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Aly Prades's avatar

I love this! I just printed out some rejection letters and framed them on my desk as “proof of risk.” When I received each rejection letter, email, or text, it certainly stung. But I was surprised that when I went back to print these, I no longer felt the shame of failure; I felt joy at having tried.

Thank you for modeling risky art (which is all art) and creating anyway!

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Kristine Neeley's avatar

My kids made certificates for me to celebrate every rejection. I told them every “no” was a reminder that I was being obedient and courageous — and we celebrate that around here!

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Brooke Shorey's avatar

obedient and courageous. wow.

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Aly Prades's avatar

Love that you are modeling this for your kids! Yes, rejection is a sign of courage and obedience.

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Duane Toops's avatar

Art is failure perfected.

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Katie Archer's avatar

freaking out that the magazine is A THING! as soon as C+C went to the quarterly publishing of essays, i thought to myself - these should be in a magazine, mailed to my house, and it will be so pretty and wonderful cause that is what C+C does - sends beauty into the world of mothering. Go Ashlee, GO! Chase the joy and thanks for telling us to, too.

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Kasey Werner's avatar

Yes!! I had thought the same thing!

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Brooke Shorey's avatar

I made a sign for my woodshop that says "I want to make beautiful things even if nobody cares" 🧡

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Stacy Bronec's avatar

I'm going to strive for about 1% of your positivity here about finding success in failure. And looking for joy just in the process. (Also, cannot wait to hear more about the secret project!!)

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Sophie's avatar

“You have to find joy in the act of making something—regardless of whether or not that thing ever earns money or praise.” I needed to hear this today 💕

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Kiley Bedson's avatar

Wow I love this SO much Ashlee! You are such a gifted writer. I feel inspired to work on a hand stitched toadstool house purse for my daughter now… it could be a joy to fail at!

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Kiley Bedson's avatar

Also, I can’t wait for your next book. And your podcast. And all the things! Your joy of creating is contagious!

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Kasey Werner's avatar

I love this idea so so so much! I miss holding real magazines in my hands!

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Jenna Brack's avatar

Beautiful, friend. Here’s to the joy. ♥️

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Carolyn Jones's avatar

What a great mantra to have!

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Alex Tower Ewers's avatar

A Joy to Fail at. This is so wonderful and such an inspiring way to remember to be curious and keep trying!

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Hannah E Vazquez's avatar

This is timely for me as I am also venturing into risky art (well, what feels risky to me!) and I feel encouraged. I'm also excited about all your ventures! I love the art you create.

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Alyssa Silvester's avatar

“And yet, this much I know: there is joy in trying, in experimenting, in putting yourself out there. There is joy in taking risks. There is joy in making art that you believe—deep in your heart—matters.”

Yes! Exactly what I needed to read tonight. Chasing the joy and embracing being brave.

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Jason Leslie Rogers's avatar

An enjoyable read, and a good reminder of something I learned from a man named Bill Gillham, that the results of a thing are not as important as the method you use. The method determines success, regardless of the outcome. I look forward to reading more from you!

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Megan Hogg's avatar

Well this was a delight to read. Such a refreshing perspective on creativity and “failure.” Also, this! -> “You have to find value and meaning and significance in the creative process itself, wholly separate from the outcome.”

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Whitney James's avatar

I just started writing my first novel. I have no idea what I’m doing and it’s probably terrible in so many ways. But I feel so alive and fulfilled every time I sit down to write. I’m finding joy and feel so happy to do it just for the sake of joy, versus the pressure of traditional success.

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