Monday, May 1, 2017

Some Rambles About Life + Shameful Confessions + May Hiatus



Sooo…I’m going on another hiatus. *cough* My perfectionist self is beating me up over this since I already went on one in January. I can’t go another month not posting on my blog. I post every week. THAT’S THE RULE. But, ya know, January was a few months ago. And I don’t think the world will explode if I go another few weeks without posting…? Maybe? Hopefully?


Okay, but for reals, this wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I think it’ll be for the best.


See, I have a lot going in May. As in THREE graduations three weeks in a row. Two of which are out of town, one of which is my own little sister (!!!!). And, on top of that, there’s a billion other things going down in May. Life has been busy, and is about to get busier. It’s a GOOD busy. I’m actually very excited about life right now. So this is not an I’m-too-drained-from-life-to-blog type of hiatus like I took in January. This is a life-is-too-full-and-exciting-to-worry-about-blogging thing.


Remember last Monday when I admitted I was a rare unicorn extroverted writer? Well, guys, I’m catering to my extroverted needs in May and putting away the computer for a bit to soak up life. I just want to LIVE. To be a part of all the exciting things going down. Not obligated to sit in front of the computer for a few hours blogging every week.


Now, don’t get me wrong. Blogging actually helps my extrovertedness (totally a word, shhh) because I get to interact with YOU GUYS, which is basically my favorite thing of ever. I don’t know how I ever survived without all my blogging friends. You’re the BEST. But, sadly, I don’t know you in person. IT’S A TRAGEDY. If only I could talk to you each in person all the time. *dreamy sigh* That’d be the life.


BUT ANYWAY.


All this to say, I LOVE my blog, and I LOVE all of you, and taking a hiatus is not easy. But I also think I need to just soak up life for a bit and enjoy this time of friends and family graduating and things. I’m super pumped about May and I don’t want any computer obligations taking me away from that.


With that said, I’m gonna admit something shameful to you… You know how my BIG PLANS for 2017 was to buckle down and get super serious about my writing. To edit Burning Thorns and be active on social media and start searching for literary agents and work on query letters and all that fun stuff? Well…


I haven’t done any of it. I, erm, haven’t even started editing on Burning Thorns.


*hides in a hole of shame for eternity*


IT’S TRUUUUUE! D:


On the one hand, I’m utterly horrified and ashamed that we’re nearly to MAY, and I haven’t done any of that stuff. But on the other hand…I’m at peace with it.


See, when I made these plans in January, I had no idea what this year would bring. I thought it’d be any other normal, boring year and I’d have plenty of time to work on my writing career. Well, life didn’t work out that way. Instead, this year is proving to be exciting with changes coming. Which is GREAT. I’ve needed a change desperately! But, as a result, my writing has been pushed aside.


With all that said, I’ve been playing the horrid game of Guilt for months. I should be editing. I should be more active on social media. Why have I not started searching for literary agents? I AM ALL THE SHAME. But then I realized: I don’t think this is the time for that. I think God wants me to just focus on LIFE right now. After all, I have all the rest of my life to work on writing. It’s not like I have deadlines. If I put off editing for a couple of months, THE WORLD WILL NOT END. *gasp* Crazy thought!


SO. As I came to this conclusion, I’ve felt a peace. I’ve made a plan to officially put off all my Writing Plans for another couple of months. Don’t get me wrong. Writing = LIFE. It’s still my main priority for my future! But, for this specific time, I think I need to close the laptop now and again and just enjoy life. To be with friends and family and enjoy being out and about and busy, instead of holed up in my room writing or feeling guilty about not being holed up in my room writing.


I honestly think that’s what God wants of me right now.


BUT DO NOT WORRY. Once life settles back into a normal routine, I’m sure I’ll be chomping at the bit, desperate to return to writing. I can’t ever go long without it. It’s a part of me, and without it I feel empty. And I DO plan on returning to blogging sometime in June! No way am I abandoning my blog for too long. That would be a TRAGEDY.


But for the month of May, I’m just gonna LIVE. Which may also mean not commenting on blogs and emailing as much either. I’m not sure yet. BUT I’LL BE BACK, GUYS. I PROMISE.


I love you all, and hope your May is an absolutely frabjous one!

 

So, tell me, what are your May plans? Any graduations? Any fun summer doings? (Can you believe it’s nearly SUMMER? o.O) What’s going on in your lives? I WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT. Chat with me!

45 comments:

  1. That's strange. Several bloggers I know have been taking breaks. May must be BUSY.
    It is for me.
    1) My birthday is in it.
    2) Two of my cousins have b-days in it.
    3) Mother's Day.
    4) My new WIP.
    5) FINISHING SCHOOL. *dies*
    *comes back to life*
    School is mean.
    I have been reading my old books - trying to get inspiration for my new ones. I have been specifically focusing on Peter Pan because he is in my NEW BOOK. *smiled proudly* I have to get his character JUST RIGHT, and it is SOOOOOOO hard. He has a complex personality and home and backstory. AND.... *sigh* I just love characters.
    I'm glad that you get to go out and do... STUFF. Trust me, after school, I'm gonna go crazy. (A.k.a. - Do EVERYTHING and go EVERYWHERE!!!!)
    *hands school assignments to Kevin [imaginary friend - don't ask] and buys plane tickets to the Congo*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. May definitely seems to be a full month!

      Oh wow, looks like you're definitely going to have a busy May! I hope you have an amazing birthday! :D

      You're sooo close to school being over, you can totally do this. Just keep trekking on. You're almost there! *waves pompoms and cheers you on*

      PETER PAN IS IN YOUR NEW BOOK???????? AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!! THAT IS AWESOME. I've always thought about writing a Peter Pan retelling. I may just have to one day! But yes, Peter's personality is so deep and complex. I LOVE it, but I can imagine it is a tricky thing to get right. I know you can do it though! Also SO much yes to character love. I'm so obsessed with characters. They're 100% my favorite thing about writing.

      It sounds like we're both gonna have a great summer! :D

      Delete
    2. It IS! *flails from excitement* (I flail a lot)
      Thank you so much! XD My sister and I are super excited. <3 (We're twinny-twin-twins.)
      I'm so excited for SUMMER!!!! *stares at the word with eyes wide* I can write and read and go hiking and EVERYTHING GOOD!!!!!! *sighs* My friends and I are gonna work on some YouTube videos, too.... :D
      YES!!! I'm so excited. I haven't gotten to him yet, but he'll be coming in pretty soon.... *grins* I was going to write a Peter Pan retelling before (where he was the 2nd main character), but it wasn't working out well. He's going to fit into my current book WONDERFULLY, tho!!! (I am in the middle of a crazy/awesome fantasy.... <3)
      I seriously can't wait.
      *flails*

      Delete
    3. I flail a lot, too. XD Nothing wrong with being so happy you just gotta flaaail!

      Ooooh, you guys are twins? SO COOL. Well, happy soon-to-be birthday to you BOTH then! :D Is LHE your sister? You two started commenting on my blog around the same time, so I kept thinking you must be related. Or was that just a coincidence?

      Oooh, it sounds like you're going to have a wonderful summer. I'm so excited for you!

      That sounds fantastic! :D :D :D

      Delete
    4. Absolutely nothing!!! *flails*
      Yeppers!!!!! <3 And yes, we're sisters. Twins. LOL. :D Thank you for the "Happy Birthday"!
      We are........ <3
      I'm excited, too!!!!! I love writing. I love making up characters. I LOVE Peter Pan. It's a win-win-win!!! xD

      Delete
  2. I can totally understand the need to have a break! I'm graduating myself in a couple of weeks, moving between three different states and starting a summer job. Add to that a few big family events and multiple appts and I've got a busy month! I only hope I get this blasted re-telling put up on Rebelling Muse soon.

    Catherine
    catherinesrebellingmuse.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're graduating? HOW EXCITING! Congrats! AND moving? Wow. You definitely have quite a summer ahead of you. I do so hope everything goes wonderfully for you and you're able to accomplish all you want to. You've totally got this! *fistpump*

      Delete
  3. I hope you have a pleasant break :) go enjoy may!

    ( just don't stay away too long or the world might end after all)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, dear. <3

      Lol! Don't worry, I can't stay away from you guys long. It simply isn't possible! MY world would end if I did.

      Delete
  4. I totally agree with Varvare. Please, come back as soon as you can. We will miss you so much!

    I hope you have a great break and enjoy life! Everyone totally needs a break sometimes.

    thefloridsword.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're so sweet! Don't worry, I will DEFINITELY be back! This is just for May. And I'll still be reading everyone's lovely posts (even if I'm not able to find time to comment).

      Thanks so much! <333

      Delete
  5. I'll miss you. I hope you have a wonderful hiatus! I'm going to MegaCon next month which I'm so excited about! I just bought my tickets to have a photo op with Gaten Matarazzo who plays Dustin in Stranger Things! :D

    storitorigrace.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Tori! I will return!

      Oh my goodness. That is going to be AH-MAY-ZING!!! I'm so excited for you! (Although sadly, I've yet to watch Stranger Things. I've been meaning to since it started and STILL haven't. I've got to do that!)

      I hope your May is a fantastic one! <3

      Delete
  6. CHRISTINE. I'm going to miss you so muuuuuch, but DON'T FOR ONE SECOND FEEL BAD. Honestly, this is so important for you. I'm glad that exciting things are happening AND that you realize the importance of enjoying life. WAY TO GO, GIRL. I totally admire that! Seriously. So. Much. Respect.

    And you know what, it's also a HUGELY AWESOME thing that you're doing with writing. Like you said, this is what God has planned for you right now. Enjoy it! Don't even let that horrid Guilt try to persuade you otherwise. *hits guilt with a frying pan* XD Your stories will still be there waiting for you, and there's no rush to work on them.

    In short (but gosh, when am I EVER short? *coughs*), I LOVE YOU LOADS, DARLING, AND AM TOTALLY BEHIND YOUR DECISION! I know we'll all miss you muchly--but that will just make your return all the sweeter. :D

    *gives you all the hugs* <3333

    (*whispers* But don't think this means you can leave us forever. Because then I will get out my squirrel army and come after you. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MARYYYYYY. LET ME HUG YOU. *TACKLES* YOU'RE THE SWEETEST THING. Your whole comment just gives me alllll the warm, fuzzy feels. THANK YOU for saying all these things. And an extra thank you for smacking Guilt with a frying pan. XD Because it has been plaguing me all YEAR. *glares at it* I think I needed to hear your words. Just...THANK YOU!!! I don't know what else to say! Your comment means the world to me!

      Oh goodness, the only reason I'd EVER leave you guys forever is if I died, and I have no intentions of doing that any time soon! Lol. SO DON'T WORRY. I will absolutely be back!!! (And I'll still totally be stalking your blogs.)

      Love you so much! Thank you AGAIN for your precious words. *hugs back* <3333

      Delete
  7. I hope you have a relaxing + exciting hiatus! <3 My plan is to finish up two things in May: school exams and draft 1 of my MG steampunk pirate novel, Karissa Goldlock's Guide to (Almost) Utterly Everything. As for summer, I'll hopefully go on a lot of college visits! I'm especially excited for Dartmouth, Yale, and College of William and Mary.

    Ellie | On the Other Side of Reality

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Ellie! <3

      Ooooh, you have so many exciting things coming up! :D I do so hope your exams go well, and writing is fantastic, and that you have a wonderful time visiting colleges. What an exciting time!

      Delete
  8. I'll miss seeing your posts, but I'm glad you're taking the time off to enjoy life!
    May is looking like a busy month for me as well, so I may have to have to take a bit of a break too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Blue! ^_^

      Goodness, May just appears to be a busy month in general. But I hope yours is absolutely wonderful!

      Delete
  9. Wow, May looks like it will be quite a busy month full of fun things! :) And that's so exciting that your sister is graduating! (It's a bit weird though when the younger siblings graduate—at least it has been for me, hehe. Where does time GO? They're not supposed to be so grown-up yet???)

    I actually don't have any huge plans for May? (I'm excited about the new Pirates movie and hope to see it in theaters, but that's really the only thing I know of other than the norm...) We'll see what happens though!

    I hope your hiatus is full of fun and adventure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it's gonna be a good month. ^_^
      It IS weird! I honestly can't wrap my mind around the fact that my sister will be done with highschool completely this month. Just...HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?? Where DID the time go? It's craziness!

      Oooh, yes. The new Pirates movie does look like it has potential to be a good one. I hope it is! And hey, sometimes not having plans is the best. You can just enjoy things and do what you want. Lol.

      Thanks, Jameson! And I hope you have a wonderful May! <3

      Delete
  10. Blogging hiatuses can be so good - especially when you're doing it to take time to live like you are! <3 Sounds like you've got some awesome things going on in May. And like you said, God might be calling you to spend most of your time differently than you'd originally planned for 2017. He changes our plans for the better sometimes! :D Even though your fans (yes, fans) are pining away for the day when Burning Thorns will be in print (!!!) God has the best schedule for how and when progress will be made towards that. :D

    As for me... I'm going to Europe this May??? O.o I'm kinda still in shock and I'm leaving this Friday and NO I'M NOT READY. I've never been out of America before (well, only barely into Canada) and this is very new. But I'm ridiculously excited to say the least. So that's why I myself will be absent in May, too. xD

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You words, Emily! They are so encouraging. Yes, blogging hiatuses can definitely be good. And you're SO right about God changing our plans for the better. I usually love it when He changes my plans. I'd MUCH rather His spectacular plans over my silly ones. Hehe.
      Fans? Giiirrrrl. What am I gonna do with you? You're giving me all the happyful feels! I'll be returning to Burning Thorns, don't worry! In fact, last night I was doing a little mental plotting while trying to go to sleep. XD So yes, it's gonna happen! Just a little delayed is all. *nods*

      :O
      :o
      :O
      Europe???
      EUROPE??????
      AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH EMILY THAT IS SO EPIC!!!!!!! I'M SO EXCITED FOR YOU. Just just just...AAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!! I HOPE YOU HAVE THE MOST AMAZINGEST TIME OF EVER. Yeah, I'd definitely say this gives you an excuse to be absent in May. XD The only other country I've ever been to is Canada as well. Lol. Europe is definitely the dream! MEEP. Have a wonderful time!!!! :D

      Delete
    2. *peeks in* *whispers* Emily... you're going to EUROPE? o.O Wow. That's... that's amazing. I definitely want to hear about that. o.o

      Delete
    3. I am!! There will be *much* flailing when I get back... I'll probably have a thousand things to say when commenting on your May wrap-up post. ;)

      Delete
  11. CHRISTINEEEEE! OH. MY. GOODNESS. I've read this post three times now (each time forgetting to comment because #scatterbrained), and each time I relate to the max of relating. I... just... It's like you took a trip in my mind. I LOVE THIS. I've been feeling the exact same things, and am taking -- more or less -- a break from writing this month.

    Four days into May, and it's been so freeing. o.O I've set up times to get together with people! I've sat down to watch TV with my family without feeling guilt! I played piano for fun! I did some bullet journaling! I sat down and spent a long time in devotions since I didn't have that "you should be writing" whisper in my head. I just... I think it's been so good to take a step back and realize the goal and the purpose with writing -- it's a gift from God, and it's supposed to be for enjoyment and not boatloads of stress. :P And I'm realizing how much it's taken away my time from people and God.

    I'll just stop there -- I'll probably turn this comment into a lil blog post eventually, because it's been so amazing. xD SO THANK YOU FOR WRITING THIS. I love what you said and it helped me figure out my thoughts some as well. *nodnod*

    ENJOY MAY. <3 <3 <3

    katie grace
    a writer's faith

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Three times??? KATIE. YOU'RE SO PRECIOUS. But oh my goodness, we're such twins, it's craziness!

      I am so, so, so happy to hear you've already been having a good May and have had some awesome peopling! That's just fantastic. And I LOVE what you said about writing. YES. It is a gift from God and we should ENJOY it, not make it some giant, stressful monster keeping us away from the rest of our lives. Writing will always, ALWAYS be one of the very biggest parts of my life and core focus for the future (career-wise, that is), but I can't make it my ONLY life. There are other aspects to life that can't be ignored just because I write! I'm learning that day by day.

      Oooh, you should definitely write that blog post. That'd be awesome! :D

      Awwww, girl. You're so welcome! Thank YOU for your precious comment. I hope the rest of your May is completely and utterly spectacular. <3

      Delete
  12. I've been wanting to meet all you wonderful people in person that I've met on here. It's SO SAD!!!! *SOBBB*
    Maybe sometime.....I mean, I have NO IDEA on how that'd work, but that'd be so wonderful for me. *Sigh*
    I love you too!!!!! SOBBBBBBBB!!!!!!!!!
    You know, girl. You NEED this. Go and soak in all of life's beating rays! Don't worry about us...peoples. *Sniffle*
    Please don't take this as a guilt trip. I'll miss you, Christine.
    Wow, it sounds like I'll never hear from you again, from what I sound like so far Sheesh. Lol
    This is so bittersweet! *Hugs*
    JUNE?!?!?!?! *FLAIL* Okay, I'm going to your post and back to the comments so I can comment properly....oh my!!
    Okay, don't feel guilty. We all need a break. *HUG*
    I'll make your return like....AMAZING. I mean, not in person, though that would be amazing, but in the comments.
    I'll miss u so much! Dawwwww... HAVE AN AMAZING MAYISH, SUMMERISH.....AMAZINGNESS....LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I hope all goes well for you, Christine! :D
    *HUGGGG*
    I wanna write more this summer. Maybe even get my first draft of my novel done? Hopefully. :)
    I went to a friend's graduation, but.....none of my own. LOL
    SUUUUUMMMEEEERRRR!!!!!! EEEEKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!
    Ahem. *cough,cough*
    Haha! You're amazing, Christine! I hope you'll listen to all God has in store for you! I know you'll do great things! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OKAY, YOU ARE THE SWEETEST THING. Your whole comment is making me smile! And DON'T WORRY. I will absolutely, 100% return! My blog is a part of me, and there's nothing on this earth that'll make me abandon it. This is just a hiatus, nothing more. I SHALL RETURN.

      Thanks so much for all the encouragement and well wishes. I hope your May is amazing toooo!!! That would be so cool if you finished your first draft! :D I hope everything will be the best for you! *HUGS*

      Delete
    2. Dawwww, thank you!!! I'm glad I made you smile. :D
      This is so bittersweet, but it'll make your return the best. I will be waiting for you, my dear. lol

      Your welcome! May has been pretty good so far! IT"S ALMOST JUNE!!!!!! YAY! Summer batter hurry up. lol
      It would be amazing. I'm so blank though. *Sob*
      *Hugs harder* <3

      Delete
  13. Ack, we will miss you but I hope you have a very lovely hiatus!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Firstly, THERE IS NO SHAME! You've been busy with Life's other plans. :D (Plus you wrote an epic short story, know what I'm saying? ;))

    Secondly, I WILL MISS YOUR AMAZING POOOSSSTS (like, I even loved this update-y post. All your posts are gold! <3) but I hope you have an absolutely amazing break and enjoy all those Lifely things that your extrovert self needs to go recharge in! ^_^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. THANK YOU SO MUCH, CELTI!!! You always make me feel better!

      I'm so happy you like all my posts! They can be so random and rambly sometimes. Lol. But just...THANK YOOOUUU!!! <333

      Delete
  15. Hey Christine! I know your on a May hiatus but when you come back, I have a tag you could do. ;) It's a Sunshine Blogger Award tag. ^.^

    Just thought I'd let ya know! ^___^

    http://animaljamjumble1.blogspot.ca/2017/05/lots-and-lots-of-tags.html

    It's around the bottom of the post! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awwww, how sweet! I'm honored. Thank you so much!!! ^_^

      Delete
  16. It's totally okay to take a break. Don't beat yourself up, you're awesome!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so precious, Skye! Thank you for that. <333

      Delete
  17. Hi there!!
    I've just found your blog!!
    Ohh my I absolutely love it!! Your posts are amazing! I'll definitely stick around <3
    I'm new on the blogging world, in case you'd like to check my blog out. If not, that's alright. I'll still be reading your gorgeous posts!! <3
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. *clutches heart* GIRL. YOU ARE SO SWEET. It just makes me ridiculously happy that you enjoy my little blog. Thank you!!!

      I loooove finding more blogging buddies. It's so nice to "meet" you. Welcome to the blogging world! *passes out welcome cake*

      Delete
  18. Hi Christine! Just wanted to let you know that I tagged you for the Blue Sky Tag, in case you want to do it when you get back from hiatus:
    https://trueandpure.wordpress.com/2017/05/26/fun-friday-blue-sky-tag/

    ReplyDelete
  19. So this is ANCIENT news and I am woefully behind on a whole summer full of posts here--but this post is still a great reminder for me to LIVE and not spend every waking minute wrapped up in plans and goals.

    And I know you had grand plans for BT this year, but you should absolutely not feel guilty for the way things have turned out. We can make all the goals we want, but we cant foresee everything that life will throw at us. So it takes maturity to adjust to the waves, trim the sails, and take a different direction if that's the way the wind is blowing. (Apparently I can't *not* speak in metaphors. XD)

    Anyway, looking forward to catching up on all the Christine posts!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's such a struggle--productivity vs. living/relaxing. I don't think I'll EVER manage to get it right. Lol.

      Okay but I LOOOOVE your metaphors. That is so beautiful and perfect! Like...I want that on my wall! Because it's something I struggle with a LOT. When my plans change, I grumble and fight it and can get very testy. I often forget to just let the sails take me where they will. So thank you for that reminder! I need it...a lot.

      D'awww! You're so precious! <3

      Delete
    2. I struggle with that balance all the time! I hope that as time goes on, we get at least a teensy bit better at it. That even if we still waver from one to the other, we're a little closer to equilibrium! :P ^_^

      Awww, you're too sweet! But I'm the same way! Plans changing, especially MY plans changing, often makes me irritable too. Another thing I have to work on. XD

      So are you! <3

      Delete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...