Hello everyone! After much deliberation off and on over the past year, I have finally come to the decision to end my book blogging career. I have had a great 3.5 years talking about books and making new friends in the bookish and blogging community but the past year just hasn’t felt the same. Blogging has become more of a dreaded chore for me with each passing day. Between trying to come up with new posts and review copy deadlines, I’ve been stressing out on something that used to bring me joy. I’ve tried to take a more laid back approach but that just hasn’t been working either. One of my goals for myself this year was to let go of any unnecessary stress and unfortunately I have realized that blogging falls under that category for me. I will also no longer be posting on my bookstagram account, @thewornbookmark for the same reasons.
However, I am not going away completely! You can still find me on Goodreads and my personal Instagram @pennma05! I would love to stay in communication with you all so feel free to follow and chat me up over at those two places. I will also still be updating my reading around the world map so you can still keep up with all the different places I’m reading about if you’re interested.
In closing, I would like to thank all of the people who have been following my blog over the last 3.5 years! You guys have been amazing. When I started this blog I never even thought I would have 100 followers let alone over 900! I would like to offer some book blogger suggestions that I have really enjoyed following and talking to over the years.
Ashley @ Socially Awkward Bookworm
Tricia @ Bookworm Coalition
Brandie @ Running on Words and Wine
Deanna @ A Novel Glimpse
Haley @ I Lay Reading
Yvo @ It’s All About Books
Kelsey @ Darcy’s Book Blog
Alicia @ A Kernel of Nonsense
Morgan @ The Bookish Beagle
Farewell everyone! Happy reading! And remember to look me up on Goodreads and my personal Instagram if you haven’t already 🙂
I totally get where you’re coming from and respect your decision…but I’m also a little sad to see The Worn Bookmark go! I hope this helps alleviate some of the stress of it all though.
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Thanks T! 🙂
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You will be very missed!! I completely understand your decision, I think about giving up blogging once in while when I’m feeling overwhelmed. It should never feel like a chore! I’m so glad we were able to meet through blogging and can continue our friendship outside of the blog world!
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Aw thanks Brandie! I’m so glad we were able to meet too! Really glad we will be able to stay in touch outside of the blogging world 🙂
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So sad to see you go 😦
That said, I completely understand what you mean about how stressful it can be. The last thing you want is for it to make reading a chore too!
See you on Goodreads… particularly when there’s a brilliant YA fantasy release! 😉
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Thank you Claire! 🙂 Really glad we can stay connected through Goodreads!
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So happy that were were able to meet so long ago and remained such great friends! I’ll miss you around the blogosphere, but at least we have FB, IG, and Line. 😀
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Me too! I love that we get to talk everyday 🙂
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I’m so bummed, but I completely understand. So proud of you for making this tough decision. Wishing you the best. And I’ll see you on Goodreads!
P.S. Thank you for the shout out. I’ve enjoyed your blog just as much!
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Thank you Deanna 🙂 So glad we will be able to stay in touch via Goodreads!
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I get it totally but sad that you are going and you will be missed. Hope that you have a great rest of the year
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Thank you so much 🙂 I hope you do as well!
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Thanks so much
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Balancing life and the blog is way harder than I ever imagined. I’m sorry to see you go, but I completely understand. I will forever remember how I accidentally roped you into buying that beautiful Jane Austen box set along with me. No regrets. Hoping to catch you on Goodreads in the future. Wishing you the very best!
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Haha! Definitely no regrets on that! Never any regrets when it comes to Jane Austen 🙂
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Did you read my mind? Because this is something I’ve been struggling with myself for the past few months. My domain is up for renewal in July–and that’s when the last ARC I have out is due too. I have been going back and forth on whether to give it all up, and seeing you close down shop may have just tipped the scale. I just don’t have the energy for it anymore. I hate to give up my domain, but is that the ONLY reason I’m still going?
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I definitely hear you! It’s been such a hard decision to make but I honestly feel so much better letting it go! When I pressed publish on this post this morning it was like a huge weight had been lifted. I’ll be sad to let go of the name but in the end I feel that I will be much better off. At least you have a few more months to think things over before making the decision to renew or let it go. Pro/con list really helped me to make the final decision!
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I’m going to be posting less often for awhile, only doing arcs I think. Put less pressure on myself, and let it go slowly.
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That sounds like a really good plan. 🙂
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WELP http://ilayreading.com/2018/02/09/indefinite-hiatus/
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I applaud you for making this decision and I truly hope that it helps you relieve some stress!
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Pingback: Indefinite Hiatus – I Lay Reading
It sad to see you go! You will be missed… But I completely understand your decision. Wishing you all the best! ❤
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Thanks Yvo! 🙂 Means a lot!
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I’m definitely sad to see you going but I also can completely understand your decision. Best of luck with everything, I hope you find time to enjoy your reading without the added pressures now x
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Thank you Kelly 🙂
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Maren, I’m sorry to see you go! I’ve enjoyed your blog and have enjoyed discussing books with you! Hope to keep in touch via Goodreads. Wishing you all the best!
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Thank you Lisa! Will definitely keep in touch via Goodreads and I’m going to try and be more active in the Outlander Book Club! I joined last month but haven’t been in a place to join in the discussions quite yet.
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I hope to see you there! Let me know if you need any help!
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I understand that you must get balance in your life. You will be missed, but good luck and God bless 🙂
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Thank you Jessica 🙂
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Sorry to hear you’re closing shop, but I can understanding if you’re not enjoying it anymore. It really is a big commitment. I’ve enjoyed your blog and wish you the best!
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Thank you so much 🙂
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