In this episode Brenda Murphy—your NeuroSpicy writing coach—walks through how to handle manuscript rejection, especially for neurodivergent creators with rejection sensitivity. She explains why publishing decisions are business choices, how to learn from feedback, and why self-publishing is a powerful option.

Brenda offers concrete coping strategies: feel your feelings, limit reaction time, never rant publicly, celebrate submissions, always start a new project while waiting, and keep your creative identity intact. The episode emphasizes persistence, professional growth, and treating rejection as part of the creative journey.

Show notes

Thanks for listening!

Sign up for my writer’s newletter and get a free writers workbook here: https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Here are the episodes I mentioned in the podcast:

How to deal with RSD and working with other folks : https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-rdnsu-16ebfdf

Imposter Syndrome and Writers Block episode: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-24yrx-1625b05

Book Recs

We Need Your Art by Aime McNee

The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharpe

The Artist’s Way by Juila Cameron

Sign up for my writer’s newletter and get a free writers workbook here: https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Congratulations — your work was accepted! This episode walks neurodiverse writers through the emotional and practical next steps: celebrate, list your questions, understand your contract, and protect your professional relationship with editors and agents.

Learn how to manage imposter syndrome and rejection sensitivity, keep writing to avoid writer's block, start a newsletter, plan marketing, and handle reviews with support and perspective.

Short, clear, and encouraging advice to help you move from the excitement of acceptance into the next stage of your writing career.

Show notes Oh Dang it was accepted

Newsletter Ninja information is here: https://newsletterninja.net/resources/

Jen offers some solid advice geared for authors: https://jenndepaula.com

How to deal with RSD and working with other folks : https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-rdnsu-16ebfdf

Imposter Syndrome and Writers Block episode: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-24yrx-1625b05

Sign ups from my Newsletter and get a free Character Workbook https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/

Brenda Murphy explains the 10,000-hour theory and explains that mastery requires three things: a clear, controllable goal, deliberate practice focused on challenging skills, and targeted feedback. Time alone won’t improve your writing without intention.

She gives practical steps for writers, pick one craft area to improve (structure, dialogue, pacing, or character), study examples, apply techniques, and get specific feedback from readers or editors. For neurodivergent creators, harness hyper-focus to deliberately build skills.

Define success on your terms, set measurable goals, and keep practicing with purpose so your writing and your confidence can grow.

Find out more about Mind Mapping here: https://blog.writingwhiledistracted.com/?p=2274

Sign up for my Writer's Newsletter and received a free Character Workbook here: https://brendalmurphy.com/resources-for-writers/