So. This was a long time coming. You may have noticed my atrocious posting history over the past... many months. I used to aim for 2 reviews a week, now I'm lucky if I pump out 1 a month. It's not for lack of time, it's more a lack of passion and try as I might, I can't rekindle it. The work involved with maintaining a blog - writing reviews, organising interviews, scheduling, coming up with fresh ideas.... none of it excites me like it once did. If I continue trying to do it, it would feel like a chore. And to be honest, I miss just being a reader! Taking time to savour books slowly, re-reading favourites, not stressing that I'll have to write a review and especially, I miss using my library!
So this is an indefinite goodbye. I can't say I'll never return to blogging. At this point in time, I don't have plans to continue. I don't know if my feelings will change in 8 months or a year from now, when I'll come running back begging you all to forgive me for giving up on my baby. I won't be deleting the blog (there's way too many memories for that!), just don't expect any new posts.
I will, however, be guest posting over at A Glass of Wine
for Kathy's brilliant Female Characters in Entertainment Week at the
end of the month, if anyone is interested. Even if you don't care about
my post, go follow her because it will be a FANTASTIC week celebrating
our fave female characters!!
I'm still going to be very much apart of the book community - drooling over latest releases and hot new book deals, reading your beautifully written reviews to decide if a book is for me, or else squealing like a 2 year old when our favourite novels become movies. I'll still be active on Goodreads and of course, Twitter. So you're welcome to follow me on either of those if you'd like to continue stalking on a new platform.
Soooo... that's that! I am a little sad to say goodbye. These past 2 years have been an AMAZING adventure. I've met the most incredible readers, from my own backyard, to the world over. The friendships I've made with so many of you are ones I'll continue to treasure for years to come *HUGS YOU ALL TO DEATH* I've been amazed to have the opportunity to speak directly with some of my most favourite authors (WHO ARE ACTUAL HUMANS. WHO KNEW?!) and work with the most dedicated publicists in the biz. Without question, the book/blogger community is the best one I've ever been apart of.
Thank you all for reading and making this little blog flourish in the time it was alive. It was your comments and enthusiasm (which always left a smile on my face... or pee in my pants from giggling too much) that truly made it a special experience for me. THANK YOU FOR BEING THE BEST FOLLOWERS IN THE ENTIRE FREAKING WORLD AND I LOVE YOU ALL TO HELL AND BACK <333333
All was well.
Oh Brodes, this is sad, but I am happy that you'll still be around on twitter and Goodreads - YAY!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy just reading again, I completely understand where you are coming from :)
Thanks, Mandee! For your sweet words and for calling me Brodes, because I only ever get called that in real life. People rarely use it online :)
Delete<3
Heh! I like shortening people's names or in this case using nicknames seeing as Brodes isn't shorter than Brodie ;)
DeleteAs long as you don't abandon me on Twitter, I guess I'll live. You are amazing, and I hope you continue to let us know what your currently loving on Goodreads and Twitter! *Hugs* Your blog will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteHa! As if. We have OUAT theories to make up and debunk! And books to gush over! And movie adaptations to get excited about! You'll never be rid of me, muahahaha. But thank you *BIG HUG*
DeleteAw, Brodie, you're leaving us? :( I'll miss this blog and your Noah Shaw loving self! I totally understand where you're coming from, though. Blogging is so much work and if you don't have the love for it anymore, it's really hard to keep going. I'll still catch you on Goodreads and Twitter though, for sure! xx
ReplyDeleteMy fellow Noah obsessed booknerd!! We will definitely keep in contact. There are going to be lots of emotions while we read Revolution of Mara Dyer and no doubt I'm going to need every Shaw girl to experience them with!
DeleteBrodie!!!!!!!!!!!!! *hugs* Say hello from time to time and at least we have Twitter!
ReplyDeleteI'll miss you and this blog, though; I always love seeing your posts!
Bonnie!!!! Seriously, thank the gods for Twitter, I'd be ridiculously lonely leaving if I didn't have it to still chat with you all.
Delete<3 you!
While I completely understand where you're coming from, it's sad to see you go. I hope you find more passions in your indefinite time off :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ellen, I have big dreams for this year so I hope it's all I wish it to be!
DeleteAnd you're a fellow Aussie blogger?! Why am I only just discovering this NOW?!
Oh this is so sad . . . but I completely understand so WE'RE GOING TO MISS YOU TERRIBLY BRODIE!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU, ERIN!! *weeps* *clings to your shirt* *wipes snotty nose on it*
Delete<3
Wishing you all the best! *hugs*
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tez!! <3
DeleteSadness. :(
ReplyDeleteThough I share your feelings in regards to just wanting to read and not have to worry about writing a review afterwards. I'll still see your updates on Goodreads and your randomness on Twitter! :))
Indeed you will! And I'll still stalk your blog, so dropping my blog just gives me more time to be a creeper. You'll love it :D
DeleteNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! MY SISTER! GONE! TAKEN TOO EARLY FROM ME AND THIS LIFE OF BLOGGING! (well, I guess I can't speak with my newly begun break from blogging.) WHY, WHY, WHY??!?!?!
ReplyDeleteWill miss you, cubs. That was bubs but autocorrect is being nicer somehow. As if it'll be more time to read; it'll be more time to watch ALL THE FRAKKEN SHOWS THAT HAVE EVER BEEN PRODUCED!
Yes. This post deserves lots of caps lock. Will miss you. At least we've been immortalised together in a book!
BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIDDDDDDEEEEEEEEN. BROTHA FROM AN AUTHOR MOTHER. HOW WILL YOU RECOVER FROM THIS TRAGEDY? Maybe let's just think of it as your older sister graduating, but not moving out of home. I'll still be around home (twitter), just not at school (blog). Less heartbreaking that way.
DeleteCubs is cute <3 I'M GOING TO BECOME (MORE OF) A TV ADDICT. I don't know if this is good or bad.
You'll have to do enough squealing on your blog for the both of us when The Sound is released. I'll do plenty of Twitter and GR, but it's you representing both of us now! Make me proud or I'll swap the milk for vodka in your next bottle!
This makes me sad, Brodie, because your reviews are always SUCH highlights to read, but I totally understand your reasons. It's hard to maintain that blogging energy and, in many, many ways, the pressure of having to write reviews and original content really does take away from what should be a fun reading experience. I've taken a few steps back from blogging, too -- simply because work keeps me so busy -- but whenever I read something it's like, "YOU NEED TO WRITE A REVIEW ASAP" and it shouldn't be that way at all. I'm babbling, so I'll wrap up: I will miss your reviews, but I'm glad you'll be around. I NEED YOUR PRESENCE FOR ADRIAN SQUEEING IN THE FUTURE. Hopefully we'll still chat! You are amazing, Brodie!
ReplyDeleteSTEPH!!!! <3
DeleteAw, thank you. High praise coming from you! Yes, that's exactly how I felt after I read. I pressured myself into thinking I HAVE TO REVIEW THIS and forcing myself to pump words rather than just let them flow naturally. I hope I'll still do longish reviews on Goodreads occasionally. I will definitely write short thoughts, but I really do enjoy the process of WRITING, so I don't want to give that up. Just the blogging aspect that I feel I need to let go of.
I WOULD NEVER ABANDON ANOTHER ADRIAN GIRL. MEMBERS OF AYE ARE IN IT FOR LIFE. THE IVASHKINATOR UNITES US <3
BRODIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!! *SOBS* NOOOOOOOOOOOO! DON'T LEAVE MEEE! YOU BETTER CONTINUE TWEETING AND GOODREADS-ING! I'LL MISSS YOUUUUUUUUUU!<3333333
ReplyDeleteSHIRRRRRRRRRRRLEEEEEEEEY. YOU KNOW ONE OF THE THINGS I WILL MISS THE MOST? YOUR CRAZY LONG AND ENTHUSIASTIC CAPSLOCK COMMENTS. THEY WERE ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF MY POSTS.
DeleteBut duh. Twitter is my home <3
I wish you all the best!!
ReplyDeleteWill follow through goodreads and twitter :)
Yay, new stalkers, I feel popular!
DeleteSad to see you go, you have been an inspiration, but totally understand. Best wishes and happy reading! **hugs**
ReplyDeleteAn inspiration? Well now you're just feeding my overweight ego :) Thanks, KT! *hugs*
DeleteAwh, too bad! We're gonna miss you! :)
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks Ula! <3
Delete*Hugs* Awhhh, Brodie, this makes me so sad :( I'm going to miss you and your fantastic reviews, but I totally understand you. Blogging is supposed to be fun. *sobs* I'm happy that you stay on Goodreads, so we still get to talk to you!
ReplyDeletePlease do stalk me, Mel!! You'll devestate me if you don't! And I need to get a billion Disney movie recommendations off you, so this won't be the last time you hear from me :)
Delete<3
<3 I definitely will Brodie! And you'll get so many recommendations that you will get tired of me, hahaha.
DeleteAww, Brodie, this is so sad! I've absolutely loved your reviews, you have an awesome blog and I'm going to miss you! :( At the same time, though, I do understand. There's so much responsibility that comes with blogging which you don't fully realise until you start it. It is supposed to be fun, and not feel like a chore. At least we still get to stalk you on GR and Twitter, which is a relief. Take care! *hugs* <3
ReplyDeleteYes, absolutely. I admire you all SO much, how you are able to fit in school or work with reading, blogging, scheduling, maintaining a social life and some form of sanity. Truly inspiring! Now tell me all your secrets or I will keeeeeeeel you! Or not. Because then I'd be sad :)
Delete*HUGS*
Aww, darling. Really sad yo are feeling that way, but totally understand. You go on doing what you feel is right for you and hopefully we'll see you again. Huge hugs xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kara! *big hugs*
DeleteI started a blog nearly 2 years ago. I started it as I wanted a way to record my bookish thoughts in a digital format. I didn't want to be involved with free books, reviewing and all that jazz. For me, my blog wasn't about getting down with the social side of it, however after so many months, my blog changed. I did a few memes, reviewed some books and whatnot and I sort of forgot how to be a reader. So I shut my blog down. Plus,sometimes the community got all nasty, it became a competition, and I don't care for that.
ReplyDeleteI have missed writing reviews,but the memes etc I don't. So after a year of not blogging I am starting my blog again..but I won't be doing memes, cover reveals any of that. I will be wriitng up my bookish thoughts,on my own books, that I've read, simples. Nothing else. I get to have a memory of a book I read,that's all I want.
I see where you're coming from. Take care. I;ve enjoyed your reviews and the Harry love :-)
Thank you for sharing your story, Louackers! I absolutely understand your feelings. There are many different bloggers - from style, to the reason we blog. I so respect your decision to not want to be involved in the free books/social aspect.
DeleteFor me, I loved sharing my passion for the books I read with others and the social side strongly crept in as I connected with my readers on other social media platforms. And that's actually one of my favourite parts from my time. I've met the most amazing people who I hope I'll stay friends with for years to come. I loved the opportunity to review upcoming releases from publishers, especially for my most anticipated books, but I really have missed going to the library or buying older releases and just savouring each page. No rushing. Maybe not even not reading for an entire week, then coming back to something. It's freeing to have time again, and not feel pressure (mainly from myself) to choose specific books by certain dates.
I wish you all the best in starting your blogging journey again. I like you approach and I hope it pans out the way you want. Do what makes you happy and what is true of YOU <3
Oh Brodie! It makes me so sad that I'll no longer get to read your amazing reviews on this brilliant blog, but I am so, so glad that you're doing what's right for you. I've been kind of waiting for this since that email towards the end of last year when you said you were struggling, and I'm happy you've finally made a choice one way or the other. As much as I love Eleusinian Mysteries, I would hate for you to continue when you're just not enjoying it. A Happy Brodie is much more important than Blogger Brodie. And so *hugs*, enjoy your reading and whatever you decide to do next! And thank you so much for being such a fantastic blogger friend over the past year, and I look forward to continuing to be Twitter pals with you :)
ReplyDeleteDon't be a stranger, now! I think we may have to become email buddies. Or Facebook friends - do you have your own Facebook? If you're happy to be either/both, DM me on Twitter and we can swap email addresses/Facebook URLs! Aww, I'm going to miss my Brodie! Love ya, honey!
Jo! <3 I've definitely been mulling over the decision since I first mentioned it to you. I decided and changed my mind so many times. I knew I wasn't fully committed to it anymore, but I think it was hard to just officially put an *end* to it. Leaving it felt like a security blanket, yet it also felt like an anchor weighing me down, if that makes sense? Finally making a firm decision feels very relieving, though!
DeleteOf course I won't be a stranger! You will never be rid of me! I hope to get back in the swing of reading/commenting on blogs soon and I never leave twitter :)
BRODIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! Awwww, I'm SO SO SO sad to hear this :( You are without a doubt one of my favourite bloggers, not just because of your beautiful, addicting reviews but also because you're just the sweetest, craziest person <3 I hope that this blogging break/end gives you everything you need -- re-reads and library visits sound perfect to me! :D I fully expect squeeing time with you when it comes to HP, Adrian, etc. etc. etc. so you best be available, girl.
ReplyDeleteGOOD LUCK, BRODEZILLA <3 Lots and lots of love!
- Lestrange <- See the things I do for you?
LESTRAAAAAAAAAAANGE!!!!!! How long have I waited for you to acknowledge your true heritage? I wish I could favourite comments like tweets. I'll settle for never deleting the comment notification email <3
DeleteAwww geez, thank you! I will always, always be available for HP and Adrian squeeing. And if anyone thinks I'm going to stay quiet over the next year while we get VA and Divergent movie updates, they don't know me very well. SO YOU BEST BE READY FOR ME.
BRODEZILLA LOVES MASTER LESTRANGE.
I'm so sad to hear that you're going to stop blogging- you were the very first review I found when I came to the blogsphere, and I have always admired you greatly, but I also think it's fantastic that you decided to make this decision because you feel it is the right one. That, not sticking with something because you have for a long time or whatever- not sticking with it just because you think you ought to, even if you don't really love it anymore, I think is very important and, though I'll miss your posts so much, I'm glad you made the right choice for you.
ReplyDeleteNow just keep making me sob with those HP refrences.
Oh wow, I was the first review you found? That is really quite an honour! Thank you so much for your words, Romi! I do feel I made the right choice for me and even though I lost the passion, I will still miss it. I had such a fantastic time, but really it's YOU guys that made it so amazing and I won't be losing any of you since I can still stalk YOUR blogs :)
DeleteOh gosh, I think I need a HP rewatch!
It seems to crazy to think back to when I was just beginning, and I remember I absolutely loved the awesomeness (and HP-ness) of this awesome place. I can't believe I never mentioned it!
DeleteOh Brodie. BIG HUGS. I will missing reading your posts, but I completely understand your decision. And I'll do my utmost best to stalk you on Twitter and Goodreads when I can. You're not getting rid of me that easily. ;) I just want you to know that I've appreciated your comments and enthusiasm over the last few months. 2 years of blogging is a great feat and I'm thrilled you had an amazing time doing it! You will be missed. But enjoy all your new time as a reader. :)
ReplyDeleteThank the gods. I don't know what I'd do if you abandoned me! I'd have to unleash the *scary* kind of Brodie Stalker on you, not the cute kind :) I LOVE your blog so much, you're an incredible reviewer, so hopefully you will still see some of my enthusiasm once I get the zeal back for reading/commenting. Thank you, Sam! <3
DeleteBest of luck in whatever you decide to get up to next! I've really enjoyed reading your reviews and I'll keep an eye out for them on Goodreads.
ReplyDelete-Angelya
www.oakenbookcase.com
Thank you so mcuh, Angelya! <3
DeleteWhile it's sad to see you go, I totally understand because I feel the same way. It's not for lack of time, it's more a lack of passion and try as I might, I can't rekindle it. I SO get that and though I'll miss reading your posts like everyone else here, you have to follow your heart and go with what you feel best. Also, THANK GOODNESS you'll be sticking around Goodreads and Twitter. At least we'll still get to connect and hear from you and that for me is enough. ♥
ReplyDeleteI LOVE YOU, BECCA! <3 I'm both sad and excited to let this go, but a good kind of sad. The one mixed with nostalgia and good memories and leaving confident with my decision, but still with an ache over saying goodbye. I am definitely going to miss the comments the most, you guys are all so SO amazing and these past 2 years would be nothing without you all.
DeleteThank you! xxxxxx
AAAA Brodie! Sorry for the late comment. I thought I posted one already but Blogger swallowed my LONG comment :( I'm sad that you're leaving but I completely understand why you chose to stop blogging. I find it hard to juggle blogging and school at the same time! So thank you so much for all the reviews and AMAZING posts you've done so far! <3 I'm so glad that you'll still be on Twitter and Goodreads because we can still discuss books!! <3
ReplyDelete*huggles* LOVE you, Brodie!
Sad to see another blogger go! :( I can definitely understand your reasons. I've had to evaluate how I blog and how I read (and how that changed after I started blogging) and made some BIG changes this year to really get back to my passion for reading too. I wish you all the best! <3
ReplyDeleteApril @ My Shelf Confessions
your blog has been seriously amazing, brodie. and i have often wondered how you managed all that you have achieved on here. always writing the best reviews and having so many enthusiastic posts.
ReplyDeletei have so significantly pulled back from blogging for so many of the same reasons as you ~ seriously missed just being a reader.
your blog has been amazing and it'll be cool if one day you are back, but if not i know you will still be loving books
x Nomes
Noooooooooooooooo *crying* Please come back, I'll be here even if it was just a once in a year reading summary from you.
ReplyDeleteI do think that this stressing to have all the best ideas, author interviews and etc is killing the love of reading and blogging(lets face it that goes for a lot of us book bloggers). Last year I made a decision that made my blogging life and reading life easier. I do not blog as often as I did, I have included team-members and I have contacted all publishers(who had me on their list)to let them know that I no longer accepted ARCs. ARCs just showing up unannounced in my mailbox really gave me that horrible guilty feeling, I felt like I could never prioritize my own books.
I'll miss you in blogglandia, Brodie. I wish you all the best! A snowstorm of hugs from Norway :)
Aww, Brodie! I'll miss your well thought out and entertaining posts, but am glad you'll be sticking around GR and Twitter! *squishes* <3 x
ReplyDeleteOh Brodie!!!! So sad that you stopped blogging! I enjoyed every post I read of yours last year. Thanks for every nice comment you left on my blog too! Have you read Breathless yet by Brigid Kemmerer yet? Yet another amazing story.
ReplyDeleteHARRY POTTER FOR LIFE! Love the animation!
Fantastic last line!
Rachel
Oh Brodie, I always loved your gushing reviews and will miss them. Bets of luck to you and happy reading!!
ReplyDeleteNoooooooooooo Brodie! My probably-maybe-distantly-related-third-cousins-one-removed Brodie! I will miss you in the blogosphere, you were one of the first bloggers I ever spoke to! But I completely understand your reasons and it's not so bad since you're still on Twitter (I shall probably be inundating you with tweets now :P). Thank you for being awesome, and also, thank you for ending your post with "All was well". It was perfect! :)
ReplyDeletehuggs from south america. see ya on twittr . ^^
ReplyDelete*sniffles*
ReplyDelete*clutches you close*
Reminds self that, to the well-organised mind, the end is just the beginning (OK, I took license with that).
I love you, Brodie. I'm sad you're leaving blogging for me, but I am so SO happy for you and SO EXCITED that I still get to keep you on Twitter and e-mail and nightly stalkings just the same. Love you, Brodie! And good luck! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Brodie. *stares hard at wall*
DeleteI love you, bro. I'll miss your face...
Even though I'm going to be stalking every one of your waking moments on Twitter and will possibly email you obsessively if I can get gmail to work right for once and BAH! *deep breath*
*huggles*
Sorry to see you go, Brodie!
ReplyDeleteBrodie! I just stopped by to catch up on previous posts when I found THIS. And it's breaking my heart. We'll just have to keep having Nikita chats on Twitter, so I won't lose my blogging friend <3
ReplyDeleteGood luck with everything!
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I return from my hiatus and come back to this? No, Brodie!!!! Don't leave us!
ReplyDeleteNo, no, no... I understand where you're coming from. There are times when we need to take a step back when blogging becomes too much of a chore, when we lose the essence of being a reader. Take as much time as you need and do know that if you decide to return, we'll all be waiting here for you!
I alike you lost the passion for it almost two years ago and it took me until last week to pick a book up to start reading again. I can certainly relate to everything you said. Still miss the blogging community though.
ReplyDelete