatable to her audience.
"Social media is a great place to build excitement for your work," Marie explained. Whether it’s sharing book excerpts, reviews, or hosting a giveaway, engaging with your followers helps build a community that supports your writing.
But it’s not just about the books — it’s about showing up as yourself. Readers appreciate knowing the person behind the stories, and this connection can help you grow your audience organically.
The Key Mistake New Authors Make: Don’t Rush the Process.
Finally, Marie shared a crucial piece of advice for new authors: don’t rush. Before you send your manuscript to agents or publishers, ensure it's been thoroughly proofread and edited. Additionally, take time to step away from your manuscript for a few months before reviewing it again. This break will give you fresh eyes and help you spot any mistakes or areas for improvement.
When it comes to approaching agents, don’t send generic emails. Research each one and tailor your submission to their specific requirements. It’s a small step that can make a huge difference.
The Final Advice: Just Start Writing.
Marie’s final piece of advice is simple yet profound: just start writing. "Write as if you’re writing for yourself and no one else," she said. This takes the pressure off and allows your creativity to flow freely. Even if you are unsure of how the story will end, just get started. Writing that first draft is the most important step. You can always refine it later, but you can't edit a blank page.
Marie’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and consistency. Whether you're facing rejection, struggling with self-doubt, or unsure how to balance writing with daily life, remember that every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goal.
As Marie’s story shows, your dream of becoming a published author is achievable — but it requires resilience, self-belief, and the willingness to keep going, even when the road seems tough.
So, to all aspiring authors out there: don’t be afraid of rejection, don’t fear self-doubt, and above all, keep writing. Your story deserves to be told.
Connect with Marie through her website and on Instagram.
This episode is available on Youtube links will be posted below:
Launching a Podcast?
Are you ready to share your story, engage an audience, and build your personal or business brand? Then, launching your own podcast may be what you need! And it is easier than you think! I have compiled the five tools you need to get you started. Go to the link in this episode’s show notes to check out my special links.
Microphone and Headphones: Start with what you have. Your phone and your phone’s headphone. You can invest in basic microphones plus headphones like Eksa headset with microphone for laptops and phones (you need the c/ adapter). And as you grow, invest in a high-quality microphone like the Blue Yeti for crisp, professional audio that elevates your podcasting experience.
Recording Software: You need a recording platform and I cannot recommend Riverside FM enough. You can also do basic editing with this software. You could also choose reliable Audacity, GarageBand ( I use this for all my podcasts)or Adobe Audition to effortlessly capture and edit your podcast episodes. I have used all of the above. And they are great.
Podcast Guest: Most podcast needs a guest Find yours in Podmatch
Setup Your recording With a Scheduler: If it is not on your calendar it won’t happen. So let your guests schedule recording sessions with you on your calendar. I use zoom scheduler.
Learn From The Experts: My favourite is Jenna Kutcher. Do her masterclass here and learn how to monetize your podcast here
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