Tina, indeed, rejection is part and parcel of the writing process. However, it should be viewed as a stepping stone to success per the mantras, “You’re closer than you think” and “It’s always darkest before the dawn.”

Persistence pays off. Thin skin does not. Thus don’t believe the haters and naysayers. Rather, brush that dirt off your shoulder and move forward.

In baseball, batting 300 is considered successful. That means the hitter fails to get on base 70% of the time, while succeeding in only three in ten at bats, on average. The takeaway: it’s all relative and success is shaped by your outlook — and almost never comes easy.

The best route to success: don’t get mad, don’t get even…get ahead — through persistence and hard work with a positive attitude. Onward and upward!