I've survived. You've survived. We've all survived author intrusion going dark. Amazing isn't it? :-) I remember last year, going dark at Lent was a good time for me, and this past month, what with the holidays and writing Bella, I simply had to take something off my plate, and the blog was it.
But it really happened for another reason. I was praying in the prayer chapel at church and was talking to Jesus about how I just want to write my books and live my life. What I mean is this, and bloggers, I think you'll get what I'm talking about. You find yourself living your life for your blog.
"Oh, won't this make a funny post?"
"What will the blog friends think about this?"
"Maybe I'd better not say what I'm doing because people will get upset with me." (Remember when Ty and I demonstrated against torture and the ruckus that caused? Oy!)
I think for some folks, blogging is a source of great energy, a great way to communicate. And when I think of some of the great blogs out there with wonderful voices contributing to the conversation of life, I'm glad for it. But I have other means of communication literally coming out of my fingertips. The truth is, blogging drains me emotionally. And when I'm on-line, I stay on-line. I feel like I'm losing my life to this computer. So I asked Jesus about just wanting a quiet life of writing and living: raising children, being a wife, doing church/community things, and the words, Stop Blogging came to me along with that breathlessness I feel when the Holy Spirit's talking.
That was in December. Here we are nearing the end of January and all is well! Marvelous!
So, in plain words, then, having explained the whys, this post's purpose is to let you know that I'm shutting down author intrusion. This blog has meant a lot to me, however.
* I've made some wonderful friends. Friends I hope to keep. You all know who you are. If you've got my email addy, you're one of them. Even if it takes me a while to respond . . . I will!
* I've worked through a lot of changes here and it was always good to find friends who helped me through. Think about it! I went from suburban writer/homemaker to . . . well, something else! And you were there. I don't think I could have processed it all on my own.
* I had a LOT of fun! Remember our literary beauty contests and "what are you listening to right now?" times?
* A lot of you shared your heart in the comments and encouraged others. (WHY am I shutting down?) And you encouraged me too.
* I know there were lurkers and you all were appreciated as well.
So, I'm going to miss this. Obviously. But here's what the future holds.
*More books. (Of course. Sheesh.)
*A newsletter. I'll be sending out a newsletter occasionally. You can email me at lesamson@hotmail.com and put "newsletter" in the subject line. (This email addy will only be used for newsletter sign-ups.)
*A small column for Today's Christian Woman on justice issues.
*Website. Still the one I've had that will keep you up to date on releases and what's going on with my books.
My final prayer request on this blog is to ask you to pray for Ty and I as we leave for Swaziland tomorrowwith Children's HopeChest. We return on the 3rd of February. Ty and I will be writing a book for Zondervan about our experience so buy a copy when it comes out because the proceeds will be going to Children's HopeChest! (I'd rather walk naked down Main Street than raise support, so I came up with the book idea. I know. I'm awful.)
So, in all things, I give thanks for each of you who found a place around the table. You've taught me so much and I'm blessed from this journey because of you. Thank you.
God's Peace to You,
lisa
:( for me.
but ;) for you.
i wouldn't have found my great community of faith (church) had it not been for you.
blessings.
Posted by: Dianne | January 22, 2008 at 10:30 AM
I'll miss the blog, but look forward to more books- and the newsletter. Be blessed!
Posted by: Carrie K. | January 22, 2008 at 01:06 PM
I know the feeling. I've cut back from 1 review a week to 1 review a month. Very freeing. And I've got both your new releases pre-ordered. Keep on rocking, sister!
Posted by: Bradford | January 22, 2008 at 01:09 PM
I'll miss your blog, but I understand completely. Every event of the day is weighed for its capacity to entertain my blog readers. :) I'm signing up for the newsletter and can't wait for Embrace Me and Finding Hollywood Nobody!
Posted by: Christy Lockstein | January 22, 2008 at 01:13 PM
I'll miss the blog but look forward to more books!
Posted by: Shauna | January 22, 2008 at 02:26 PM
I totally understand...but praising God with you on all these wonderful opportunities the Lord is providing!
Posted by: Pattie | January 22, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Thanks for adding your voice to the web. Even as a lurker, you've taught me about justice and let me see what being the hands and feet of Christ is like. I've been entertained, challenged and blessed. Good luck in all your (ad)ventures. We'll be reading ...
Posted by: Patty | January 22, 2008 at 03:56 PM
Wow.
All I can say is thank you so much, for all the change you've helped to usher into my life!
Peace
Posted by: wilsonian | January 22, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Thank you for obeying God even if many of us will miss your blog greatly.
And thank you for letting God use your blog while it was up and running. God used your blog to get me going to Swazilan with you tomorrow...and in turn, my daughters. For that I will always hold you and your Author Intrusion, near and dear to my heart.
SEE YOU SOON!!!!!!!!!!!
And I can't WAIT to read the book! ;)
Posted by: Elysa Mac | January 22, 2008 at 06:16 PM
Lisa
I love your blog and admire you for what you are doing. I also look forward to your future books.
Brittanie
Posted by: Brittanie | January 22, 2008 at 06:36 PM
I will miss visiting your blog and your enlightening posts, Lisa. But I do understand the time it takes to be a writer and how we have to really place boundaries around what we put our time into when it's in such short supply. Or at least I'm beginning to. Looking forward to reading more of your books. Blessings and prayers go with you.
Posted by: Tina | January 23, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Thanks for sharing you for the time that God allowed. I TOTALLY understand where you are coming from and I know that God will honor your obedience and heart.
Blessings, dear sister in Christ,
Posted by: Jennifer L. Griffith | January 25, 2008 at 08:59 PM
I will miss your searing honesty, your wit, and your passionate pleas for God's kingdom. But, most of all, I am grateful for your presence here and for the help you've given me in directing my own writing.
Giving up a blog to offer yourself to God...well, I'm not going to question that one!
My prayers will be with you and your family. God bless you.
Posted by: Christa Allan | January 27, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Thank you so much for all you've shared and the blessing you've been to me. Can't wait to read the books that are yet to come.
Posted by: jennifer | January 27, 2008 at 06:38 PM
Thank you so much for all you've shared and the blessing you've been to me. Can't wait to read the books that are yet to come.
Posted by: jennifer | January 27, 2008 at 06:39 PM
Tear, tear. I never commented on your blog before, but I was a faithful reader. Just wanted to say thank you for your honesty and your willingness to be submissive to Him. I look forward to reading more books.
Posted by: Jen | February 02, 2008 at 09:49 AM
wow. I'm so going to miss your blog. I know in the last year or so I haven't been a regular on here, but I would drop by and catch up on all I had missed, and would love every minute of the Lisa-ness that flowed from your fingertips on to this blog.
you brought beauty, love and thought provoking posts to the blogosphere, babe! And I will miss you blogging. but I totally understand.
I can't wait for Embrace Me to come out!!
Posted by: Heather Diane Tipton | February 04, 2008 at 10:38 PM