Chosen or Not, Say Yes

There is something romantic about the idea of being chosen.

Validation, finally. A sense of purpose and destiny. A culmination where all your effort finally comes through.

Feels good, yeah?

Congratulations. Now, let me tell you a truth I’ve learned from experiencing both rejection and being chosen:

Being chosen doesn’t make you special.

What makes you special is that you said yes.

There’s a difference.

Anyone can get chosen. I’ve received 200 submissions from AlònTala’s first open call. As the main decision maker, I could pick all 200 if I wanted to. Or none at all. I can choose the absolute newbie or the veteran. The typo-riddled draft or the most polished prose.

Seriously—literally anyone.

So being chosen? Not a flex.

The real flex… is saying yes.

Saying yes to your writing even when you’re tired.

Saying yes to feedback even when it stung.

Saying yes to keep going even when it felt hopeless.

Saying yes to the story inside you, even when you couldn’t get it out.

Saying yes to the process, even when it felt like nothing was moving.

The real flex is saying yes—again, and again, and again, no matter what.

Some authors were chosen, and still withdrew. Some weren’t chosen at all—but they asked for feedback so they could grow. (And yes, I always give feedback)

Being chosen summons the applause. The social media likes. The glamour. And people like glamour.

Meanwhile, saying yes isn’t glamorous at all. It’s not the moment you post about on social media. It’s the 2 AM scene rewrite that no one applauds. It’s the second draft you hate but keep working on.

It’s the decision to keep going when it would be easier to stop.

The hundreds of editing notes that overwhelm you.

The breakdowns.

The doubt.

The crushing silence.

And still—you choose to keep going.

I’ve received more “no’s” than I could remember. Even more “wait’s”—because it “wasn’t time.” It sucks, I know. Feels like your day will never come. It’s crushing.

But I’m stubborn as hell when I have a goal—because in the end, who’s gonna say “yes” to my dreams but me?

So I’d like to think I’m special because I didn’t give up.

And you? You’re special, too—if you keep going.

Say yes to your ideas.

Say yes to your manuscript.

Say yes no matter what.

And one day, you’ll see, saying yes won’t let you down.

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If this stirred something in you—good. That means there’s something worth holding on to.

Follow AlònTala Publishing on Facebook for raw writing truths, upcoming releases, and quiet reminders that your story still matters—even when no one’s clapping.

Join our AlònTala: Tales & Tides on Facebook. It’s where the bold, the tired, and the quietly relentless gather. We say yes even when it’s hard.

For more messy wisdom, spicy prompts, and behind-the-scenes sparks:
• Indie From the Islands by me, Mariel Leister
• Daydreams for Breakfast by Ann (aka Pasta, your favorite cinnamon-scorched sweetheart)

Want to keep these truths coming? Buy me a coconut—because I write better when I’m not dehydrated and emotionally invested.

Confessions, questions, or undying love? Send them to hello@alontala.com. I’ll read them all. Promise. 💌