Author Finds Encouraging Rejection Letter from George Magazine After Watching 'Love Story'

Karen Winn, author of 'The Society', rediscovered a personal rejection letter from 2000 that felt like a 'piece of history' after watching the FX series.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:12pm

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An abstract, minimalist composition using bold, jagged shapes in red, white, and black to conceptually represent the intersection of politics, pop culture, and publishing.A personal rejection letter becomes a cherished memento, connecting an author to the bygone era of a pioneering political magazine.Boston Today

Karen Winn, a Boston-based author, was captivated by the FX series 'Love Story' which documented the lives of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. As a writer herself, Winn found the show's depiction of the inner workings of George magazine, founded by JFK Jr., to be particularly fascinating. After watching the show, Winn rediscovered a rejection letter she had received from George magazine in 2000, which included a handwritten note of encouragement from an editor. Winn shared the letter on Instagram, noting that the personal rejection and words of support stayed with her for decades.

Why it matters

The rediscovery of Winn's rejection letter from George magazine provides a unique personal connection to the world depicted in 'Love Story', offering insight into the publishing industry and the impact that even a small gesture of encouragement can have on an aspiring writer's career. Winn's story highlights the value of preserving meaningful mementos and the way they can take on new significance over time.

The details

In 2000, when Winn was 22 years old, she submitted a commentary piece to George magazine, which was founded by JFK Jr. and Michael J. Berman with the aim of making politics more accessible. While her submission was ultimately rejected, the editor took the time to write a handwritten note thanking Winn for sharing her work and wishing her a successful future. Winn kept the rejection letter and envelope, which featured the George magazine logo, as a point of pride and encouragement, even as she was starting out as a writer.

  • In 2000, Winn submitted a commentary piece to George magazine.
  • On July 24, 2000, Winn received the rejection letter with the handwritten note.

The players

Karen Winn

A Boston-based author who is the author of 'The Society' and 'Our Little World'. She was captivated by the FX series 'Love Story' and rediscovered a rejection letter she received from George magazine in 2000.

George magazine

A magazine founded by JFK Jr. and Michael J. Berman with the aim of making politics more accessible by blending it with pop culture and celebrity content.

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What they’re saying

“Back then, I had no idea that behind the cover, there could be so much internal strife. Now, as a published writer, I have more of an understanding of the politics and personalities that come into play within the publishing industry.”

— Karen Winn, Author

“Watching Love Story, I felt some sympathy for JFK Jr., particularly when people tried to capitalize on his celebrity status. Then again, George was very much his personal endeavor, and his vision of blending politics with pop culture made him central to its identity.”

— Karen Winn, Author

“I was disappointed, of course. But then again, I was 22 and just starting to see myself as a potential writer. I was thrilled that an editor took the time to personally write to tell me that she saw potential in my writing.”

— Karen Winn, Author

The takeaway

Winn's story highlights the lasting impact that even a small gesture of encouragement can have on an aspiring writer's career. The rediscovery of her rejection letter from George magazine serves as a reminder of the value in preserving meaningful mementos, as they can take on new significance over time and provide a personal connection to historical events.