I’m chasing #100rejections again in 2025. Last year I joined a “#100rejections” Facebook group, where writers share their rejection tallies, occasionally talk about their rejection notes, and also share acceptances. Last year I hit 89 rejections. The idea is that more submissions = more rejections (and theoretically, more acceptances). I’m a bit behind. My count is 33, but growing. I’m also getting a few acceptances, so maybe there’s something to that theory.
This year, I’m focused on being more proactive rather than sliding in at the last sliver of a submission’s open status. I’m also subbing to more lit mags and anthologies new to me. I don’t know if this will help increase acceptances, but submissions feel more manageable. (Time will tell if I’ll get #100rejections.)
A Few Acceptances
I’m happy to share a few recent acceptances, with gratitude to the organizations and publications involved:
- “Morning Mixtape” and “Tracing Streams” will appear in Tennessee Voices Anthology, 2024-2025, (Poetry Society of Tennessee) to be released late summer. (Also, “Moonshadow” was accepted for this anthology last fall.)
- “Tinnitus Blues Jam” appears in a Maitland Library publication (FL), associated with a local, themed contest. I didn’t place but I had fun writing the poem in a WriteOn! prompt session.
- “Dining with Epicurus” will appear in a soon-to-be-released Florida Bards Anthology (Local Gems Press).
Quick Tips
Here are six quick tips on chasing submissions:
- Set a goal: pick a number. Change it. It’s your goal. (Last year, I started with 25, grew it to 75 and almost hit #100rejections.)
- Work toward your goal every week.
- Find an accountability partner or group (and be active).
- Submit to a broader range of lit publications (research for fits).
- Celebrate all the outcomes.
- Be kind to yourself.
The process isn’t always easy or fun, but hitting rejection goals is nice and getting published is even nicer! (Want more of this topic? Check out my earlier blog post.)
Chasing Events in Tennessee
As summer nears, I’m hitting the road (and staying close to home) for a variety of poetry events.
May In Memphis
May 20 I’ll be in Memphis for the Vagabond Poetry Tour at Cafe Noir on Madison Avenue. If you’re into Beat poetry, follow them on Instagram for tour dates and locations and check out their society. Wherever you are, check out Cafe Noir’s offerings. If you’re in Memphis, follow Home Grown Arts for upcoming events, like a celebration naming the city’s Youth Poet Laureate.
June in Knoxville
June 11-14 the Southern Fried Slam will be held at various locations in Knoxville, featuring preliminary and final bouts along with some interesting side events. I’m working out some conflicts, but hope to catch some of the events. Last year, I met some of the poets who will compete in this event: if you love slam, I expect you already have this booked. If you’re looking for a new experience, come on out. They are also seeking volunteers to support all of the happenings. You can find information about that at their website also.
Once Again in Murfreesboro
I had a great time in Murfreesboro with Poetry in the Boro. I don’t know when yet, but I’ll be back, because they are friendly and fabulous. Their events typically include a reading followed by an open mic.
Always Open
On first Tuesdays I co-host the PoetTEA Open Mic at The Philosopher’s House in Johnson City, a collaboration between Poetry Society of Tennessee and the Poetry Writers Workshop. This is a friendly venue for any poet, beginner to experienced. If you’re local or visiting, join us!
I also plan to join the Johnson City Poets Collective for their 3rd Wednesday Poetry Hoot all summer, an open mic held at the Down Home in Johnson City. This is a welcoming group and a popular event, get there early to sign up for a slot!
More Places for Poetry
More poetry venues abound in Tennessee:
- In Chattanooga, Rhyme-n-Chatt offers different events during the month. Chattanooga Writers Guild has an open mic last Fridays of most months. Walnut Street Publishing also holds a variety of events.
- In Cookeville, Plenty Bookshop offers the Sawmill Poetry Series, featuring a reading followed by an open mic.
- In Nashville, The Porch always has something interesting going on.
Got more ideas to experience (and participate in) poetry in Tennessee or surrounding states? Drop a comment!