A Thank You…

thank-you-944086_640From all outward appearances, this blog runs itself, but that is far from the truth. Because of my unique perspective as Fearless Leader here on this blog (the CEO, COO, and CFO all rolled into one, if you will), I’ve been able to take a step back and see the big picture, and then dive in and get dirty with the rest of the Mixed-Up Authors.

And I have to say that the people on this blog are amazing. They are passionate about middle-grade books and the kids who read them. They put in countless hours writing high-quality posts for this blog as well as their other duties here to help keep this massive site updated and relevant for our vast and varied audience. And they do this without compensation of any kind. In fact, in addition they often donate books and/or money to help us accomplish our goals. There are not enough words to thank them for everything they have given to me and to this blog.

This is an easy bunch to lead. However, there have always been a few of our members who have helped me keep everyone on track. Their work for this blog has at times been stressful, and I wanted to send a public thank you to all of the Mixed-Up Leaders who have helped this blog run so smoothly over the years.

You may be wondering why I feel compelled to send a public thanks at this time. It is because there are changes afoot behind the scenes here at From the Mixed-Up Files. After months of deliberating with myself, followed by more months of delegating and decision-making with others, it is bittersweet moment for me to announce that I am stepping down from this blog and moving on to new adventures.

This has been my home these past five and a half years. I’ve been there for every conversation, every decision, every project or celebration. I’ve read every single post (all 1,219 at the time of this writing) and marveled at the intelligence, passion, and love the members of this blog share in every post. I will miss the daily camaraderie with my fellow Mixed-Up Authors.

But I have a new path I need to follow, and I am looking forward to new adventures. And I am incredibly excited to announce the new Fearless Leaders of this blog, who will be splitting my work amongst themselves as they lead this blog to new things as well. (Smart bunch. I should have thought of hiring a few of me years ago.)

They are (in alphabetical order):

Julie Artz
TP Jagger
Valerie Stein
Mindy Alyse Weiss

I see many great things in store with these four in charge. They have already impressed me with their dedication and optimism in the face of a mountain of work. I wish them all the best of luck moving forward.

I also want to leave one last thank you to our readers. You have been the reason we keep going! Your enthusiasm and appreciation for the work we do has meant more than words can say. Thank you for reading. Thank you for commenting. Thank you for being a part of our Mixed-Up community.

And if you see me around, come say hi. I would love to chat with you anytime. You all are my kind of people.

And bring a MG book. We can talk about that, too.

I would love it.

Elissa Cruz is ready for new adventures.  If you’d like to follow along, please join her on her personal blog/website at www.elissacruz.com.

Elissa Cruz
17 Comments
  1. Excellent site, Elissa, with fine leadership. Best of luck to you.

  2. Dear Elissa, many thanks for your passion for MG books, your vision for this blog and your dedication to the million little details that make this blog such a success. Best of luck in all your ventures to come.

  3. A thousand thanks for everything, Elissa!! You will be greatly missed. Thank goodness for social media and email, right!?

  4. Elissa, thank you for all your time, energy, and dedication to this blog! Also, welcome to the new leaders–Julie, TP, Valerie, and Mindy- and a thank you to them as well for continuing this fantastic blog!

    • You’re welcome! And I second your thanks to the new leaders for continuing with the work. I know this blog will be in good hands.

  5. You’re leaving us with a couple of huge, beautiful shoes to fill, but we’ll do our best! Thanks for all that you’ve done and best of luck on your new adventures 🙂

    • You’ll be great! I am grateful for your willingness to keep this beautiful place going!

  6. Elissa, your leadership has been inspired, tireless, visionary and unbelievably generous. Many many readers, writers, teachers and librarians have been the lucky recipients! Thank you.

  7. Elissa, thank you for spearheading/instigating the tidal wave of interest in MG lit. I’m so grateful for all that you have done!

  8. Elissa- You are an amazing and gracious leader, and the qualities you brought to the Mixed-Up Files will certainly be treasured wherever you go.

    • Thank you, Wendy. I feel less like a leader and more like an organizer, but I’m glad it has made a difference somewhere.

  9. I’m excited for your new adventures wherever they may lead, Elissa. Thanks for all you’ve done these past five years, and here’s to the ongoing resurgence of interest in MG!

  10. Thank you for all you did and the best of luck moving forward!