But pleasures are like poppies spread,
You seize the flow’r, its bloom is shed;
Or like the snow falls in the river,
A moment white—then melts forever.
–Robert Burns (1759–96)

Mankind is forever in search of pleasure, and writers are forever seeking some sort of sweet spot of success that works forever. I know, that sounds a little Nirvana, but it is true. When I was traveling to signings and conferences, some of the most common comments I received were:

1) When I get done with fill-in-the-blank, I will write full time and really enjoy myself.

2) I hope to one day be like you and travel to events with my own work.

3) I keep trying to finish my book, but once I get fill-in-the-blank out of my way, I intend to dive into it.

Read Robert Burns’ poem above. Pleasures are like poppies or like snow. In both cases, the moments are fleeting. In the case of snow, you wait around, hoping for another delivery. Might be days, weeks, a year, even several years, but you look forward to that pleasure.

In the case of poppies, you touch the flower, enjoy it, then it’s gone. But also in the case of poppies, you can influence the level and frequency of your success. You can plant a pot of them, or a field. A small garden or ten acres. Your choice of work infused determines the potential outcome of success.

Or you can just enjoy someone else’s poppy for a brief moment. Or sit around praying for snow.

You will always find pleasure here and there in your life, but you can also increase its chances of arrival.