Episode Summary: "Life After Rejection (Spoiler: It’s Pretty Good!)"
Released April 16, 2025
In this compelling episode of Bad On Paper, hosts Becca Freeman and Olivia Mentor navigate the often tumultuous waters of rejection and failure. Through heartfelt discussions and intimate interviews with two inspiring guests, Becca and Olivia explore how setbacks can lead to profound personal growth and unexpected successes.
Highs and Lows
The episode kicks off with Becca and Olivia sharing their personal highs and lows, setting the stage for an honest conversation about the challenges of creative pursuits.
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Olivia's Highs:
Olivia shares uplifting stories about receiving positive feedback from listeners, Abby and Ray, which inspired her to focus on the positive aspects of her work.
"I got this email from someone named Ray... what a lovely first word, Ray is. I hope you write more."
— Olivia Mentor [01:13] -
Becca's Highs:
Becca reflects on reconnecting with old friends and the joy of discussing writing with like-minded individuals.
"It was so fun to convene with people who have a connection to my past... It was really, really lovely."
— Becca Freeman [06:09] -
Olivia's Lows:
Olivia candidly discusses her struggles with the weather and procrastination on her book.
"I've brought two of my most boring topics to complain about... the weather and my own procrastination on my book."
— Becca Freeman [07:25]
Embracing Rejection and Failure
The conversation shifts to the profound impact of rejection and failure on creative endeavors.
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Olivia on Manuscript Rejections:
Olivia delves into her harrowing experience of receiving multiple rejections for her manuscript, highlighting the emotional toll it took.
"You tell me everything that was wrong with it. It was pretty dramatic."
— Andy Bartz [27:34] -
Becca's Perspective:
Becca observes how creatives often view their own failures more harshly than those of others.
"We look on other people with so much more grace than when you hear these stories."
— Becca Freeman [14:07]
Interview with Andy Bartz: Overcoming Publishing Rejection
Andy Bartz, a New York Times bestselling author, shares her transformative journey through rejection in the publishing world.
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The Struggle:
Andy recounts submitting her first manuscript and facing overwhelming rejection letters, which initially shattered her confidence.
"I was like, well, can I see what they said in their, you know, emails turning it down? And she was like, sure."
— Andy Bartz [22:14] -
Turning Point:
Despite the discouraging feedback, Andy chose to persevere, revising her manuscript extensively over several months.
"I think the only way to get through rejection is to keep writing and keep doing the thing."
— Andy Bartz [33:46] -
Success Achieved:
Her dedication paid off as the revised manuscript received an offer, leading to her debut novel, The Lost Knight, and subsequent successes.
"It had a happy ending. But I still think back to all those people who were like, no, this book can't work."
— Andy Bartz [27:34] -
Advice for Aspiring Authors:
Andy emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and the relentless pursuit of one's craft.
"You have to find some intrinsic joy and reward in the act of writing... you can't give up and continue doing it."
— Andy Bartz [36:24]
Interview with Zoe Paknaud: Navigating Business Failure
Zoe Paknaud, creator of the First Rodeo newsletter, opens up about her experience founding and ultimately closing her eco-friendly e-commerce marketplace, Goldune.
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The Venture:
Zoe describes the initial success during the Covid-19 pandemic when her business thrived as consumer behaviors shifted towards shopping small and sustainable.
"I founded a home business... and it was really hard in 2022 when the market shifted."
— Zoe Paknaud [55:33] -
Facing Failure:
As the pandemic waned, Zoe struggled to sustain her business amidst changing market dynamics, leading to the difficult decision to shut it down.
"I was really relieved... I could do it again."
— Zoe Paknaud [63:50] -
Personal Growth:
The ordeal instilled in Zoe a newfound resilience and a healthier relationship with risk and failure.
"Something that was oddly and bizarrely healing was in this job I have now... there's a deep safety in me there."
— Zoe Paknaud [65:39] -
Advice for Entrepreneurs:
Zoe advocates for embracing failure as a learning experience and maintaining resilience in the face of adversity.
"If you feel like you're failing at one thing... maybe talking honestly about it gets you to your other thing."
— Zoe Paknaud [68:24]
Key Insights and Takeaways
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Persistence Pays Off:
Both Andy and Zoe demonstrate that unwavering perseverance despite rejections and failures can lead to eventual success and personal growth.
"The only way to get through rejection is to keep writing and keep doing the thing."
— Andy Bartz [36:24] -
Intrinsic Motivation is Crucial:
Finding personal fulfillment in the creative process helps sustain individuals through challenging times.
"You have to find some intrinsic joy and reward in the act of writing."
— Andy Bartz [36:24] -
Reframing Failure:
Viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than personal shortcomings fosters resilience.
"Just because something's ending doesn't mean you're not about to begin something amazing."
— Zoe Paknaud [64:19] -
Seek Support and Feedback:
Constructive criticism, even when harsh, can provide valuable insights for improvement and refining one's craft.
"We could kind of see it in different ways... we could like turn it over and like... what could I do to either make them bigger or get rid of them altogether?"
— Andy Bartz [30:20]
Conclusion
"Life After Rejection (Spoiler: It’s Pretty Good!)" is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and the unexpected paths that challenges can illuminate. Through honest dialogues and inspiring guest stories, Becca Freeman and Olivia Mentor encourage listeners to embrace their setbacks as catalysts for growth, proving that rejection and failure are not endpoints but rather stepping stones to greater achievements.
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