No, you are not imagining things. HERE I AM! Staggering into your inbox!
No, I’m not dead, BUT YOU ALMOST WOULDN’T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE, WOULD YOU?
You might have noticed that I haven’t been blogging much lately and it’s time for an explanation . . . and a goodbye.
No, it’s not a GOODBYE goodbye. That was partially a clickbait title.
Sorry, guys. I tease: that’s what I do! Ahem. Now, allow me to sum up the situation.
In a nutshell, I’ve run myself into the ground. I’m fried – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This has probably been the hardest year I’ve had in a while, in regards to chronic pain and all the stuff that goes with that. Because of this, it’s become imperative that I change something, otherwise I’m going to lose it.
I pushed myself too hard in 2019 and now Certain Things have dug in their heels and cannot be ignored anymore.
It’s nothing that can’t be improved or fixed. Things just need to change. SO, that being said, it’s become necessary that I go to some extreme-ish lengths to rest and recuperate.
But don’t panic! (let’s just assume you panicked, all right?). I’m not disappearing ENTIRELY. Don’t be sad, my friend!
On to the details of what is changing for me!
SOCIAL MEDIA AND SUCH
Facebook / Twitter: Bye-bye for now.
While I enjoy seeing what’s happening with my friends, I feel like every time I log on these days I see something that upsets me in some way? I WILL be trying to post one a week on my Facebook author page with writing updates, writing-themed conversations and games, so I’d love to see you there!
Instagram: This is the one platform I will be active on . . . a little. I am going to try to post three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays) and I am alloting myself 15 to 30 minutes to scroll or comment on other people’s photos. I’m not going to be very active in my stories, though. So, three days of the week, I’ll be around on Instagram. Briefly.
You can have a private Instagram account just for stalking (I mean, following) people. There’s a couple of Goodreads friends that I’d really love to see there! Just saying . . .
Goodreads: Sorry, I’m not going to be on Goodreads much. Partially because I need the break and partially because every time I log onto Goodreads I invariably add more books to my TBR, WHICH MUST STOP.
So, if you are messaging me on Goodreads, it may be a while before I respond. I MIGHT be around on a few Saturday’s out of the month to catch up on messages, but no guarantees!
Email: You are welcome to email me but there are no guarantees when or if I’ll respond.
This new social media schedule isn’t necessarily going to be PERMANENT – just until the end of December, at least. At that point, I’ll take another look at my social media schedule.
Also, as a note, I am not going to be doing NaNoWrimo this year – too much pressure! As it turns out, I’ve already written almost 100,000 words this year, which is essentially like doing NaNoWrimo twice, so . . .
To all my friends doing NaNoWrimo . . . HAVE FUN AND BEST OF SUCCESS TO YOU! I’ll be cheering you on from afar!
And as a FINAL note (haha, I’m such a liar . . . ) I will be dropping more information about my upcoming publications and a few EXCITING WRITERLY ANNOUNCEMENTS on my AUTHOR WEBSITE’S BLOG PAGE or IN MY AUTHOR NEWSLETTER.
FUTURE BLOGGING SCHEDULE
I figured this would be a good(ish) time to take a partial break since a lot of people are going to be caught up in the holidays and NaNoWriMo. So, for the next few months, I am going to be posting only twice a month instead of four times a month. Four times a month is just no longer possible at this time.
*how I feel trying to keep up my normal blogging schedule*
To be perfectly honest, it has felt good not to have the constant pressure of having to post every week. I love blogging and don’t plan on stopping, but it was creating some pressure for me and it’s been a relief to have some of that pressure alleviated.
ANYWAY, here’s a sneak peak of what’s in store!
NOVEMBER:
The Best Reads of 2019: 3rd Quarter: The consensus is still in favor of me posting these mini reviews, so you’re getting another one!
A Handful of Nutshells: (a recap of everything that happened in October and November).
DECEMBER:
10 Things I Want For Christmas and Probably Won’t Get. This will be the fourth year in a row that I’ve done this zany post. I have to do it!
10 Christmas Movies You’ve Probably Never Heard of. I would be willing to make a small wager that there will be at least one movie on this list that NONE of you have ever heard of before.
JANUARY:
The Best Reads of 2019 – 4th Quarter: Every once in a while, you DO get what you want.
A Handful of Nutshells: A recap of everything that happened in December and January. Are you tracking with me this new Nutshell deal?
FEBRUARY:
A Baker’s Dozen of Heart: My Top Favorite OTP’s. You may be surprised by what you find in this post!
Q & A Vlog: *muffled excited noises*
THAT’S RIGHT. I am going to do a Q & A video! Hopefully something fun like that will make up for my extended leave of partial absence?
So this means . . . ASK ME ALL YOUR QUESTIONS!
I already have a page of hilarious, quirky, insightful, and all-together intriguing questions from several of my chums, but I’d love to add a few more to the pile!
– SOME PARTING THOUGHTS –
For all the newer followers of Allison’s Well – *pauses a moment to beam fondly*
Here is a round-up of some of my favorite blog posts for you lovely people! When you’re missing my posts (or me – I’m not picky), take a moment to browse some of my blogging highlights all located and categorized in one convenient place for your perusing pleasure!
If you’re doing NanoWrimo, you might find this post helpful! (yes, I know it’s for Camp Nano, but it’s good advice for any month-long writing project and, if nothing else, should give you a laugh) It’s called How To Survive Camp Nano!
If you’d like to read some of my FICTION, I do have a piece of flash fiction published right here on my blog that you just possibly might not have read yet! Hope for the Holidays – A Short Story.
Funny Blog Posts –
The Spamalot Edition
Legends of Western Cinema – Tag Answers
Writing Themed Blog Posts –
What Disney Taught Me About Writing
The Get To Know Me Tag – Writer’s Edition
Nostalgic Blog Posts –
The Reverse Bucket List
For The Love Of Tintin
Inspirational Blog Posts –
Reflections on Rooglewood
Psalm 23 Meditation: Praising God In Times Of Pain
Thanks for your patience in sticking through this rambly blog post, guys! The long and short of it is I have to seriously pull back from the world, alleviate unnecessary pressure, and just relax in general.
Even though I am departing from your midst (in a sense) I do hope you’ll stick around! Thank you so much to every single one of you who has followed me all these years and made my days brighter with every comment and message!
Even though I need the break, I’M GOING TO MISS YOU GUYS. But it will make all the times we do chat even sweeter.
But, even if we’re not chatting, remember that you are in my prayers and thoughts! God bless!
I’d burn out with what you were doing too. Actually, whenever I or anyway else sets a schedule for me, I’m usually done. My blog schedule is usually along the lines of when I feel like it.
I’m glad you are still going to post. The number of kindred spirit not teenager or mommy or business-y blogs is shrinking so much.
Haha! Well, it sounds like you have a thing called Human Limitations figured out more than I do! I get over-obsessed with schedules and deadlines. 🙂 That sounds like a good thing, though! Blogging IS supposed to be fun. 😛
Aww, thank you, Livia Rose!! <3 It would take a lot for me to give up blogging entirely; I really do love it.
Rest well, Alli! It makes total sense what you’re doing and I hope and pray it helps. *hugs* I’ll miss you when you’re not posting, but am also glad you’re doing what you need to do in order to take care of yourself. <3
*BIG HUG* Thank you so much, Beth! You are so sweet! I’ll miss you too, and I am praying for you as well! <3 <3 <3
First of all, thank goodness that title was for clickbait because I was about to SCREAM. XD
Second, I am going to miss you tons BUT I am also sooooo happy you’re taking time out to refuel. I’m so, so sorry it’s been such a hard year! You should absolutely take a break and breathe a little. That’s SO important. Good on you for not pushing yourself. I, too, have drained myself dry this year and totally plan on resting some in December. I cannot wait! It has been QUITE the year. o.o So yes, I am a firm believer in breaks and am very happy you’re taking care of yourself.
And hey, we’ll have the same Instagram schedule! I post on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays too! 😀 It works really well for me. I know you’re “supposed” to post daily but that’s just not possible right now for me. The 3-day a week thing is nice. ^_^
Also, your gif skills get me every single time. The true Gif Queen.
I do hope you have an absolutely amazing break and are able to refuel. Constantly praying for you, dear Brain Twin! Have a fabulous November! <333
HAHA! AWWW, I’M SORRY! *offers apology chocolates* I’m a meanie. ?
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*HUG* Thank you so much, dear! ❤️ I’m so sorry that you are finding yourself in the same spot, and you can be sure that I will not only be praying for a successful Nano for you (PANTS IT, BABY! GO, GO, GO!) but also for rest and refreshment and rejuvenation for you!
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WOW, REALLY. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we really are so alike! ?
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HEHEHE! *pleased smile* *snaps suspenders*
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ACCCK – THANK YOU, MY SWEET FRIEND. THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I hope you have an amazing and productive November, too! *BIG HUGGLE*
Hey girl I can totally undertand what you’re going (and have gone) through. I have also had a very tough 2019 in Spiritual and Physical senses, as I spent half my year in hospital. 🙁 I’ll be praying for you, and I’m sure this isn’t our last goodbye; God’s got such big plans Alli, in your life and mine!
I AM ALSO SO GLAD YOU SAID THAT ON THE TOP OF THIS POST, I NEARLY DIED. :0
I have to agree with Christy, your gifs are just THE BEST.
E-V-E-R.
Can I also just do a big shout out to also say that you WERE THE ONE who started me on blogging like I was myself!!!! You challenged me to be who I was whether it was on social media or reality (or even in books). I love your courage to stand out and be who God has made you to be.
My question for you is ‘what inspired Allison’s Well’ and ‘where did you think up Burndee’?!
Have a great rest time and I pray God will strengthen you in this, no matter what’s happened or will happened. Love ya, sister!
Aww, Abbie! I’m so sorry. I’ll be praying for you for certain, my friend. <3 It is most definitely NOT the last goodbye! NO WAY. Actually, when I was first resolving to get off chatting more one of my FIRST thoughts was: “Aw darn! I’ll miss Abbie!!” ?? YES, HE DOES.
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EEEE. *suppresses naughty laugh* *looks guilty*
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DAW, thank. *grins* I’m glad everyone gets a laugh out of them! I love giving people a chuckle.
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I’m honestly speechless, Abbie. Oh my goodness, I don’t know what to say. ?? That is very encouraging and humbling to me. *hugs* Thank you so much, dear girl. You are such a blessing and a joy – and not just to me!
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OOO, those are good questions! You can be sure I will answer them!
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Thank you so much again, Abbie! *HUGE HUG* I will be praying that for you too, sweet sister in Christ! ❤️
First off, I’m relieved that this is not a GOODBYE goodbye! But I’m also glad you have the good sense to know when to take breaks. May you have a good rest!
As for the questions, please forgive me if they happen to be repeats:
– Which five authors do you think had the most influence on your writing?
– Have you ever met your literary doppelganger?
– I remember seeing a post where you made macaroons, and they looked delicious… where did you get the recipe?
Aww, thank you so much, Blue!! *BIG HUG*
Ooo, those are GREAT questions. I look forward to answering them! <3
Missing you already, Alli! Totally understand, though. Gotta take care of the body and mind. I’m considering cutting back in the new year too, though that will be tough in another way. I’ve posted every week for over five years now, so if I cut back, it’ll be super weird. So I’m not sure yet what I’m going to do. I may just push through till I don’t feel burned out on blogging anymore. Or I might take a break. Tough choices.
Feel better soon!
AW, thank you, Andrea!!! *HUG* Yes, it’s so true. We only get one body and mind, and I often push myself too hard. Wow! That’s amazing! That consistency is truly commendable! But, yes, life and priorities change and things sometimes have to be set to one side. :/ I hope you can make just the right decision, Andrea! <3 Thank you again!
Oh, Allison, I am so sorry to hear all this. May the truth be told, I was a bit scared when I saw your post on my email. 🙂
I am glad that you will be resting more now; that will be so good for you.
My family and I returned home to Tucson safely last night, and this morning when I woke up I was sad the vacation was over. It was so very beautiful in Washington. We got to see some lovely little towns, and I adored them so much.
If you want to see some of our travels, I can send you some pictures to your emails.
I will continue to be praying for you, dear sister-in-Christ Alli. ????
Get a lot of rest, and may Jesus pour His strength into you every day.
Love,
Your sister in the Lord,
Faith
(P.s. I don’t have Facebook or Instagram. Can I talk with you on your email? I know you said you might not reply, but that would be the best way to keep in touch for me.?l
I always take a few social media breaks. They’re very needed.
Hope all of the breaks help.