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6.5.12

A-Z AFTERTHOUGHTS


A-Z AFTERTHOUGHTS.
The A-Z Challenge was just that – a challenge – and I was drawn into it for three reasons. Firstly, I hoped it would take my mind off the fact that I was waiting to hear if an agent would take my book. Secondly, I was new to blogging and enthusiastic enough to blog every day. And thirdly I was tempted by the promise of more followers.
It was almost too successful - the challenge took so much of my time that my other writing went by the board. I made an alphabetical list of topics in March, but I was still caught out occasionally with nothing written on that day’s letter. Sticking to my theme of living abroad - specifically in Tenerife - became a challenge in itself, but it was only in the last week that I wondered if I would last the course.
Trawling through the list of entrants was the hardest part. The sheer number was daunting, but although I didn’t find a like-minded blogger living near Toronto (my youngest moved there last year) I did find others I enjoyed. And my own list of followers increased from 10 to 34, which pleased me inordinately. Two have dropped out this week, which I am trying not to take personally.
So, in the best traditions of the English essay, I end with my conclusions. The challenge was addictive, partly a chore but mostly enjoyable, and I have already thought of how to approach it next year.

18 comments:

  1. I'm added as your newest follower.

    A to Z is a good way to break into intensified blogging and I see it worked for you. Congratulations on making your way through and thanks for your thoughts.


    Lee
    An A to Z Co-Host
    Tossing It Out

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  2. I too am amazed that I am already thinking about next years challenge!

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  3. I'm glad you enjoyed it & I'll be having a nose back through your posts. I know what you mean that it took up more of my time than expected, but I really enjoyed it too :)

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  4. It was very intense this year. Finding time to visit others became quite time consuming. A great way to meet new people though.

    New follower!
    mood
    i think working out a schedule right for you, and then using a bit of discipline to stick with it, is all part of the fun of blogging.

    mood
    Moody Writing

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  5. Glad it was a success for you. This is my second year. Some bloggers will unfollow if they follow and you don't follow back - but those who are that freaky over numbers weren't going to be reading anyway, just out searching for more followers. I didn't find you during the challenge but I'm following now :)

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  6. Joing A-Z as a new blogger is like learning to swim at the deep end---and I'm glad it worked out for you!

    If you'd like to guest post for us over at www.a-to-zchallenge.com to talk about your writing, or blogging in general, let us know at 2012AZinfo at gmail dot com.

    Damyanti
    #atozchallenge co-host 2012

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  7. Glad you enjoyed the 'experience' and survived!

    Looking forward to keeping up with you properly - just 'followed' you (although I thought I already had done...... :-/) so I'll be dropping by on a regular basis! ;-)


    SueH I refuse to go quietly!
    Twitter - @Librarymaid

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  8. I totally enjoyed your posts about life on Tenerife and mentioned you in my reflection post as one of the bloggers I now consider an e-pen pal. Since this was my third year doing the challenge, I made it easy on myself by making my posts very short and scheduling them about a week ahead of time. Otherwise, it's too much pressure.

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  9. I am just now finding your blog, so I'll have to take look around. I'm following you now, so looking forward to future posts. And man was that list long...eeep! I visited a bunch of blogs during the challenge and yet, I've already found five or six new blogs this morning.

    Hope you have a wonderful day :)

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  10. Well, I won't be dropping out of your blog! I loved your theme, you made your life in Tenerife buzz from the screen. What struck me most was how many different nationalities have congregated - it must make your writing so rich, to have so much first-hand experience. You did a great job!

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  11. Very cool that you're already looking forward to next year. That says success better than anything else. :)

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  12. Wow that was brave of you to tackle this a very new blog. Well done you. I had a good holiday in Tenerife once long ago :) Good luck with agent hunting.

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  13. I've loved your posts through the challenge, Liz and am looking forward to keeping up with your new ones from now on.
    Thanks for being the first follower I had, even before the challenge and for your support throughout.

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  14. A remarkable achievement making 'Z'. So very interesting &n revealing.

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  15. it was an amazing challenge, congrats on finishing!

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  16. I hope your dream comes true...and soon. Congratulations for completing the Challenge!

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  17. Congrats on your growth as a blogger and for being able to write about your time abroad!

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  18. Good going. I can use you as an inspiration as I am new blogger.

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