Moving on

I was let go from The Stir yesterday. I'm fine, really. It's a good decision all around, and I'm excited to seek out better writing opportunities. I also needed a little breathing room for things like sleep and time with my husband. My writing wasn't a good fit, and I could feel that.

But, I'd be lying out my ass if I said it didn't sting.

I sometimes think I could make a decent amount of money writing. I think I'm good at it. I feel I've found my voice, and it's okay I spent years of my life never really fitting in anywhere, no matter how many things I joined or managed or organized, because I found writing. Then I get a note from BlogHer that this post I wrote about my dad -- the post I'm most proud of from three years of writing -- wasn't selected for the BlogHer keynote and then a week later I'm let go from a writing gig.

That'll make a secure writer a little shaky.

Hey, I know if anything's worth doing, you have to develop a tougher skin while doing it and all the above is more about bad timing and different writing styles and traffic stats than it is about how much my writing sucks, but I still allowed myself a little time and champagne to wallow in last night. 

Everyone needs a little time and champagne to wallow in from time to time.

Good things will come, I have faith in that, and I'm not even panicking over our (even tighter) budget because we'll be fine. I believe that. So, we don't buy the organic milk for a couple months and we make that No Eating Out in August experiment more a Written in Stone Rule for a while.

We scale back, we remember what's important, and we move forward.

***

If you have been following my weight-loss calendar posts at The Stir, I'll no longer be writing them, but I will be back at Bodies in Motivation writing there with a little more freedom, which will be refreshing. Thanks to Linda for welcoming me back.

***

I am officially back from San Diego, and if you care to look at any pictures from my trip out west for Comic-Con, they're up at Flickr.

Comments

[Francesca]

I never comment, but I've been reading you for...wow, years now. I just wanted to drop a note and let you know that your writing most absolutely does not suck.

[jodifur]

I know it doesn't help, but I liked your writing at the stir.

I know how you feel. I've been blogging for 4 years, and I've watched newer writers gain a better following and "hit it big" and I'm still here. With my tiny blog. But I think you just keep writing.

Hugs.

[Marie Green]

I liked your spot at The Stir. Booo!

Also, it seems like our dads are very similar. My dad is a super-fun person, generous, over-the-top with gifts... but only, like you said, when he's "on". I LOVE being around him, when he's on. But several years ago I found out he'd been cheating on my mom since I was a baby (they are recently divorced), among other disappointing things. One of the hardest lessons as an adult was to just accept him for the fun person he can be, and not get wrapped in all of his dubious personal decisions (like his sordid "love life"). I mean, those things really don't affect me, so I just overlook them. He has to be who he is, not who I want or need him to be, ya know?

[Bethany]

I rarely comment, but I have been a faithful reader for years, and I think you're a wonderful writer. I'm sorry you lost this writing opportunity, but I hope another, even better one is right around the corner.

[natalie]

Just tell me who I need to kick.

[Lemon Gloria]

Oh, Jennie, I'm sorry. That feels terrible. I'm certain it's about fit and what they're looking for right now. It's not about your writing - you're a great writer.

[Life of a Doctor's Wife]

Your writing is fantastic. And I agree - a thick skin is like, a necessity for a writer. But it's hard to develop and I'm really really sorry you had two disappointments recently. (Especially two in a row. Yuck.)

[Jen L.]

So sorry to hear about The Stir. That blows.
Keep your chin up, though...lots of fun to be had in NYC next weekend! And for what it's worth, I think your writing is fantastic, real, honest and charming. So there.

[Angella]

Here to hug you, Jennie. I think you're fabulous as a writer and as a person. Enjoy the champagne wallow, as you have the right to, and then get back up and keep on.

xoxo

[hollylynne]

I thought you were awesome on The Stir and the post about your dad is incredible. You are rad, even if the universe isn't acknowledging it at the moment.

[anna]

For what it's worth, I really enjoy reading your writing and I'm sure you'll find something to replace your piece at The Stir.

One of my best friends is an actress and she deals with professional rejection on a weekly and daily basis. In her chosen profession it's just part of the deal. I imagine the same is true for a writer. I think it makes the successes just that much sweeter.

[samantha jo campen]

Oh honey I'm sorry. I know writers need to have a thick skin but that doesn't make it ENJOYABLE.

I'm so sorry. Can't wait to hug you in NYC though!

[natalie]

You are amazing, and your writing reflects that. We're all cheering for you and I'll continue to read you, no matter where you're writing.

[Laurie]

Chin up! I like your shit! I guess that's maybe not the best way to say I think you're a fabulous writer, but it was just the first thing to come to mind. I'm sure I'm not alone.

[Lauren]

Jennie, your writing was the reason I went to The Stir. I'm sorry this happened.
Just think though. This could open your life to many new, better opportunities.

[Operation Pink Herring]

If you took that news without tears, you handled it better than I would have. What a bummer. I'm really sorry.

[Manda]

Jennie, I'm so sorry to hear about The Stir ... even though it seems to be for the better I know it hurts to be let go. Know this: WE LOVE YOU! You're a wonderful person to work with and you're a stellar writer! We know you'll be back on your feet in no time ... you seem to have no problem filling up "idle time" (ahem STYLE LUSH!).
And eating out? Totally overrated anyway. :)
xoxo

[Kerri Anne]

You know, I was bummed too when I found out BlogHer didn't choose my writing (Even though as it turns out, I'm not going, so what difference would it have made? Not much), because I know my writing is good, and I know those posts are good. But I really do believe rejection can be just as valuable, if not more so, than acceptance. In both writing and in life.

I'm glad you believe in yourself, friend, because you should. I believe in you, too.

Here's to moving forward, and great new writing adventures, for both of us.

[hillary]

Your writing most definitely does not suck.

[Lauren]

Jennie your writing is amazing. I loved following you at the stir. I love style lush and this blog. I will read you wherever you are writing.

[Kass]

Hi, I have only commented a few times, but I have been reading your blog for years. I think you are an excellent writer. You have inspired me on more than one occasion and I think that as long as you are out there inspiring others that's all that matters.

I even started watching Veronica Mars on Netflix to see what all the fuss was about. And for that I must thank you! :-)

[Holley]

Love your writing. Remember? I actually copy and paste quotes (I reference it, of course) and send it to my mama friends. The title of email says, "Wish I had written this"

Yes. Thick skin. Good luck with that. Not equipped to give advice on that.

[Alex]

I love your writing too. You are honest, funny and truly have your own voice. Here's to the next opportunity waiting just around the corner.

[Gayle]

sigh I had one of those days on Monday and I felt so sad and disappointed and beat up on my self for a few minutes, but like you I got over it and saw the silver lining and I feel better. everything happens for a reason and I love to think that when one door closes another swings right open for you.

Loving your blog it is so easy on the eye :)
I follow on twitter LOL I liked your name.

[Heather]

I am sorry to hear that. I hope that you are gracious to yourself, and don't let their underappreciation for your talent get you too down. I think that your writing is real, and down-to-earth, and fabulous. And I am envious of your way with words every time I read a post.

[Angela Noelle]

I know the feeling. It's amazing how one minute you can look at a piece of writing and feel just so damn proud. Then the next minute, you're chucking your computer across the room and swearing that you'll never write again. I've been on a search for a publisher and it has been an epic lesson in handling rejection gracefully.

[Katy]

Can I just say that I'm relieved? Seriously. Just the other day The Stir posted this ridiculous, insensitive post about Baby Neck Rings and when parents were telling them that it was used validly for special needs kids--nothing was revised or edited. I checked and literally one Google search will tell you what the things are used for. And then someone told me that the post has already been done by another blog. I'm sitting there thinking, "man, that pisses me off, but Jennie writes for them. . . "

I'm all for some snark, but snark at the expense of parents doing their damndest to provide opportunities for their kids? Not cool.