For me, personally, 2013 has been a very busy and life-changing year for me. I definitely am not the same person I was just one year ago! God is so good and gracious to His people!
But, anywho, the point of this post is to inform you of some of the changes that will be coming to Legacy of a Writer. Some of it you might already have noticed, but this is going to be the official “FYI” (for your information) and heads up of what is to come.
If you’ve been following my blog from the beginning (or since around 2010) you’ll know that Legacy of a Writer was originally created to post about my own writing adventures…and then when I discovered the world of book reviewing for authors and publishers, I began posting my reviews, author interviews, and book giveaways. I’ve done that, almost exclusively, since I began blogging.
I think it was sometime last year that I started dabbling in the world of product reviews a bit. I just did a few things, here and there, like a movie review and some jewelry reviews and giveaways. The response I got from you all was really positive!
With so much in my personal life changing (if you are unaware of what those changes are, read this post…and than this post after that), I’ve noticed that the added pressure to get books read and reviewed on time have caused a lot of personal stress for me. It’s been hard to admit (because I do so LOVE to read!!) but I’ve come to the realization that I just can’t review books like I used to. I don’t find enough free time at the end of the night to read like I used to — and (maybe I’m just getting old!) I can’t stay up as late as I used to, either!
What was I to do? I didn’t want to give up blogging and interacting with you all. So, after a lot of praying and thinking, I’ve decided to give my blog a little shift in directions. While I still want to read and review books (since I do LOVE to read!), I am going to ease off of the amount of books I select to review.
What will I be posting about instead? Lord willing I will begin bringing more product reviews to you, my faithful readers. I have a lot of ideas running around in my head, and have already started getting a few in motion.
I hope that you all will still continue this new venture with me — as I said, I promise I am not stopping book reviews all together. I will definitely still be reviewing books on Legacy of a Writer! But not as frequently, I’m afraid. And in the place of that I plan to bring you new and exciting stuff! Want a hint? Well, one of them has to do with what I’ve learned the past year in cosmetology school. Yeah! Beauty-related posts! And, who knows, as I begin exploring this new direction for Legacy of a Writer, I’m sure I’ll be having even more exciting giveaways to share with you all as well!
Thank you all so much for following Legacy of a Writer – especially those of you who have been here from as far back as 2010. It really means a lot to me to have your support and to read all the lovely comments you bring.
I hope you’re all as excited about this as I am! Be looking for some awesome giveaways in the very near future. 🙂
Amber Stokes says
Thanks for the update, Katie! I totally, totally understand where you're coming from with the review thing… I'm currently feeling the same way, like I'm not having as much time for reading and I can't seem to stay awake reading as long as I used to. I'm not sure if that's a temporary thing or not, but it does make me feel kind of "old," too. 😉
You have a lot of exciting things going on in your life, and I think that's great that you're trying to find the right balance while not giving up all the things you love. 🙂 Keep up the great work!
~Amber
Casey says
You have some awesome and wonderful changes coming in your life and that is where your focus needs to be right now. 😉
Like you, I have learned the hard way that I can not keep up with the reviews like I used too. It's just not possible anymore, so I've had to say "no" way more than I want too. I hear ya, girl. Just find a book and read it for the enjoyment of it. 🙂
Katie McCurdy says
Amber – Haha, I know, these days I just collapse into bed. And whenever I do try to read, I end up falling asleep so often I usually have to reread everything anyways! 😛
Thanks! I'm still 'experimenting' with this new direction, but I'm excited about the new things that are coming!
Casey – Thanks! My blog has been suffering the past few months because of my change of focus, but I'm excited to see a balance slowly forming and I'm actually meeting deadlines again. 😛
Yeah, I guess it's all a part of growing up – priorities and responsibilities change. While I miss all the time I used to have to read, I wouldn't give up where God is taking me! Even if it does keep me busy from morning to night. 🙂
It IS really nice to read a book with no deadline looming! 😉