The Little Moments That Tell the Biggest Stories by Merri Maywether

Every once in a while, I step away from my story world to share what I’m writing with people. 

When I have to explain my stories at signings, I say that I write what would happen if the Hallmark Channel were set in Montana.

Two wonderful things happen. That she’s-writing-about-me light brightens their faces.

And we both know that through my stories, I’ve validated their world.

The next thing that happens is they begin to see the beauty in day-to-day life. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been with friends, laughing about something or commiserating when things don’t go as planned. Eventually, one of them will say, “I know this is going in one of your books.”

Or I’ll get a tap on my forearm and hear, “It’s okay if you write this in one of your books.”

Or they’ll call me and say, “I have something you’ll want to write in one of your books.”

And I love it.

This is where I admit to you, Bookish Bestie, in a whisper voice—their stories are not in my books.

But I am proud because, through my storytelling, they’ve developed an eye for those nuggets of life worth cherishing.

In my stories, love is messy, sometimes complicated, and—most importantly—intentional.

It’s easier to see when we honor the moments where it shines.

Those moments of laughter after things don’t turn out as planned—that’s love.

Talking through a problem with a heart of understanding—that’s love.

Sharing something that happened so the other person can live it with you—again, love.

And while our Montana communities may be small in population, the abundance of love more than makes up for it.

If you think about your own week, what’s a moment that made you smile and think, this is love? I’d love to hear it.