ideas – Andrew Careaga

Friday Five: recent craft-y reads

On submitting short stories, crafting great dialogue, persevering in the face of rejection, and more.

Happy May Day, everyone! And for all you writers in distress–perhaps you’re shouting Mayday! Mayday! into the void right now–I hope the following five essays and articles on the writing craft will help:

Joining the 100-rejection club

Embracing an unusual badge of honor

While analyzing my submission and publication activity of this year, I discovered than I am now a member of the 100-rejection club. I’ve actually surpassed that milestone by receiving 101 rejections of my submitted writing in 2025.

Should I be despondent about this high number of rejections? Not at all. In a twisted, perverse sort of way (and aren’t most writers twisted and perverse?), I see it as a badge of honor.