This is the last post for a while.
I've been struggling with this for weeks now, and finally accepted that I needed to close up shop and go on hiatus for the foreseeable future. As of today, there will be no new posts on Fiction University.
Don't worry though--the site will still be here and you'll be able to read any of the 3,000+ posts on it as usual, I just won't be posting anything new, nor will I be keeping up with guest authors or the weekly diagnostics. I'll likely be slow to answer emails and comments, though I'll do my best.
I had hoped taking September off would have helped more than it did, but October showed me that I can't manage everything on my work plate and deal with the medical issues we're currently facing (to recap for those unware--my husband was recently diagnosed with both Leukemia and a far-more-life-threatening blood disorder, and is undergoing treatment). Something had to take a back seat, and the blog made the most sense. It requires daily upkeep, and that's the area where I have the least flexibility.
I don't want to let go of everything, so I still plan to maintain the newsletter (full of tips and advice), and I might even be better at keeping up with it if that's all I need to do each month. If you haven't signed up for that and would like to, just click here.
I don't know when I'll be back, but I do plan to return. I've been wanting to update the blog anyway, and this will give me time to figure out what I want to do and then do it. I suspect I'll re-launch it somewhere between January and June 2022. I'll let everyone know when that happens.
This was a hard decision to make, but I know it's the right one for me and my family. I'll miss you guys, and I appreciate everything you've done for me over the years.
Big hugs to all, and I'll see you next year.
--Janice
I don't want to let go of everything, so I still plan to maintain the newsletter (full of tips and advice), and I might even be better at keeping up with it if that's all I need to do each month. If you haven't signed up for that and would like to, just click here.
I don't know when I'll be back, but I do plan to return. I've been wanting to update the blog anyway, and this will give me time to figure out what I want to do and then do it. I suspect I'll re-launch it somewhere between January and June 2022. I'll let everyone know when that happens.
This was a hard decision to make, but I know it's the right one for me and my family. I'll miss you guys, and I appreciate everything you've done for me over the years.
Big hugs to all, and I'll see you next year.
--Janice
A sound decision. Good luck with your husband's treatment. (My husband was recently diagnosed with stage IV cancer and I'm in the same position of having to decide what to prioritize and what to drop or scale back.) All the very best to you and your husband.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're taking the time you need. Best wishes to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteSending strength to you and your family. You've created a wonderful resource that will continue to help writers and editors :)
ReplyDeleteWe will miss you but this sounds like definitely the right thing to do for your family. All the best to you and your husband.
ReplyDeleteI wish you well, Janice, and your husband. A break is so important. The world is going nowhere. Takecare and thank you for everything you have given us.
ReplyDeleteSending prayers, light, and good thoughts. Even though you have gone on hiatus, still take time to close your eyes, feel the wall support you, and just breathe. Places with reflecting water (e.g., beaches, lakes, rain water puddles) can be very soothing and re-energizing (once you get moving again-lol)
ReplyDeleteSpeaking as someone onblog and writing hiatus for a less critical reason, completely understand your decision.
ReplyDeleteThank you for everything you have done, the encouragement you've given and prayers to you and your family as you focus on taking care of home.🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽❤️
I hope and pray for your husband’s full recovery. I appreciate everything I’ve learned from your blog and agree that stepping away for a while sounds like the absolute right thing to do. Thank you for the wonderful articles in the archives!
ReplyDeleteFamily first. You take care. Prayers.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear that, Janice. You will be missed, but we understand.
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ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to see the (temporary) closure of this great blog, Janice, but I applaud your decision to take a hiatus rather than let it deteriorate. Take good care of yourself, and when you're ready, return with renewed vigor. Stay strong and return stronger. :-)
I'm sorry about your husband. I only just discovered your blog, unfortunately for me, but I have plenty of it still to look through. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteI have referred to your advice on more than one occasion, and I am very appreciative. I am a nurse and my husband is a physician, and we do understand more than most the juggling act that families must go through when there is a health crisis. Just trust that your professional interests will always be there to greet you again full speed, when the dust settles in your life, but you are called to much more important things and this makes you human. Whatever you discover and endure will only serve to enhance your senses and can only strengthen you, your relationships, and indeed your writing, in the future. I wish you and your husband wellness.
ReplyDeleteJanice, I feel like you are a personal friend since your writing-advice input has so greatly and personality impacted my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband during this most difficult and complicated season of your lives.
ReplyDeleteJanice - Family comes first ... always.
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love, and I hope 2022 is a happy and healthy year for you and yours.
Arabella
I'm just now seeing this post and am so sorry to hear about your husband's health. I think it was a smart idea to shutter the blog for a while. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteHowever life goes for you, Janice, whatever the future of your continuing this blog, I want you to know that your advice has been so valuable to me. It has helped me past several writing problems, and I still turn here for help. Thank you, and blessings to your family.
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