Writers
often receive rejections. They may come
from publishers. Sometimes they come in the form of negative reviews. But, if you believe in your work, it’s worthy
of the old adage, “If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.”
Norman
Bridwell, who died yesterday, is a great example. The artist-author of the phenomenally
successful Clifford the Big Red Dog
series was told he had no artistic talent and his stories were too
schmaltzy. His first book, simply named Clifford the Big Red Dog was rejected by
the first 9 publishers to which he submitted it. But, instead of throwing in the towel, he
tried a 10th and the rest is history.
“Clifford,”
by the way, was supposed to be called “Tiny,” but Bridwell’s wife Norma said
that name was “stupid.” As any writer
knows, listen to your spouse or partner.
Norma liked the name Clifford. As
for Clifford’s friend Emily Elizabeth, that was a no-brainer. It was the name of their daughter, to whom
Norman had been conveying his Clifford story in the first place.
His “poorly
drawn; schmaltzy storied” (some rejecters’’ words) book became the anchor of an
writing empire with 40-some books printed in 65 countries and selling more than
130 million copies (so far), plus an animated television series still loved by
children everywhere.
Norman
Bridwell, Emily Elizabeth & Clifford
Clifford actually embodys his creator, a gentle man with a sense of humor who wanted to share values he hoped children would embrace – kindness, compassion, helpfulness, and gratitude.
And
“stick-to-it-iveness.”
For artists and writers Bridwell had
these words of advice: “Rejection is not a reason to give up. Sometimes you'll do something that you really
like and no one else does. You'll feel terrible, but you've just got to press
on and keep trying. If you like doing it and keep working at it, then someday
you will succeed.”
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