Happiness Is…

WARNING: Bear with me, this is going to get a little mushy.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I have the best job in the world. Not because I write, per se, but because I’m doing what I love. From about the time I was ten, whenever anyone would ask me, “What is your dream job?”, I’d say, “Being an author.” Forty years and twenty-two published books later, my answer is still the same.

I was reluctant at first, always coming up with practical reasons why I shouldn’t follow my dream. The biggest, of course, was the uncertainty of what might happen. But then a series of unexpected events led me to a crossroads, and I realized I’d probably never have a better opportunity to at least try.

Boy, am I glad I did! These last few years have been Incredible (note the capital “I”). I’ve become part of a wonderful community, met loads of amazing people (authors, readers, editors, graphic artists, bloggers, etc), and get to share a part of my soul with every story. (Wearing PJs till noon and foregoing housework due a creative spurt are also pretty nice, too 😉 )

But those aren’t the only benefits. Sometimes I receive emails and messages from people who tell me that my books have helped them through a hard time, or have provided a temporary escape when reality weighed a bit too heavily on their shoulders. Those are the times when I feel as if I have really accomplished something.

I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, or next week, or next year, but right here, right now, is exactly where I want to be.

Thanks for taking this journey with me,
<3 Abbie