Rejections are a part of any writer’s life and as a writer, I’ve seen my fair share.
If I want to basically guarantee a rejection though, all I have to do is submit a piece about widowhood.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a lighthearted piece or a tear-jerker. It doesn’t make a difference if it’s some kind of how-to or if it’s more of a memoir.
Nobody wants it.
I first learned this when Vox magazine requested pitches about important, relevant issues in the world these days. I pitched the idea for a piece about the ever-growing suicide epidemic. I didn’t even care if it was written by someone other than me – I just wanted the subject matter to be addressed.
They passed. They felt like it wouldn’t capture reader attention in the way they prefer.
Oh, okay. But what if it could have helped even one person?
I guess one person isn’t enough to boost their clicks.
But it’s not just the topic of taking one’s life – it’s all of widowhood.
And why?
Nearly ONE MILLION women become widows each year in the US. (And there are nearly 15 MILLION widows and widowers in the US as well.)
Those aren’t small numbers.
So why can’t we talk about it?
I get that it’s an uncomfortable topic – and no one knows that better than a widow.
Widows live that discomfort daily, sometimes for the rest of their lives.
We know you feel uncomfortable whenever we bring up our late spouses – and truly, you shouldn’t be. If we’re okay talking about them, how come you’re not okay listening? We’re the ones who go home without them at the end of the day.
We’re the ones left to pick up all the pieces – oftentimes, very much alone.
Maybe we wouldn’t be so alone if this wasn’t such a taboo topic.
Perhaps more people would understand widows better if it was something that could be openly talked about.
But until the more mainstream media sources can relax their stance on death-related topics, widowhood will likely remain a topic that is ignored and swept under the rug.
This is why it’s so important for wids to stick together and support each other.
If we all use our voices, then maybe the masses will finally listen.
Image generated via BingAI
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Support Widows This Holiday Season!
As we approach the holidays, the Hope for Widows Foundation is seeking sponsors for our annual Bring Hope Holiday Program. This initiative supports widows facing financial challenges, helping them provide gifts and essentials for their children during this special time of year.
Want to make a difference? Become a sponsor and bring hope to a widow’s family this holiday season. Every contribution, big or small, helps spread joy and light. For more details and to sign up, visit: https://linktr.ee/hopeforwidows
Note: If you are a widow in need of support this holiday season, the widow application will be available at the end of October or the first week of November. You can find it at the same link.
Let’s make this season brighter together!
About Layla Beth Munk
Layla Beth Munk is a blogger & author who was thrust into this widowhood journey abruptly and tragically on February 11, 2018. Her husband of 12 years had ended his pain once and for all. She soon made the decision that she would not let his final decision define the rest of her life or their daughter’s life, so with her sense of humor at the helm, she started writing about her newfound station in life. Grief waves still get to her, and probably always will, but with the help of her fellow widows as well as friends and family, she has been able to realize her dream of becoming a published author! Layla is so grateful to Hope For Widows Foundation for providing this level of support to her, and so many others! Layla has two amazing children, one who is grown and one who is almost grown. She lives in eastern Oregon and has a wellness & beauty background. Layla enjoys writing poetry, watching anime, and homeschooling her daughter.
Her blog can be found at laylabethmunk.medium.com and her debut novella, 24 Hours in Vegas, is available on Amazon.