Yes, this is true. The time has come to say goodbye.
For those of you who have followed along over the last few years, you know my writing career has taken some strange turns. In part, those turns have led me into the world of self/indie-publishing. Although I’ve tried hard to make my actions clear — that I don’t recommend new writers do as I do — at MW, we feel that this new path I’m choosing is muddying the waters for what MW teaches: namely, that all writers should seek out a traditional writing path.
Quite frankly, you new writers are at the beginning of a long road. For me, though, I’ve already traveled this road extensively (I’ve been writing for twenty years). Hopefully, I’ve got a long road still to come. But regardless, I’ve gained the publishing experience, I’ve got the networked connections, and I understand the realities of what I’m doing. Too often, new writers attempt to self-publish in order to work around the system. That’s not a way to succeed. See, even as I do the indie-thing with The Way of the Black Beast (out now!), I have other books being considered by the small presses, and a YA WIP that, when finished, will start me on the agent/traditional pub road again. So in this case (and to sound like your parents), do as I say not as I do. 
I urge all writers just starting out to make a strong push for the traditional presses. After all, you’ll never know unless you try. Plus, even if it doesn’t work out, you will learn an enormous amount about the publishing business and its realities. You will become a better writer. You will make great connections with people who can help you later. And you’ll make great friends, too.
I will miss being here at MW. I’ve enjoyed your comments and the opportunity to meet many of you at ConCarolinas and elsewhere. And, of course, while this is a goodbye, I’m not disappearing from the world. Those of you who want to follow the rest of my “Self-Publishing Adventure” can still find me at all the usual places (Facebook, Twitter, etc) as well as my blog and The Eclectic Review podcast. So rather than “goodbye” this is more of a “see ya around.”
Thank you all for coming by on Fridays to read my blather. I’ve heard from a few of you that my posts have helped, and after almost fifty posts, that makes it all worthwhile. Keep coming to MW. Keep writing. Good luck. And don’t be a stranger.
Farewell, my fine MW friends.