luckily I wasn't drinking my tea this morning when I opened my TWO rejections. one, for a long and experimental piece, was not unexpected. what I found funny was that the very gently worded form rejection letter includes the sentence "Please don't despair." folks, I have enough on my plate without topping myself over your opinion of my writing.

the second was much, much better. it called the piece "a lovely little story" and offered to reread if I rewrite. which I will do, but not before sending off my very best couple of pieces to the same editor. warmish irons and all that.

I have finally started reading Ulysses (the Joyce version). I may never be able to write anything again.