Thank you so much for this, Yao Wen!

It's helpful to see things put into perspective. You're right that writing can be a joy even when it is not published--I need to remind myself of that. Perhaps the way forward is taking a little break and then going back without expectation. I need to go back to the basics, to find the enjoyment of it again. Maybe this rejection will be a constructive experience in the end.

I hope you are well and thank you once again for your helpful reply.

Merope