A little over a year ago a few comments from the blog Twenty Four Frames, showed up in my email. I was intrigued. The writing was solid and the subject matter–film critique– was right up my alley. I posted some comments and the blog’s author, John Greco, graciously responded. At the time, I was shopping a novel I had written–trying to get an agent. There were a few nibbles.
One of the agents that was interested and ultimately turned me down generously offered some advice. She said I had no online presence and that was a red flag for any agency willing to seriously consider new talent. There were other criticisms too, of course. If I had written–let’s say–the next Gone Girl, I’m sure I would have agents swallowing the bait, the hook, line and sinker, presence or no presence.
Anyway, to make a long story shorter, I started blogging. I wrote about my love for cinema, for literature and for true crime stories. As the old adage goes–write about what you know. Write about what you love.
Of course, I had no idea how this blogging thing worked. It was an experiment for me and as I swam in unfamiliar waters, I was the one who got hooked. I found that I loved blogging, that I loved being complimented, that I loved engaging–and that I had made some new friends. Pretty soon, my novel was on the back burner and the new novel that I had been working on had stalled out.
There were other things too. My husband and I are self-employed and little by little my blogging activities eclipsed my professional and personal responsibilities. But the most disconcerting thing for me was/is how I let blogging affect my spirituality. You see I write about very dark things–all of the time…And I’m a Christian. As such, my constant immersion into deviant, criminal and violent behavior is incompatible with my personal beliefs and my relationship with my Lord and Savior.
Undoubtedly, this is my fault. A blog is a medium, if you will, that can be used for good or bad depending on how it’s used and who’s using it. Likewise, Gothic and psychological horror, noir, true crime, capers, black comedy, etc., are all worthy art forms that can be useful, insightful, cathartic means of expression and entertainment; but, for me, the focus, analysis and constant scrutiny of this subject matter is unhealthy.
And, yes, I could focus on other genres, but that is not where my interest lies. I have tried to dial it back, to take breaks, but those attempts have been unsuccessful. When I returned, I fell right back into my unhealthy blogging habits.
That being so, I am now writing my last post on All Things Thriller. I am, however, going to keep it open. In spite of everything I’ve just expressed, I am proud of my site. I think I’ve written some good posts and I hope that this blog will be a useful tool in my endeavor to become a published novelist with agency representation.
Certainly, I have enjoyed this experiment. I have loved getting to know many of you, reading your fabulous blogs and indulging in your talents as writers, editorialists, photographers, scholars, poets, painters, cartoonist, critics and first class cooks. I will drop in on your blogs from time to time and comment.
At some point–Lord willing–I may return to blogging in a more limited capacity and with a new site focusing on my walk with the Lord. As the old and beautiful saying goes (I’m paraphrasing)…Sometimes I’ve walked. Sometimes I’ve ran. Sometimes I’ve crawled. Most of the time He has carried me.
May God’s blessings reign on you all.
Pam
Very fascinating that an agent would comment on a lack of online presence. At any rate, I’m glad you write! I do understand the weight of contemplating dark stories, or even demonic themes. Most experts don’t recommend it because of the energy required, but having a second blog with a lighter theme could work. May God may it clear what’s best for your writing career.
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Thank you for the kind words and sentiments. All the best,
Pam
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A heartfelt post Pam. Of course I and many will be very upset that you have to leave but as I always stress to fellow bloggers, it really has to be about the fun side of it. If it starts getting stressful, eating into normal life, work time and most of all, family life, you really need to dial it back. You can’t let it get in the way of your goals in life and from what I have read, your passion for writing is second to none. I love the darker side of the tracks your posts take but if it starts affecting your faith and piece of mind, yeah you gotta kick it, take a break or let it go. It should only ever be a fun hobby.
I stupidly set a goal for January to post everyday (oh how we laughed). No way was I doing a dry January. Haha don’t be silly. I’m enjoying the challenge but soon as February comes I’ll be back to my comfort zone of 3 a week. I love the discovering and learning side, the watching and sharing and if I can do something just a little creative then that’s great too. It got me out of a hole when a close friend passed and I’ve stayed with it for now. Soon as it’s stops being fun, I’ll move on to the next random thing!
Pam you will surely be missed if you go full-time. I do wish you all the best in the world for your book journey and life into the future. If things change, don’t be afraid to pop on back, I’m sure there will be a few left. Lets just hope the last one remembers to turn the light off!! 🙂
All the best and happy vibes………..Mikey
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Thanks so much Mikey. You are one of the good friends I have made blogging. I can tell how much you love blogging when I read your posts. Your enthusiasm matches your talent.
Take care. I will be dropping by your post to see what Wolfie has on the boil from time to time.
Cheers,
Pam
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Many thanks Pam. You take care and hope to cross paths again soon. All the best. Mikey
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Do what makes you happy and keeps you serene
Best…
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Thanks June. And I will. You too, of course.
–Pam
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Pam, I wish you nothing but the best. Hope to hear from you soon.
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Thank you. I will be dropping in on your site now and then. Keep On Truckin’.
–Pam
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Pam, I know very little about you but after reading your comments on some of the blogs and some of the reviews on your blog I wanted to get to know you better. Hoping a way is opened for your return so that can happen. Best of All to You and Yours!
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Thank you very much. That is very kind and humbling.
–Pam
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You are welcome.
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That was very sad news for me to read at 07:40 this morning. Few bloggers write at your level with such skill, and manage to make it interesting and thought-provoking too. Even fewer bloggers understand about ‘engagement’ in the way that you do.
You are a ‘natural’ blogger, Pam, and that is meant as one of the best compliments I can give.
I wish you happiness with your writing, success with your books, and a fulfilling family life.
I will always think of you as my blogging friend, and will miss you more than you know.
Best wishes as always, Pete. x
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Thank you Pete. I feel the same way about you. I will be dropping in on your blog–Lord willing–from time to time. I will always consider you as friend.
Cheers,
Pam
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No way! Oh, more’s the pity. I completely understand. In a parallel instance, I taught Holocaust studies at the school for a few years. Honestly, I had to stop because it depressed me so. I understand your reasoning for leaving, but you are such a fine writer and friend, I wish there was a way you would reconsider with a new blog — a new slant. Reinvent yourself so it’s not so limited to only the dark films.
BTW, are you okay still with the L13FC? Dark topic!
Love,
Cindy
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Thanks Cindy. I want to honor my commitment to L13FC. It’s a very clever series. Perhaps you could pick a lighter topic? Some slant on comedy, perhaps…or historical films…I wouldn’t mind dissecting something like North by Northwest…It’s more espionage and romance and less psychological. I’ll email you later…
–Pam
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I want you to be happy. I adore North by Northwest. Think of a cool angle.
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I’m on it. I’ll get back to you soon.
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We’ll miss you, Pam, but best wishes and hope to see you around the blogosphere sometimes!
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Thank you Lily. Perhaps you will. In any event, God bless.
–Pam
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You need to do what’s best for you Pam. I wish you all the best with your future writing. Kind regards Mark.
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Thank you Mark. I wish the same for you.
God bless,
Pam
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Pam,
You can’t go wrong following where God is calling you…grace and peace to you as the journey unfolds. Expect unexpected blessings 😉
I look forward to reading your writing again whenever and wherever that happens!
Blessings!
dw
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You are so right DW. Your’s is one of the blogs I will return to. May God bless you and your work.
In Christ and through Christ,
Pam
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I wish you all the best as well Pam 🙂 I hope you do return to blogging in the future though because I really love reading your posts 🙂 I understand though that you are trying to expand your range right now though 🙂 Another thing I will miss is our collaborative posts about filmmakers (Coen Brothers, Kathryn Bigelow etc.). Again, I do understand though and I wish you well in the future 🙂 Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂
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Thank you John. I will drop in from time to time to see what film and director you are breaking down. I’m still looking forward to your post on my favorite film.
Take care,
Pam
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Pam, this is very disappointing, understandable but still disappointing. I have enjoyed you blog and getting to “know you.” Blogging is time consuming, one reason I have cut down on my Twenty Four Frames blog as I focus on my writing and photography. You have to do what makes you happy and content. I wish you and your family the best. Hopefully, we will keep in touch.
And thanks for the kind words!!!
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Of course, John. You are my first blogging friend! I will stop by your blogs from time to time.
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Pam, I will miss reading your blog posts, and I will miss your support and insightful comments. I hope you are able to focus more on your own novel writing. You are a talented writer, and I hope to find your stories in bookstores one day soon. I wish you the best of luck in all your endeavours.
Kind regards,
Henry
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Thank you Henry. That means a lot to me.
All the best,
Pam
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I just recently discovered your blog through John Greco. While saddened to hear this news, I do understand the need to re-balance priories. One thing is clear from reading your posts – you are a fantastic writer. So I hope you keep writing one way or another, and in a way that brings you joy.
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That should’ve read “priorities” not “priories” but given your motivation for change, maybe it was a Freudian typo on my part.
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Thank you for the generous words and taking the time to express them. I would describe your writing the same way.
God bless,
Pam
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Been spinning around on how to respond to this Pam…..but the fact you decided to keep your blog open gives me hope you will return on your own terms.
Paladin and I will still look for your thoughtful and compassionate comments once in a blue moon and we understand about taking a step back. Continue to enjoy your walk in life….
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Michael, thank you for the kind thoughts and words. I will be stopping by your blog. Plus, I’ve got a package that I need to send you. Some socks and stuff.
If I send you some copies of some of my DVDs would you view them? They are expertly copied–my husband is geek about audio, computer, lighting and all that stuff. They’ll play on any DVD player.
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I would love to review anything you send…I’m also very thankful for the socks as well….once they start to trickle in,more folks will follow your example (or so we hope!).
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That’s sad news for the blogging community, but I totally understand that it is very important for you in relation to your next endeavours and career path. I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed talking to you and discussing films. I want to wish you every success in future, and, hopefully, will talk to you again here someday 🙂
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That’s very kind of you. Thank you. Likewise, I enjoyed your entertaining and intellectual approach to film critique. I will be stopping by from time to time and dropping comments here and there. Yours is a blog that I can depend upon for good taste and thoughtful discourse.
Regards,
Pam
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NO WAY, PAM!!!
I understand your reasons, but your last post? I wasn’t at all expecting 😦
I’ve always enjoyed having you around. You were such a great blogger with so much zeal for everything you wrote. You helped me motivate myself a LOT of times too!! It was fun having you around.
If you think this is the best for you, then I don’t have a say in the matter. But I do hope you’ll return soon enough, after having found a way to keep all things balanced with your real life and blogging!
I’ll miss your posts so much 😦 ❤
I wish you good luck with everything!
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You are too sweet. Thank you for the kind words and thoughts.
You are a very talented writer. You have a distinctive voice, i.e., style. To me, that’s the most important thing about writing. Secondly, you love words. When you love words, it shows…And it does.
Respectfully,
Pam
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Thank you for the lovely words!
The same qualities go for you too and I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s said this to you before.
I’m sure you’d make a great novelist – even surpass Gone Girl! 😉
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We all still miss you Pam 🙂 Hope things are going well 🙂
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I missed this original post. Darn! I’ve been looking for you. I was hoping you’d agree to co-host on my blog about the director Mike Nichols for the Lucky 13 Film Club.
Maybe being a co-host will satisfy the community celebration we experience (we seem to share similar followers) without infringing on your personal standards?
I miss you!
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Hi Cindy. Thanks. It’s nice to be missed. Yes, I would like to co host the Lucky 13 Film Club with you. Perhaps in March? Let me know. Hope you are doing well.
Pam
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Yes, yes! It’s soon, around the corner. Can we email and talk about it?
cbruchman@yahoo.com
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Hey Pam… I just wanted to tell you that my son and I finally watched “Blast of Silence” and loved it. Thanks for the recommendation.
I hope you are doing well.
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