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.
I'm added as your newest follower.
ReplyDeleteA 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
I too am amazed that I am already thinking about next years challenge!
ReplyDeleteI'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 :)
ReplyDeleteIt was very intense this year. Finding time to visit others became quite time consuming. A great way to meet new people though.
ReplyDeleteNew 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
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 :)
ReplyDeleteJoing A-Z as a new blogger is like learning to swim at the deep end---and I'm glad it worked out for you!
ReplyDeleteIf 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
Glad you enjoyed the 'experience' and survived!
ReplyDeleteLooking 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
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful day :)
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!
ReplyDeleteVery cool that you're already looking forward to next year. That says success better than anything else. :)
ReplyDeleteWow 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.
ReplyDeleteI've loved your posts through the challenge, Liz and am looking forward to keeping up with your new ones from now on.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being the first follower I had, even before the challenge and for your support throughout.
A remarkable achievement making 'Z'. So very interesting &n revealing.
ReplyDeleteit was an amazing challenge, congrats on finishing!
ReplyDeleteI hope your dream comes true...and soon. Congratulations for completing the Challenge!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your growth as a blogger and for being able to write about your time abroad!
ReplyDeleteGood going. I can use you as an inspiration as I am new blogger.
ReplyDelete