And This Is What It Comes To...

I said yesterday that I would explain why I closed the giveaway early.

To put it short and sweet, in a matter of time, AyeCaptain Reviews will not be running any longer. Well, it will be here for you to browse around, but no more charming posts, no more insightful reviews, you get the idea... ;)

Have any ideas why? Some of you might, but let me explain. It's as easy as 1,2,3,4.

1. School. I'm headed into my junior year and really need to devote all my time to schoolwork. I noticed last year how much I procrastinated on here, and being homeschooled, that could be dangerous.

2. I've had a year's foray into the YA genre, but it's time for me to move on for now. One of the things I thought about when I was up in Chicago this weekend for an editing workshop, was that I haven't gone through all the classics, like To Kill a Mockingbird and Catcher in the Rye. These books are essential for me, and I want to learn how to become a better writer, which is not possible just reading the YA genre. It feels unfair to me to keep a YA blog, but blog about more classic books everyone has heard of. It's also very time-consuming.

3. I've been reading a wonderful book called Do Hard Things, about how teenage expectations have dropped. I don't need to be spending so much time on here when I could be working to really change something. I joined the PolyphonyHS staff this year as a second reader (basically an editor). If you write fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, check it out! We give feedback to every poem submitted. If you want to see what being an editor is like, you can be a First Reader. We always need more. Please check it out; it's wonderful fun and you learn so much!

4. I've really slacked on my relationship with God. I've put him off to review books, obsessed about reviewing books, and read books when I could have been in His word. Some of you may not understand this, but just let me say, it isn't fair to him. He's the most wonderful thing in my life and deserves way better.

I've been so, so blessed to be let into this wonderful community for just over a year now. I've learned so much about books and love talking about them, and hope many other kids will make their way into the blogging realm as well.

To all my followers: I'm so sorry to leave you hanging, but I've thought about this long and hard, and I have to do it. I know it's right for me.

I love you all and appreciate everything! Let me know if you need anything ever:

emilyruth@gmx.com

Thanks again!