Posted on by Shawn

My Last Blog Post

(The photo is of me breaking the sound barrier on a tricycle during our annual trek to the mountains. I chose this photo because most times this is how my life feels: exhilarating, slightly painful, and more than slightly out-of-control.)

So I’ve decided to stop blogging.

It’s been a much more difficult decision than you would think. I guess because after two and a half years, I’ve come to depend very much on this space as one where I can work out my many and jumbled thoughts. I wish I could somehow express to you how much your readership and comments and kindness have impacted me.

I’ve felt overwhelmed recently by this pressure to build a platform. I am not one who is known for moderation, so it’s no surprise that this blog and the related elements involved in promoting it (ie Facebook and Twitter) have become all-consuming. I need a break from being a platform-builder so that I can be a writer again.

I also need some time to think about what direction my writing life is going to take. I feel a little lost right now as to what I want the next year to look like, and I’m worried that if I just keep doing what I’m currently doing another year will pass in the rather aimless fashion typical of default modes and pre-programmed playlists. I’ve already finished one novel (not sure what to do with that), and I’ve got a second mulling in my brain that I will write this year. I want to focus more on writing short stories and honing my craft. I want to have more time to write for my clients.

Stepping away from the blog does give me a bit of a panic-attack. After all, if you’re a writer these days, it’s all about your platform. Or so they say. But I’ve chosen to see this stepping away from my blog as an act of faith, a deliberate clearing of space in a world where sometimes it’s difficult to find enough space to turn around. Besides, Maile and I have never really followed normal operating procedure, and we continue to be pretty happy with how that’s worked out for us.

Finally to all of you wonderful bloggers out there – you guys and girls have been a huge inspiration to me. Your kindness and support have been incredible. Your willingness to be so transparent and to keep writing the hard stuff is exhilarating. Meeting many of you during our cross-country journey was the highlight of our trip.

So farewell, for now. I’d be willing to bet that I will resume blogging at some point in the future, but I’m committing to at least a year off (or until I land a book deal) (or something else crazy like that).

If you’d like to stay up-to-date regarding what I’m up to, sign up for my email newsletter in the left-hand column – I’ll try to send something out every once in a while. You can also still buy our book, How to Use a Runaway Truck Ramp, HERE. It’s also now available on Kindle HERE.

Send me an email when you think of me! (shawnsmucker@yahoo.com)

Farewell! Adieu! Adios!

107 Replies to “My Last Blog Post”

  2. The internet will be a less beautiful place without your regular posts, but I fully support your decision and pray that it is a season of straight up amazing for you.

    And we SHALL get together in 2013. For certain.

  4. Stepping away from this daily commitment I’m sure is more than slightly terrifying. Like you, I’ve never believed in traditional “rules” for building yourself and getting yourself out there. All I can say, if I can give an ounce of advice, is to keep yourself “out there” in other ways so that your name continues to come across people’s views when they think of needing a writer. Other advice, enjoy! Write! Relish in the words like you have desired to all this time! Cheers to you and your family this Holiday Season!

  6. Thanks Shawn. This is a bold and courageous decision. Reading your post I get the sense that you’re right on. Some days I wonder if I try to do too many things “OK” and fail to do one or two things exceptionally. And the good news is that if you’re writing novels, there isn’t a 100% consensus on having a huge platform. So I think taking time to focus on writing and sustainability is really good. And hey, you’ve got friends willing to help with the next step of the journey. I was processing this with Alise one time, and we were riffing on the concept of a choir rather than a platform. That’s a much more helpful way to think about amplifying your voice. We’re happy to “sing along” with you.

    Safe travels!

    1. I appreciate your take on this Ed – I know this platform thing is right in your wheelhouse, and you do a great job creating quality content on a consistent basis. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you during the last two years or so. I look forward to seeing where your writing takes you.

  7. Shawn,

    I guess I understand, but you should know that you will be missed tremendously in the blog world. You are one of the best writers here. I guess I’ll have to wait until you return or until your next book comes out.

    Blessings to you and your family!

  8. Pingback: A blogger quits, to write « MarilynYocum.com

  9. Shawn – blog-land will be less shiny without your gems & it’s been a true blessing in the short time I’ve been reading. Kudos for stepping into the unknown deep, again..

  10. Good for you, Shawn! I honor and respect anyone who is willing, panic-attacked or not, to go against the grain by making a decision that some would see as detrimental. Emily Wierenga once wrote, “Before, during, and after we write to pray. Because He is why we write. If we write without Him, we write in vain.” Ish. So I say, with all due respect, screw the need for a platform, you’ve got God. Let Him do what He’s doing. Yes, it’s scary. But the things most worthy of our doing our scary. Fearlessly enter this with courage from Above. In His grace, Rebekah

    1. You took the words right out of my mouth, Rebekah. Thanks for your constant support and encouragement. I’ve enjoyed connecting with you the last few months.

  12. Your voice here will be missed, but I trust it will be heard in greater ways on bigger platforms in the future. You’re blog has always been an inspiration to me. God bless!

  13. I hardly know how to express my feeling right now that doesn’t echo what I have read what your friends before this reply have written. You have become an important part of my life, and I will miss you. Be sure to visit once in a while, but, for now, just think about the Christmas celebration with your friends and family, especially those little ones. They will grow up, and you will be a proud Daddy. They will soon seem to grow away from you, yet they will always be a part of you, and you to them. Life is good,… sometimes. I am babbling again as usual, which is always worse when I feel stressed, as I do this moment, but Shawn, please now, and always, do what is good for Shawn and family. Just don’t delete my e-mail address. My best to you, and Merry Christmas to you and all your faithful followers.

  14. I don’t think you’ll regret the decision even if the web does lose some great writing for a time. When I killed my first blog I intended to resume in only a couple months. Then I really began to enjoy not having to worry about a blog for even a minute. Enjoy that respite. You’ll know when it’s time to come back.

    1. Tonight I am already relieved not to have to write something for tomorrow. And instead of pushing out a post, I’m finishing up the first draft of a short story that’s been in my brain for months. You’re right, Clay. See you at Killer Tribes???

  15. Shawn,

    I pray that God will bless you with wisdom, direction, clarity and peace as you talk with Him and with your family about what next year will look like. I also pray that He will continue to provide for all your needs according to His great riches, which he lavishes on us who believe and trust in Him.

    Amy

  17. Oh Shawn, I SO admire your decision and your faith, but I am going to miss you out here in the blogosphere! You’ve been a huge inspiration to me!

    I wish you and Maile all the best. I will be praying for you as you discern God’s will.

    1. I’ll miss you too, Michelle, but I’ll still be on Twitter and (occasionally) Facebook (for now). Please keep writing. Your voice is needed, and your words are so good. I see good things in store for you (does that sound like a fortune cookie?).

  19. Bold move, my friend. Though I did not comment as regularly as I should have, know that I did read your posts often. I’ll miss them. I hope we will stay in touch, and if you ever miss blogging or need to borrow a platform, know that my virtual door is always open to you. :)

  20. It’s hard to do both well,…blog regularly and write the meaty stuff. And you like the meaty stuff!

    You will be missed…but when you resurface we know it will be with so much to share, esp having your attentions focused in the way you have chosen. It’s wise…scary I’m sure, but good for you. That’s my hunch.

    Shoot up a flare when you’re ready, and we’ll all be back, happy to have you closer, and eager to learn from you.

    All the best.
    Lisa

  21. I hope all goes well for you — I understand the desire to focus on the BEST thing rather than too many GOOD things. Your blog posts will be missed.

    One thought… it’s okay to leave yourself a backdoor to throwdown a post occasionally. You know – avoid the routine and ritual, but if a thought is burning a hole in your head trying to get out to cyberspace, feel the freedom to drop a quick post out there. If you can’t do that without getting too into the routine/platform building side, don’t do it…. for me, leaving a back door cracked open gives me a little peace that I’m not tied down by my own self-regulation. (I don’t do so good when I over regulate myself….)

    We’ll miss your regular posts, but only wish you and the family the best!

  22. Good for you Shawn. Do what you want to do, not what you feel others want you to do.

    “I need a break from being a platform-builder so that I can be a writer again.”
    Nicely said. Totally agree and know where you are coming from. I’ve recently scaled back quite a bit and it feels good.

  23. I read everything you write, Shawn, and that will not change. I’m signing on for the newsletter and I’m watching for the books. They will come, that I know. And I will have a review of Truck up in the new year – loving it and love hearing your story in both of your voices. This a move that is brave and strong, Shawn. But that does not surprise me in the least. Many, many blessings.

  25. Quelle surprise! Wow and kudos. I have felt those same rumblings. You are wise, and more than that, you are a fantastic real writer. Much love, and please tell us you’ll still be around on twitter etc.

  28. platform, schmatform! will miss reading your posts but totally understand the desire to just write. you go!

  29. Wow, Shawn. I’m surprised to hear this and at the same time, I completely get it. Blogging adds to our lives and yet it can take away from our writing. The irony of it all. This year away will be good for you, I think, and hopefully clarifying. I look forward to hearing about it, as things unfold. (That means you’d best be keeping in touch!)

  31. Shawn, I have been so grateful for your words in this space, but I also completely understand that overwhelmed feeling that comes with trying to do it all. One of the things I have begun to realize, as I pour more and more time into my book project, is that all writing is not the same. Book writing requires a very different mental and artistic space than blog writing, even if the general topics and stories are similar.

    So, you will be missed, but know that you’re being sent off with many fans and prayers. (Will you continue connecting with us via Twitter?)

    1. I will still be on Twitter, definitely. One of my favorite spaces. And I’ll be following your writing with great interest. Say hello to Jason and the girls for me.

  33. I’m at a loss for words (rare!). Half of me wants to say: don’t go! The other half wants to say: go! You’re making the right decision.

    And I have feedback on your ms that I’ve been neglectful in emailing you for months. Sigh!

    You’ll be missed.

    But you’re right, you’ll be back.

    And we’ll all be here.

    1. Well, that’s exactly how I felt in making the decision. Do it! Don’t do it! So far I think I’ve done the right thing.

      Any feedback you have would be greatly appreciated, but no worries. Good luck with your book! I can’t wait!

  34. Good on you, Shawn!

    Did the same thing back in November; haven’t looked back.

    It’s refreshing not to have to promote a platform.

    Have 20,000± words each of a both memoir, and a novel, to show for it. Doesn’t matter if they ever see the light of day. They will have been written, and I will have done it.

    You won’t regret it.

  35. I’m happy for you Shawn.

    I will say though, that this decision isn’t nearly as dangerous as riding down hill on that tricycle with your manhood so close to the handle bars.

  36. No!!!
    But yah, what they said: Your words will be sorely missed.
    And yes, thanks for once again setting the example of courage to obey the unorthodox leading.
    Kinda’ ironic for me – because I just started following you as you were preparing for your big trip and we were preparing for a similar huge adventure in our lives as well. And right now, I have been sensing direction to stop doing some of what has become normal to have time to do more of “the other” – so once again your example serves as confirmation for me.

    Thanks for your faithfulness.

    1. Thank you, Kaye. Normal is usually very overrated, unless you want to live the life everyone else is living. And it doesn’t sound like that’s what you want. I wish you all the best.

  37. A bittersweet day for all bloggers I guess. I have always found myself barely getting 5 min. to read the wisdom and stories of others. So oddly enough, this does give me leverage to finally get caught up on reading some of your work. Next thing you know, I’m rarely writing my own blog. I am committed to my Christmas blog, however.
    Hope to see you at Cross Current again some day.

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  43. Shawn, really appreciate your LAST blog post blog post. There are too many writers who don’t respect their readership enough to say it’s over. They just leave us hanging… I will say that, selfishly, I am hoping you come back when you have things sorted out… Hopefully there’s a first blog post blog post in the future. All God’s best as you discover what pleases Him!

  44. Wowza, talk about late to the party. I came over from Lore Ferguson’s to visit for THE FIRST TIME and you are announcing the end of your blogging. My timely is crazy. Hope to follow you on fb and I will look for your words in other formats. Happy writing in this new season.

  45. Shawn — I’m late to the party here, but I came from Andi Cumbo’s blog, and I’ll tell you what I told her. This is going around lately. I wrote a post about it recently, and I’ve talked to so many other bloggers who have been on the brink of quitting. I think the conversation is getting a little noisy for our tastes.

    I’m not going to quit blogging (yet, at least) but I just wanted to say I celebrate you for making the choice that is right for you, as a husband, a dad, a man, and a writer. We’ll miss reading of course, but it takes a lot of courage to do what you’re doing and I applaud you for it.

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