No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.

—Robert Frost

That’s sound advice, I think.

You know when you’re watching a movie and a certain thing happens that allows you to deduce (largely accurately) the series of events about to unfold. It takes the air out of the story. You can no longer be wowed.

In my opinion, surprise is one of the key elements in effective fiction. Characters need to be saying and doing surprising things … at least some of the time. Otherwise, it’s pretty ho-hummish. When they’re saying and doing ordinary things, the presentation should be extraordinary, compelling, finely detailed, emotional.

In the case of poetry, sometimes it’s simply the use of surprising language. Things said in a way that make them extra lyrical, ironic, absurd, twisty-turny, funny.

Think about surprise the next time you sit down to write. Poetry, fiction, non-fiction, essay … it doesn’t matter. Surprise yourself. Surprise the reader.

On a personal note, one of my short stories, “Username Game” has been accepted for publication. It will be months before I have a link to share, but I will when I do.

I also received a “good rejection” recently from a paying journal.

It said the following:

“This story sparked a discussion among our editors. We hope you’ll keep us in mind for future submissions.”

That first sentence is a personal encouragement. Some human beings who have a say in what gets published sat around and chatted about my story. At least for a second or two. A “near miss,” perhaps. Tells me I’m in the ballpark. So, I polish it up and send it off to another publication.

I tell you this not to brag (I have very little to brag about—there were 50 rejections before one acceptance), but to encourage the writers among us.

Persistence pays off.

Right now, I have 64 pieces out to 21 markets (multiple poems in one submission is common) in various states of handling. Some to top-tier markets like The Kenyon Review and others.

Don’t misunderstand me. I know my odds suck. It’s rough out there. Everyone wants to be a writer. Huge numbers of submissions, only a very few manuscripts will be chosen.

But.

If you don’t submit, it ain’t never gonna happen.

Which is fine—if you’re not interested in publication.

But wouldn’t it be cool?

We all want to celebrate with you!

Just do it.

—JRW