Finding Small Joys and Snapshots in the Writing Journey

 

By Marilyn Nutter

A book contract. Our title on the New York Times Best Sellers’ List. First Place in a writing contest. Many writers have those achievements on their hopes-and-dreams list. Maybe some write those as a goal. Some may be met, but many aren’t. What then?

"Many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness," has been attributed to Pearl S. Buck. She reminds us that focusing and pursuing grand goals may lead us to overlook and not appreciate everyday pleasures. In the case of writers, we sometimes look at smaller efforts and achievements as “less than” accomplishments. Like a consolation prize or being selected runner-up. We tried, but we didn’t make it.

Goals give direction and are important. Dreams fuel our interests and work, but what if we consider the smaller snapshots:

·       Brainstorming with a fellow writer who’s stuck and can’t seem to come up with a slant for a book or article, but, collectively, ideas emerge.

·       Offering constructive critiques on word choice or placement of paragraphs so another’s chapter flows better.

·       Posting a comment on a blog post that serves as a reminder or encouragement and shows the writer you took time to read it.

·       Writing a book review for another author and her readership increases.

·       Proofreading a devotion for a friend before she submits it.

·       Prayers and encouragement over text not only for writing but in her personal life.

·       Serving on a launch or prayer team for a book release.

·       Accepting an invite to join an author’s group or follow her social media page.

·       Meeting for coffee to take a break and offer refreshment.

Each of these may go unrecognized when it comes to awards, but they change our focus, give us a different angle, and add value to our writing community. They may not be the big headline or major book contract, but they’re the small joys that can be big as they enlarge others and even ourselves. Instead of looking at the large wall hanging, try downloading the small photo on your phone.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

 

Marilyn Nutter is the author of Hope for Widows: Reflections on Mourning, Living, and Change and co-author with April White of the award winning book, Destination Hope: A Travel Companion When Life Falls Apart.  Her devotional Mourning Glories: 40 Devotions on Grief, Faith, and New Seasons for Widows was released in June 2026. She is a frequent contributor to online sites and compilations. Visit her at http:/MarilynNutter.com.