The Well was rejected on Tuesday night, after being out at the relevant publication for only three days. This is my first real rejection (after the first market I sent it to was closed) and, surprisingly, I'm not as upset as I expected to be.

Sure, it still smarts to be rejected. I'm not sure whether I had just conditioned myself to get the rejection, or whether the speed of the response has meant it hasn't sunk in yet, but it doesn't hurt like I imagine it would have twelve months ago. I'm just carrying on with life. I've dusted off the story (as it was a form rejection I don't really have anything to work with) and this morning I sent it out to another market.

Fingers crossed.

Maybe it'll hurt more when I've got another dozen rejections under my belt. I hope not.

I haven't written anything recently, and I certainly didn't get anything done whilst I was at Mat's wedding this weekend (taking the A4 pad was pure folly and I realise that now). I meant to write down a few words about the wedding -- highlights of the weekend, best wishes to the happy couple, the incident when Paul's Vitara caught on fire -- but I've been so busy this week I just haven't got round to it. Maybe later.

Finally, I'm going back to the Sticks for Easter weekend and the week that follows, and that means I'll be away from this thing until the 28th of the month at the earliest. Looking forward to going back. My parents have brought a new puppy (a labrador and, altho' I'm not entirely sure of the colour, I suspect it's a black one) called Widgeon, so that will need lots of pampering and looking after I'm sure. I have also got a few nights out planned with the KS&CC Alumni, which should be good. Also, as it's Rugby Weekend I'll be watching lots of rugby (altho' the highlight of the week is the 7s tournament) and drinking lots of beer. Can't wait.