Rejection and the Art of Resilience: Why "Just Keep Writing" is the Best Cure

Rejection is a rite of passage for any writer. Whether it’s a politely worded email, radio silence from a publisher, or a project that just doesn’t land the way you’d hoped, the sting of rejection is inevitable. It’s also deeply deflating. When you’ve poured your heart and soul into a piece, only to have it dismissed, it’s easy to feel like giving up. But over time, I’ve discovered that the best—and only—way to truly combat rejection is to "just keep writing."

The Weight of Rejection

Let’s face it: rejection feels personal. Even when it isn’t, even when it’s just "not the right fit" or "not what we’re looking for at this time," it’s hard not to hear those words as "you’re not good enough." That voice of self-doubt creeps in, questioning your talent, your ideas, and whether it’s even worth continuing. But here’s the thing—rejection isn’t a verdict. It’s a moment, a pause, an opportunity to reassess, learn, and grow. And the best way to move past it is to write through it.

Writing as a Healing Process

There’s something cathartic about putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) after facing rejection. Writing gives you a sense of control when everything else feels uncertain. It’s a reminder that your creativity hasn’t abandoned you, that you’re still capable of crafting words, worlds, and characters, even if someone else didn’t see their potential. It’s like exercising a muscle—the more you do it, the stronger you become.

Writing through rejection allows you to process those feelings of deflation and turn them into something productive. Sometimes, the best stories emerge from those moments of vulnerability, when you’re raw and open to exploring emotions you might have otherwise buried. Rejection can be painful, but it’s also fertile ground for growth and creativity.

The Power of Persistence

The truth is, every great writer has faced rejection. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter was rejected by 12 publishers. Stephen King’s Carrie was thrown in the bin before his wife convinced him to try again. And it can be a lot worse for screenwriters who often endure years of hearing “no” before their scripts see the light of day. Quentin Tarantino, for example, spent years working at a video rental store while writing Reservoir Dogs, a script that was initially dismissed by Hollywood before becoming a game-changer. Nora Ephron faced early struggles in her career, including having some of her scripts shelved, but her persistence led to iconic films like When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle.

Similarly, William Goldman was rejected numerous times before his ground breaking scripts like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid redefined screenwriting. Diablo Cody didn’t start as a screenwriter—she worked various odd jobs before her script for Juno became an Oscar-winning success. These writers didn’t let rejection define them; instead, they used it as fuel to keep going, to refine their craft, and to push their work forward.

When I remind myself to "just keep writing," I’m embracing the same resilience these screenwriters demonstrated. Every draft, every script, every pitch is a step forward, even if it doesn’t yield immediate results. Rejection may stall momentum, but writing reignites it—and persistence ensures that momentum keeps building.

Rejection as a Learning Tool

One of the hardest but most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that rejection often has something to teach us. Maybe the story wasn’t ready. Maybe the pitch could have been stronger. Maybe it just wasn’t the right time or the right person. Writing after rejection helps me reflect on what went wrong—and what didn’t. It’s an opportunity to hone my craft, refine my ideas, and keep improving.

And sometimes, rejection isn’t about what you did wrong; it’s about finding the right audience. Not every piece will resonate with everyone, and that’s okay. The important thing is to keep creating, because the more you write, the better your chances of finding the people who will see your work for the gem it is.

Why Writing is the Best Cure

Rejection tries to silence your voice, but writing lets you reclaim it. It reminds you why you started in the first place: because you love telling stories, crafting worlds, and connecting with others through your words. Writing is more than just a career or a hobby—it’s a way of being. It’s what keeps you moving forward, even when the road is rocky.

So, when rejection strikes, take a deep breath, feel what you need to feel, and then sit back down at your desk. Write something new. Rewrite something old. Scribble down ideas that excite you. Just keep writing. Because every word you write is a declaration that you’re not giving up. And one day, those words will lead you to the success you’ve been working toward.

Rejection is tough, but it’s temporary. Writing is forever.