8.10.2009

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!

18 comments:

  1. I'll miss your posts on here. I wish you all the best! (L)

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  2. We will miss you. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors!

    Missy

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  3. Thank you both so much!
    You're all so sweet... this is what I'll miss most

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  4. I can see you've given a lot of thought to this, EmilyRuth, and I'm not out to change your mind. But, I do want to say that doing something you love makes God happy. He didn't give you your ability to appreciate reading and good writing without having a purpose. I wish you luck in your future reading/writing endeavors though! We'll miss your reviews.

    vroengirl

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  5. thanks vroengirl! And I completely agree with you (to a certain extent.. obviously doing something I loved that was sinful wouldn't make him happy), but to clarify: I don't really feel like I should be/want to read YA anymore.
    I'm a bit burnt out, really :\

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  6. Awww, I'll miss you and your book reviews. Will you still be on Goodreads?

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  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  8. Emily, very cool. I am a Christian, too, and have had to turn down some opportunities this past year because I felt the same way. I am proud to know you. The blogging thing can put a lot of pressure on a person. That's why I started using my blog for other things. Sure sometimes I still a review a book, but I have also started writing poems and just random stuff that I feel passionate about. Definitely take a break, but don't feel you have to stop blogging forever. Make the blogging work for you. You could use a blog to track your thoughts about this deepening relationship with God or about the classic books.

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  9. Somehow, it feels like I'm looking at a family member's tombstone. *weeps and lets the tears fall* I'll miss you, EmilyRuth! I know blogging can be hard and time-consuming so that's why after December this year, I'm going to pass on my blog too (after RandomBuzz closes and everything). Your blog is just so great and fun!

    You are a great writer and I understand why you want to expand your writing skills. Young adult books are usually awesome but now that I'm getting older, adult books have been coming more appealing ...

    Guilty is one way to feel when you are reading and your Bible is next to your bedside, waiting to be opened. I feel that way a lot but at night, that's when I read it and times when it's so difficult that I have to open it.

    Though I'm very sad you are going to vanish from the book blogging world, I understand your decision and wish you the best of luck on becoming a great published author! :)

    *wipes away the last tears and tries to put on an encouraging smile*

    *hugs EmilyRuth and walks home*

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  10. priya- I'll drop by goodreads every once in a while :)

    zee- thanks, I'll think about that! You've been the best librarian ever (I mentioned that in the survey btw... haha)

    gwtb- *hugs* I'll miss you TOO! But I'll still drop by RB, so I'm not completely gone ;) You've been awesome and a great friend!

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  11. I totally understand. Blogging takes a lot of time and it can be hard to find a balance. I'll miss you!

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  12. I'll miss you, too. But you have made the decision that is right for you, and reading classics is an excellent thing (though I do think there is craft in good YA as well, and I hope you won't walk entirely away from it).

    You have been a sweet and loving presence out here.

    Keep doing the hard things.

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  13. Thank you both so much. I'll still drop by and visit your blogs when I can!
    I can't keep myself away from yours, Beth :)

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  14. I'll miss you so much! You've been such a sweet person in the blogosphere and I loved coming over here to see your latest book recommendations, reviews, and your blog is just a fun place to be on the Internet.

    But I totally understand. I hope you continue reading and spreading that light you radiate wherever you go. Good luck and best wishes for the future.

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