When you exit the bathroom and walk down the hall, however,
you’ll see this -- walls lined with gold records that followed in the years
after that rejection letter, as well as Grammy nominations, and an Oscar
nomination for his song Separate Lives (performed by Phil Collins). Stephen has
performed on Saturday Night Live, the Midnight Special, and in concerts around
the world. In addition to his own top hits with “On and On” and “Save it For A
Rainy Day” (with Chaka Kahn) his songs have been performed by Phil Collins,
Eric Clapton, Barbra Streisand, Art Garfunkel, Steve Perry, Stephanie Mills,
Kenny Loggins, Johnny Mathis, Phoebe Snow, David Crosby, The Four Tops, and
Pavarotti. Apparently, his music was more than suitable.
I love that he framed this rejection letter for all his
guests to see. It made me want to do the same. Last week my book Fire Season received an ugly,
negative review on Amazon. Inspired by Stephen, I posted it on facebook for all to see. (Maybe I'll frame it, too.) Having just been in Bish's bathroom, I decided to laugh these negative words off. Just
because someone doesn’t understand your art, your music, your writing --
doesn’t mean your work has no value.
When I first started sending Fire Season out, my own agent,
at that time, passed on it. “It’s not a universal story. People won’t relate to
it,” she said.
Another agent said, “No one reads memoir. Memoir doesn’t sell.”
A publisher said, “You’re not a celebrity, we can’t take a
risk on it. Good luck, though.”
Just think, if every artist, writer, painter, poet,
musician, inventor, comic, etc. listened to the voices of the “critics,” there
would be no art in the world. No music. No books.
I believe every one of us should do our art, whatever form
it takes. Write. Paint. Act. Invent. Brainstorm. Build. People will tell you
it’s impractical, and a waste of money. People might think you are crazy, lazy,
or irresponsible. You might even say these things to yourself (the inner critic
is the worst). Do your art anyway. Do it, because it’s in you and no one else
can do it like you can. Do it for no other reason than the joy of doing it. Do
it, because in spite of the critics (who are most likely frustrated artists
lashing out at others), the world needs your unique fingerprint.
Frame your rejections, and put them on the wall. I agree
with Stephen, a bathroom is the most suitable place to hang it.
For Fun: Here are some rejection letters received by very
famous, very successful artists: http://mentalfloss.com/article/55416/10-rejection-letters-sent-famous-people
Stephen Bishop is still writing amazing songs. Find them here: StephenBishop.com
Also, we take rejection and criticism far too seriously. I think of my own reading, for instance, or film-watching: this year I may have no interest in a certain title; it just isn't speaking to me; in three years, it may fascinate me when I'm at a different place on my path and find it has plenty to offer. For example: I still haven't managed to read Proust; someday I may have the patience and be able to appreciate his Remembrance of Things Past. And movie reviews? Please! I'll make my own judgments, thanks very much. Editors, agents, publishers, reviewers -- it may all be about potential sales, but personal taste comes into it just as much. You're right: do what gives you joy and satisfaction. You'll find your audience.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
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