I received my first check for a poem in January! It was for $10 and I still haven't cashed it, though I run my fingers along it as though there is some mystery as to how I got paid and if I can do it again. This isn't the first time I was to be paid but this is the first time I have actually BEEN paid.
Has it changed anything for me? Well, at first I felt kind of validated but not in a lose-my-head-in-awesome-oblivion-and-become-a-maniac way. It feels really cool that I got paid to write and that it feels more like a career now instead of some odd obsession I can't shake.
Don't worry, it isn't a talisman against rejection. I received four rejections in three days last week so everything is normal there. But, maybe, the sting isn't quite as bad as it used to be.
What was your first writing payment like for you? Did you celebrate? If you don't have your first check yet, how do you imagine the scene when you first receive it?
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Photo: David Beyer
YAY!
ReplyDeleteI haven't been paid yet but someday it will happen. :) I imagine running to the bank, my hands shaking and thinking 'gosh, this is a long time coming' :)
I am beginning to wonder if I am going to cash this one. My mom wants me to frame it. lol
DeleteI have not received any payment yet. I haven't applied in a long long time. I would certainly keep it or copy and frame it.
ReplyDeleteI just keep it close with the copies of the magazine, for now.
DeleteI never thought I would see the day, really.
That's great, Jennifer! You've officially been published! Congrats!! I agree with your mom, frame it as a reminder that you are good enough!
ReplyDeleteThe check even has the poem title scrolled in the "memo" section! An acquaintance told me I could cash it and then just have them give the check back to me but I don't know if I want to do that.
DeleteCongratulations! That's a great acheivement. I haven't been paid yet but hope to do something fun when I get my first writing $. Any plans for your writing money?
ReplyDeleteProbably just keep the check itself. Maybe it will grant me luck. lol
DeleteHow are things with your publisher going? Any new developments?
Congratulations! Yes, it is a great feeling to get paid for your writing! It does make you feel validated. Keep up the good work! I hope you will have continued success!
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