I like to think of myself as a bit cosmopolitan.

Born in Europe, grew up to a large extent in Saudi Arabia, went to high school in Texas, I have two graduate degrees, blah, blah, blah…

Closer to the truth, is that I am as libertarian, white, Baptist, conservative(-ish) as you can be.

And through everything I have read, Anne Lamott is as opposite of me as you can get.

I find her a complete contradiction in so many ways.

And you know what?

I love her.

I love the way she is a mess (or has been).

I love the fact she is not like me.

I love that we share a common faith.

And I love the way she writes.

If you care about writing, do not miss her book, Bird By Bird (Amazon).

And do not miss her interview with Tim Feriss.

When your writing is rejected by an editor:

You must never – ever – ever – take it personal.

Haha.
Good luck with that.

Seriously though.

There is a difference in an editor saying “Add this maybe.” and “Cut that please.” or what have you, and an editor categorically saying “No.”

The former you can work with.

The latter means there is no working relationship.

If you are getting the first, great! That is much of the goal.

If you are getting the second, you might need to flip the script and avoid the gatekeepers altogether.

You might need to stick to my 4 rules.

Rule 1:  I do not write for free. I publish on my own platform, unless you pay me.
Rule 2:  I do not write for free. I publish on my own platform, unless you pay me.
Rule 3:  I do not write for free. I publish on my own platform, unless you pay me.
Rule 4:  I do not write for free. I publish on my own platform, unless you pay me.

Of course, maybe I am doing it wrong.

There are many well laid-out arguments for systematic guest posting.

What do you think?