I recently received an email that stopped me in my tracks. It read:

“Upon review of the transcript and an early draft, I made the decision not to move forward with the article. While you have a great story to tell, unfortunately, it doesn’t have some of the elements we need to make it a fit for us right now…”

That sentence—though delivered with professionalism and kindness—still stung. I’d been in contact with a writer; we participated in an interview that lasted over two hours and waited (with rising anticipation) for what I thought might be a meaningful feature of our story. But instead of a byline, I received a polite rejection.

This post isn’t just about that moment—it’s about all the moments like it. The pitches that don’t land. The callbacks that never come. The opportunities that almost, almost unfold.

Momentum of the “Almost”

There’s something validating in being seen, even if the outcome isn’t what we hoped. The email included the words: “You have a great story to tell.” That alone reminded me that while this particular opportunity didn’t manifest, my narrative still has weight. My voice still resonates.

“Almost” moments carry momentum. They’re proof that your efforts reached someone. That your message sparked curiosity. That you’re on the right path—even if this particular fork wasn’t the one. After the disappointment subsided, I appreciated the valuable feedback provided by the editor. There are now two media professionals who know my brand and who know what may follow.

What made this disappointment a little harder was the wait. Weeks passed without an update, and in that silence, I started questioning everything—Did I say too much? Too little? Was I not compelling enough? The toughest part was telling my husband;

“They killed the story.”

Honestly I’m not surprised that, our soft life may not be news worthy, but as she said “I have a great story”… so on to the next thing.