I’ve had many attempts, accomplishments, and failures related to my writing over the past thirty years. Last summer, I created “A Seasoned Writer” to embrace all of my journey and to move forward on unexplored territory. I am most delighted to report I am finally happy. Happy with my writing and happy with the pursuit of connecting with readers.

At least ten years ago, I read Stephen King’s memoir “On Writing.” The following quote struck me then and stayed with me. “Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well. It’s about getting up, getting well, and getting over. Getting happy, okay? Getting happy.”

At that time, I was working on my first memoir and reading anything I could get my hands on in the genres of writing and memoir. I had never read a Stephen King book prior to picking up “On Writing.” I am generally too weak to stomach horror. However, I respect and admire his work. Learning about his practice and approach was inspiring.

It fed me techniques in discipline that I followed, but only in between raising children and a series of day jobs. During these seasons, my writing was sporadic yet dotted with opportunities to connect with readers. I became focused on the joy of hearing from readers, that I forgot to enjoy the actual writing. It was a steady hobby, but I was constantly questioning the value and setting unrealistic expectations for the copy that I put down.

Sure, one can dismiss King’s advice as in it’s easy to be happy when you are a multi-time-bestselling-GIANT. However, I believe he was sincere in saying that the real value of writing is the happiness it brings. Writing brings me joy. It is something that I can improve upon. My writing is something that can resonate or transcend time. At it’s worst, at least it’s something to edit later or crumple up and toss towards the waste basket.

I travel with notebooks and pens. Grateful this hobby doesn’t require any fancy equipment, internet, or even electricity; it’s highly mobile. It is just me and a blank page creating new scenes or capturing the world around me. I am at my center when I quietly summon the muse. It is a joyful flow when the noise around me settles into a background hum. This is when I hear my voice, and this makes me happy.

The truth is that it really is the process. The practice. The showing up. The result is satisfying even if for my own amusement. Even two hundred to four hundred words is enough to cheer my mood. I am thrilled when I get a thousand words. It took me far too long to get serious about my happiness. I share King’s quote and my experience in the hopes you can learn to pursue happiness sooner in your writing journey. Getting happy is the most noble goal.