Dear Readers,

As you probably sensed, I have been trying for some time to keep up this blogging endeavor without much success. A few weeks ago, I asked for suggestions in the hope of restarting, but I now realize that this is not the correct path for me to take. The truth is that my attention has been captured by the project I alluded to last spring, when I announced what I did intend at that time to be a temporary hiatus. I wanted to be able to do that project and this one at the same time, but I have decided that this is simply not possible. If I am really going to take this other project seriously, I need to give it my full attention. Therefore, I will no longer be posting new material at Church & State, at least not for the forseeable future. I am sorry to those of you who are disappointed, but I think it is really for the best.

As for my new project, I am doing a lot of historical research aimed at completing a book. I was hesitant to reveal this for some time, as I have no expectation of success and I honestly fear disappointing people. I also fear the completely understandable question, “When is it going to be done?” The fact is that books take a long time, even for people who receive the funding to do this sort of thing full-time with their own research assistant and no other job to get in the way. More to the point, this type of writing is completely different from anything I have attempted before, and the subject matter is outside of what I studied in my educational career. However, I can assure you that I am having the most fun working on it and I am growing as both a researcher and writer. For now, that will have to be enough.

I will attempt to reply to any questions or comments you may have. If you wish to make a complaint, please direct your message to Sen. Ted Cruz, 185 Dirksen, Washington, D.C. 20510.

Thank you once again,

Amy Mantravadi