My Rejection Story

In this conversation, Alice Draper and Ayodeji Awosika explore the multifaceted journey of self-publishing, from overcoming the fear of failure to the intricacies of writing, editing, and marketing a book. They discuss the importance of building an audience, effective time management strategies, and the decision-making process behind choosing self-publishing over traditional routes. Ayodeji shares insights on personal growth, accountability, and the evolving nature of careers in today's world, emphasizing the need for adaptability and self-awareness. The conversation concludes with practical advice for aspiring podcasters and content creators, highlighting the significance of focusing on what works and continuously improving one's craft.

For anyone listening, you can order a copy "An Honest Guide to Self-Improvement" here: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Real-Help-Honest-Guide-Self-Improvement/dp/B084YWT78R/⁠

To find out more about Ayodeji and grab his free course, head over to: ⁠https://ayotheauthor.com/⁠ 

Follow Ayodeji on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayotheauthor/⁠

This episode originally aired on ADHD-ish hosted by Diann Wingert. Episode link here: https://www.diannwingertcoaching.com/blog/risk-rejection-resilience 

In this conversation, Alice Draper is interviewed by Diann Wingert, the host of the ADHD-ish podcast. Together, they discuss the complex nature of rejection, its historical roots in human survival, and the psychological impacts it has on individuals, particularly those with ADHD and marginalized identities. The dialogue explores the science behind rejection sensitivity, cultural conditioning, and a gendered perspectives on failure. 

Check out: The ADHD-ish Podcast. This podcast alternates between straight-shooting solo episodes, guest interviews with other successful female solopreneurs, and client success stories of women who have worked with Diann to transform their businesses and mindset.

Connect with Diann Wingert:

Podcast: https://www.diannwingertcoaching.com/podcast 

Free guide on Mastering Your Entrepreneurial ADHD: https://diann-wingert-coaching.kit.com/mastering-your-entrepreneurial-adhd 

Diann’s LinkedIn newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7018282741351817216/?displayConfirmation=true 

Chapters:

04:36 The Science Behind Why Rejection Is Hard

08:00 Exploring the Depths of Rejection

05:53 The Science Behind Rejection Sensitivity

09:12 Marginalization and Its Impact on Rejection

11:06 Cultural Conditioning and Gendered Perspectives

15:00 Building Rejection Resilience: Strategies and Insights

17:54 Community Support in Overcoming Rejection

21:13 Navigating Personal Rejections and Emotional Responses

24:08 How To Handle Personal Rejections

27:13 Practicing Perspective-Taking When Dealing with Rejection

35:18 Surprising Insights About Success and Rejection

39:01 The Weight of Expectation and Rejection

41:00 Making Big Rejection Goals By Finding Your Intention

46:35 The Secret To Unstoppable Rejection Resilience

47:00 Conclusion And Closing Thoughts

In this episode, Alice Draper reflects on her journey through the first 11 episodes of her podcast, focusing on the theme of rejection and personal growth. She shares her own experiences with rejection, trauma, and caregiving, emphasizing how these challenges have shaped her resilience and identity. The conversation explores the duality of rejection and success, highlighting that both can coexist and lead to personal transformation. Alice encourages listeners to embrace their rejection stories as sources of strength and motivation for growth.

takeaways

Tina Wells shares her rejection story and the pivotal moment in her life when she felt rejected. She talks about the changes in the agency world and how she had to confront the rejection and make a decision. Tina emphasizes the importance of taking a pause and becoming present with oneself to navigate through rejection.

For anyone listening, you can order a copy of The Elevation Approach: Harness the Power of Work-Life Harmony to Unlock Your Creativity, Cultivate Joy, and Reach Your Biggest Goals on Amazon: https://a.co/d/boRRTDv

To find out more about Tina Wells, her books, services and courses, visit: https://tinawells.com/

Follow Tina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinawells/

I will also be giving away a copy of Tina’s latest book to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to [email protected].

Distribution Partners:

A special thanks to our partners, who I highly recommend getting in touch with.

If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com

Special shout out to Eva Langston. Eva created a writing resources newsletter with the goal of giving the advice, encouragement, and resources she wished she’d had at various stages in her writing career. Her Substack newsletter for writers on the journey to publication now has over 4,500 subscribers.  Subscribe here: https://evalangston.substack.com/

If you are looking for a book writing coach to get your manuscript out there, I recommend working with:
Lindy Pfeil, Author and Memoir Coach, website: lindypfeil.com

Emily Tamayo Maher, Author & bestselling author in women’s spirituality, website: meaningmethod.com.

Tracy Stewart, book mentor and developmental editor, author, and ghostwriter, website: freshlypress.com

Javacia Harris Bowser, host of a community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, website: seejanewritebham.com

If you’re looking for a brain / neuro trainer, check out Paula Echeverri, website: neuromomceo.com

Freelance writers, you are going to want to get your hands on Amber Perry’s guide, 250+ nonfiction publications that pay, so people can start pitching right away.

Chapters

In this episode of My Rejection Story, Kimberly Brown shares her personal journey of rejection and redirection in her career. She discusses the emotional impact of job rejections, the importance of vulnerability, and how to navigate the job market effectively. Kimberly emphasizes the significance of asking questions during interviews and the need for self-coaching in professional development. She also opens up about her experience as an author, the challenges of promoting her book, and the importance of community support. The conversation concludes with practical advice for growing a podcast and engaging with an audience.

Takeaways:

For anyone listening, you can order a copy of Next Move, Best Move, on Amazon: https://a.co/d/74iDP5I 

I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to [email protected].

To find out more about Kimberly Brown, her book and company, Brown Leadership, visit: https://www.brownleadership.com/ 

Follow Kimberly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlybonline/ 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rejection and Redirection

04:22 Kimberly's Job Rejection Story

07:22 The Impact of Rejection on Career Paths

10:23 Navigating the Job Market and Interviews

13:14 The Importance of Asking Questions in Interviews

16:12 Vulnerability in Professional Growth

19:27 The Journey of Writing and Promoting a Book

21:58 Building a Community Around Your Work

24:51 The Process of Self-Coaching and Leadership Development

28:04 The Challenges of Being Visible and Authentic

31:47 Advice for Growing a Podcast

34:53 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Distribution Partners:A special thanks to our partners, who I highly recommend getting in touch with.
If you are looking for a book writing coach to get your manuscript out there, I recommend working with:
Lindy Pfeil, Author and Memoir Coach, website: lindypfeil.com
Emily Tamayo Maher, Author & bestselling author in women’s spirituality, website: meaningmethod.com.
Tracy Stewart, book mentor and developmental editor, author, and ghostwriter, website: freshlypress.com
Javacia Harris Bowser, host of a community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, website: seejanewritebham.com
If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com
If you’re looking for a brain / neuro trainer, check out Paula Echeverri, website: neuromomceo.com
Freelance writers, you are going to want to get your hands on Amber Perry’s guide, 250+ nonfiction publications that pay, so people can start pitching right away. Here’s the link:
If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com

In this episode of My Rejection Story, host Alice Draper speaks with therapist and author Jason VanRuler about the complexities of rejection, particularly in relationships. They discuss the importance of rewriting personal narratives, the necessity of grieving losses, and the journey towards authenticity. Jason shares his experiences with rejection and how they shaped his path to becoming a thought leader in the mental health space. The conversation emphasizes the value of community, the challenge of faulty beliefs, and the growth that comes from embracing rejection.

Takeaways:

For anyone listening, you can order a copy of Get Past Your Past on Amazon, here: https://a.co/d/gIGMvYQ 

I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to [email protected].

To find out more about Jason VanRuler and his work, visit: https://www.jasonvr.com/ 

Follow Jason on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason.vanruler/ 

Elizabeth Fremantle shares her experiences of rejection, starting with being expelled from school at a young age. She felt unjustly labeled as a bad influence and struggled to overcome the rejection. However, her desire to be a writer motivated her to go back to university as a mature student and pursue her passion. 

Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of finding a way back from early rejection and not letting it define one's future. She also discusses the impact of rejection on her writing career, including the rejection of multiple novels before finding success with her fourth book. Elizabeth reflects on the constant drive to achieve more and the role of luck and timing in her success. In this conversation, Ellizabeth discusses her journey as a writer, including the process of getting her book, Queen's Gambit, published and the challenges of being a visible author. 

She also talks about the experience of having her book adapted into a film and the importance of letting go of creative control. Elizabeth emphasizes the need to not take rejection personally and to understand that external factors can influence the success of a book. She shares her ongoing goals and challenges, including writing a screenplay. 

For anyone listening, you can order a copy of Firebrand, as well as Elizabeth’s other books, on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Firebrand-Novel-Elizabeth-Fremantle/dp/1668005360 

I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to [email protected].

To find out more about Elizabeth Freemantle and her books, visit: http://www.elizabethfremantle.com/  

Follow Elizabeth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizfremantle/ 

A special thanks to our partners, who I highly recommend getting in touch with.

f you are looking for a book writing coach to get your manuscript out there, I recommend working with:

Lindy Pfeil, Author and Memoir Coach, website: lindypfeil.com

Emily Tamayo Maher, Author & bestselling author in women’s spirituality, website: meaningmethod.com.

Tracy Stewart, book mentor and developmental editor, author, and ghostwriter, website: freshlypress.com

Javacia Harris Bowser, host of a community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, website: seejanewritebham.com

If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com

If you’re looking for a brain / neuro trainer, check out Paula Echeverri, website: neuromomceo.com

Freelance writers, you are going to want to get your hands on Amber Perry’s guide, 250+ nonfiction publications that pay, so people can start pitching right away. Here’s the link:

If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com

Chapters

00:00 Early Rejection and Expulsion from School

02:32 Finding a Way Back from Rejection

12:07 The Role of Luck and Timing in Success

26:55 The Constant Drive to Achieve More

34:24 Navigating Rejection and Visibility as a Writer

38:23 The Challenges and Rewards of Book-to-Film Adaptation

44:37 Letting Go of Creative Control

50:06 The Importance of Continuous Learning and Setting New Challenges

Jill Mansell shares her journey as a writer, from her early experiences with rejection to becoming a bestselling author. She talks about the challenges of finding an agent and receiving rejections from publishers. Despite the setbacks, she persevered and found success with her unique style of writing. 

Jill discusses the fear and anxiety she still feels with each new book, as well as the joy of connecting with readers and making a positive impact on their lives. In this conversation, Jill discusses the importance of constructive feedback and incorporating diverse perspectives into her writing. She shares how she creates rich and colourful characters by drawing inspiration from people she knows and combining different aspects of their personalities. Jill also talks about her writing process, including her preference for writing with fountain pens and her daily word count goals. 

She explains why she chooses not to include explicit sex scenes in her romance novels, the challenges of coming up with new ideas after writing 37 books, and the desire to have her books adapted into movies or TV series.

For anyone listening, you can order a copy of Promise Me, as well as Jill’s other books, on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/g83pZ26 

I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to [email protected].

To find out more about Jill Mansell and her books, visit: https://jillmansell.co.uk/ 
Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillmansell/

A special thanks to our partners, who I highly recommend getting in touch with. If you are looking for a book writing coach to get your manuscript out there, I recommend working with: Lindy Pfeil, Author and Memoir Coach, website: lindypfeil.com 

Emily Tamayo Maher, Author & bestselling author in women’s spirituality, website: meaningmethod.com.

 Tracy Stewart, book mentor and developmental editor, author, and ghostwriter, website: freshlypress.com

 Javacia Harris Bowser, host of a community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, website: seejanewritebham.com

 Freelance writers, you are going to want to get your hands on Amber Perry’s guide, 250+ nonfiction publications that pay, so people can start pitching right away. Here’s the link:⁠https://amber-petty.newzenler.com/f/250-places-that-pay-for-your-writing-forever35

 If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com

If you’re looking for a brain / neuro trainer, check out Paula Echeverri, website: neuromomceo.com

Chapters:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Jill's Early Writing Experience

02:25 Jill's Journey from Rejection to Success

10:23 Transitioning from a Full-Time Job to a Full-Time Novelist

17:16 Dealing with Rejections from Publishers

21:55 Life Changes After Finding Success with Hachette

25:10 Navigating Fear and Anxiety in the Writing Process

28:19 The Power of Positive Impact on Readers' Lives

29:02 The Power of Constructive Feedback in Writing

31:03 Incorporating Reader Suggestions into Writing

33:04 Creating Rich and Colorful Characters

36:33 Drawing Inspiration from Personal Experiences

37:00 Writing Process and Daily Word Count Goals

38:21 Writing with Fountain Pens: A Source of Joy and Inspiration

41:49 The Story of the Lost First Manuscript

43:35 The Importance of a Writing Community

48:03 Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life

51:43 Challenges of Generating New Ideas

55:42 The Desire for Book Adaptations

Haley Jakobson, a writer and playwright, discusses her relationship with rejection and the journey to publishing her debut novel, 'Old Enough'. She shares her fear of rejection and the mantra of choosing herself, which worked until she had to face the vulnerability of publishing a book. Haley talks about the 40+ rejections she received and the tools she developed to navigate rejection, including zooming out and realizing that her career is not defined by one project, leaning on her community for support, and finding joy in other aspects of her life. She also discusses the changes in her life since the book launch and the responsibility she feels to educate and advocate for her audience. 

Haley explores the concept of vulnerable storytelling and the challenges of being unpolished and messy in her writing. She shares that while her book 'Old Enough' is inspired by her own experiences, the protagonist is a separate character with her own journey. In this conversation, Haley Jakobson discusses her journey of healing and reclaiming her innocence after experiencing assault as a teenager. She shares how she grew into innocence and embraced her silliness and vulnerability. Haley also talks about her writing process and the importance of staying true to her values in navigating the capitalist nature of the publishing industry. She offers insights into manifestation and the power of community in achieving her goals.

For anyone listening, you can order a copy of Old Enough: A Novel on Amazon.

I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to [email protected].

To find out more about Haley Jakobson and her writing, visit: https://www.haleyjakobson.com/ 

Follow Hayley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyjakobson/ 

A special thanks to our partners, who I highly recommend getting in touch with.

If you are looking for a book writing coach to get your manuscript out there, I recommend working with:

Lindy Pfeil, Author and Memoir Coach, website: lindypfeil.com

Emily Tamayo Maher, Author & bestselling author in women’s spirituality, website: meaningmethod.com.

Tracy Stewart, book mentor and developmental editor, author, and ghostwriter, website: freshlypress.com

Javacia Harris Bowser, host of a community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, website: seejanewritebham.com

Freelance writers, you are going to want to get your hands on Amber Perry’s guide, 250+ nonfiction publications that pay, so people can start pitching right away. Here’s the link:⁠https://amber-petty.newzenler.com/f/250-places-that-pay-for-your-writing-forever35

If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com

If you’re looking for a brain / neuro trainer, check out Paula Echeverri, website: neuromomceo.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hayley Jakobson

00:43 Hayley's Relationship with Rejection

03:03 Navigating Rejection and Choosing Herself

05:22 Developing a Relationship with Rejection

10:17 Life Changes After Publishing a Book

15:28 The Challenges of Being Unfiltered in the Public Spotlight

22:33 Understanding Vulnerable Storytelling

29:38 The Inspiration Behind 'Old Enough'

31:02 Growing into Innocence

36:00 Writing as a Tool for Healing

37:39 Navigating Capitalism and Staying True to Values

51:07 Manifestation and Building a Supportive Community

56:36 Balancing Creativity and Marketing in the Publishing Industry

Paulette Perhach, an award-winning writer and author, shares her experiences with rejection and failure.

She emphasizes the importance of being open and vulnerable as a writer and navigating the challenges that come with it.

She discusses her journey with ADHD and how it has influenced her relationship with rejection.

Paulette also talks about the importance of self-compassion and seeking external help when needed. She shares personal stories of infidelity and how she stays open despite past experiences.

In this conversation, Paulette Perhach discusses the importance of feeling and embracing vulnerability, the power of acceptance, and the journey from victimhood to survivorship. S

he emphasizes the need to tap into our emotions and experiences in order to grow and transform. Paulette also shares insights on negotiation, self-education, and the value of having a vision. She encourages aspiring writers to read, write consistently, and start with small projects before submitting their work.

Paulette's personal story of resilience and growth serves as an inspiration for anyone navigating the challenges of life and pursuing their creative passions.

For anyone listening, you can order a copy of Welcome to the Writer's Life: How to Design Your Writing Craft, Writing Business, Writing Practice, and Reading Practice on Amazon.

To find out more about Paulette Perhach and her writing coaching, retreats and pieces, visit: https://www.pauletteperhach.com/ 

Follow Paulette on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulettejperhach/

I will also be giving away a copy of Paulette's latest book to a listener who subscribes to the podcast (your entry will count twice if you also review). You just need to email screenshots to [email protected].

A special thanks to our partners, who I highly recommend getting in touch with.

If you are looking for a book writing coach to get your manuscript out there, I recommend working with:

Lindy Pfeil, Author and Memoir Coach, website: lindypfeil.com

Emily Tamayo Maher, Author & bestselling author in women's spirituality, website: meaningmethod.com. 

Tracy Stewart, book mentor and developmental editor, author, and ghostwriter, website: freshlypress.com 

Javacia Harris Bowser, host of a community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, website: seejanewritebham.com 

Freelance writers, you are going to want to get your hands on Amber Perry’s guide, 250+ nonfiction publications that pay, so people can start pitching right away. Here’s the link:⁠https://amber-petty.newzenler.com/f/250-places-that-pay-for-your-writing-forever35 

If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com

If you're looking for a brain / neuro trainer, check out Paula Echeverri, website: neuromomceo.com

Chapters: