I’ve started and stopped this post so many times. This time, I’m going to finish it.
Many have noticed that the subscription option is missing from the Homesteader part of this website. I removed it a while ago, to make sure no one was ordering something they weren’t going to receive.
That’s because, well, there’s no other way to say it: after ten years, I’ve decided to cease publication of the Homesteader.
Nothing bad has happened. The world of Laura is alive, well, and thriving. But times have changed, and so has my personal life. A regular print publication requires more time than I am able to give, and I won’t put out a shoddy product. (Subscribers know that they have not received Issue 20 yet. Which is the winter issue. It is now spring. Perhaps you can see the problem.)
I am not leaving anyone high and dry. Facebook is rife with pictures of all the homesites. Sarah Sue Uthoff’s radio show provides interviews with homesite representatives. There’s this blog, and the LIWLRA, and LauraPalooza, not to mention so many other blogs — all able in some way to let you get your Laura fix.
It will be a smooth ending. I am still producing issue 20, and then this summer’s issue, which is 21, will be the last. Because I stopped accepting new subscriptions and renewals a while ago, the vast majority of subscribers will receive all the issues they paid for. Those who do not will receive refunds. Or, if they wish, they will have the option to negotiate an alternate purchase; while I am saying goodbye to the Homesteader in its current form, back issues will always be available.
Plus, I am by no means done writing about Laura. Stay tuned.
A more detailed explanation on the hows and whys behind my decision can be found in Issue 20 ,which will be shipping within the next few weeks. Ideally before summer. 