Goodbyes used to be easy for me. Endings meant new beginnings, and I’ve always thrived on discovering the new. The folks who’ve meant the most to me have always stayed in my life in some way, even if only through letters and phone calls. Leaving situations I liked, jobs for instance, was tough sometimes, but I always knew exhilarating change was on the horizon.
But as I get older, goodbyes have become more difficult. New beginnings still follow endings, but I’m having more trouble leaving behind the good parts of my life; maybe because as I mature, I’m bringing more meaningful activities into my life and loving people more deeply.
This blog has been one of my more meaningful ventures and I have been introduced to some amazing people through it. But it is time to say goodbye. At least, for now.
I started Tart and Soul more than two years ago in an effort to market myself as a writer. My agent was shopping around a novel, branded “women’s commercial fiction,” and I thought a blog focusing on relationships would help build my platform. The blog soon became much more than that. Writing these posts helped me sort out challenges in my personal life and in the lives of my friends. It helped me navigate a sometimes bizarre, often cruel, often inspiring popular culture and gave me an opportunity to express myself and be heard.
Even more importantly, I’ve heard from my readers, a bunch of smart, thoughtful, funny, fantastic folks. Reading their comments and getting their letters has been as enriching to me as writing these posts.
Unfortunately, my agent was unable to sell my novel to publishers. The upside to this disappointing news was realizing I now had the opportunity to return to my real love as a writer: literary fiction. Last year, I applied to grad school and have just begun a Creative Writing MFA program. I am madly in love with this program because in it, I’m getting back to myself as a creative writer and a critical reader of great literature.
But as you can imagine, grad school doesn’t leave much time for anything else. As much as I enjoy writing the blog and hearing from my readers, now is the time to buckle down, do my schoolwork and write another novel. The fact that I haven’t been able to post this goodbye note in four weeks should speak to how busy I am. Although, I am happy to admit there’s no greater feeling than being busy as hell doing something you love.
You will hear from me again – there will be books, articles, and perhaps even a return to this blog, Tart and Soul. In the mean time, please keep in touch by following me on Twitter and liking my author’s page on Facebook. If I start the blog up again, you’ll hear about it there:
Twitter: @lkwarrell – link here
Facebook: LK Warrell Author – link here
I will miss Tart and Soul and all of my readers. Thank you so much for your support. It means the world.
Until next time…
[Image from tanigami.tumblr.com]
Goodbyes are wrenching for the reader too. So, I’ll say a fond farewell to your Tart and Soul blog and look for you again in other venues.
I was introduced to your blog by a friend of mine. I’m glad I got the chance to read you, and more importantly, that now we are friends – at least in the digital sense!
Good luck to you, Laura! As my dad likes to say, “we’ll catch you on the flipside.”
Take care, Laura, and good luck! I will follow you elsewhere and look forward to seeing great updates from time to time. Many blessings to you, my friend!
wishing you the best of luck with your decision. You can’t go wrong if you follow your heart and listen to your emotions. They’ll take you to your right life.
I’ll be looking out for you in the fiction section!
Linda Ford
Best of luck with everything, and I look forward to keeping up to speed with you via Twitter!
A little disappointed over here but totally understand. I had to do that once too – back in my MySpace days – so I know what it’s about. Blogging requires careful thought and attention, because like your fiction material, you want each one to be compelling. I imagine you’ve written a few that you’ve never posted because you weren’t happy with them, right? Signs of a writer who won’t “settle”.
Good luck with your school and novel Laura!
Hey Laura,
Your blog has always been a fun and thoughtful read. I will keep an eye out for any new work from you. Good luck with all your future endeavors…
Cheers!
- Guy
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
As sad as I am, you surely must know that I’m rooting for you! I so totally understand and applaud you for doing the right thing.
Just yesterday I posted a “CLOSED” sign on the Brava & Bravo category of my blog because of not having enough time.
You are one of my all-time favorite online friends. You are magic, your writing is magic, and I know one day I’ll hold your published book in my hands!
Big hugs from your fan in Kentucky.
oh no! but congrats and good luck! i will miss my monday morning reads.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!! You’ve all been amazing readers and I am soooooo deeply touched to get your kind words and support. You’ve made this journey worth it and I hope to see you all in the future. Good luck to you as well!
Laura,
I am so sorry to see you go. I was pretty late to the party — but once I arrived, I looked forward to reading your blog (even if I didn’t always have anything to contribute in response).
I know what you mean about good-byes becoming more difficult. Please don’t get me started, ’cause I won’t be able to stop.
I wish you well in grad school. Work hard, and enjoy the hard work. I know you’ll do well. Whatever you do, do it with great enthusiasm, but still try to look surprised when Success and You find each other!
I look forward to hearing great things about you!
-Jeff
Thank you, Jeff! I promise to get you something to read soon. Glad you found me!
Take care Laura! Thanks for all the posts!