I took part in the 2013 A to Z Challenge and whilst I’m NOT participating this time around I thought I’d remind you of this blogging extravaganza in case you were interested.
I thoroughly enjoyed last year’s competition, but I know that I don’t have the time to edit my book and take part again this year. I would need to have started planning my posts about six months ago to do that. 🙂
If you’ve never heard of this challenge then let me give you its brief:
For 26 days in April you post about a letter of the alphabet. The first post will be about the letter A and the second post will be about letter B and so on. You do know your A, B Cs don’t you?
You can have a theme or not have a theme. The choice is yours. My A post was about Adverbs and the most viewed post was Understanding Trace Evidence. My overall theme was Crime Writing so a mixture of posts about writing and a blood splattering of forensics inspired posts amongst other things.
If you’re ever stuck for something to read you could check out my 2013 A to Z posts. I even created a page to keep them all neat and tidy. Shameless plugging. 🙂
I had a blast and met loads of new people. From those who found me during the challenge to the blogs I sought out from the official list of competitors.
A more detailed explanation is found on the official blog. You need to officially sign-up and by doing this you will get many visitors checking out the participants. It all makes sense.
So, are you taking part this year?
Let me know and I will drop by during the challenge to give you my support.
That community spirit and support from the A to Z Challenge is abundant in the Blog Blitz as well. This is a support concept from DL Hammons. Imagine if a couple of hundred fellow bloggers descended on your blog one day!
There are currently 350+ members of the team. Every week or so, DL sends you an email with a couple of bloggers to visit. Doesn’t take much of your time and can really help the blogger being blitzed. Some have been to visit bloggers who are having a hard time or need a pick-me-up.
Each time we have a random blogger from the list and a blogger that has been recommended for a visit. It’s great fun and you get to meet some new bloggers.
We’re having a recruitment drive to try and get the members over 500. To check it out either click the Blog Blitz picture above or here.
Thanks for reading and have yourself a GREAT weekend 🙂
Pete Denton 
Thanks for the reminder about these two blog initiatives, Pete. I did the A-Z blog last year on odors, something I try to incorporate in my writing. Bloggers such as you have done such a marvelous job of tackling elements of writing in general, and mystery writing in particular, that I couldn’t improve. But as a Renaissance art minor in college, I have been really interested in seeing if I could go back and do a little reminiscing. A little off the beaten path, but fun for me. Hope the readers like it, too. Forgive me for the plug!
Plugs are GREAT!
Good luck with the posts and I will make sure to stop by 🙂
I love the idea of doing this and I will do it one day (I’ve got a list somewhere of topics) but I think if I do it it’ll be next year now. I’ve too much to write and edit the first half of the year. I might go over and sign up now though if I can as you’ve provided the link 🙂
Planning ahead definitely helps!
I love the concept, but it’s just feel like too big a time commitment for me and my readers. I know how much I struggle to keep on top of all the blogs I read. But for people participating in the challenge and supporting each other, it sounds like a great way to make sure you are writing daily. 🙂
It definitely is a massive commitment. I know last year it took a lot out of me. You’re right about getting into the habit of writing daily. It was good for that. Definitely need to plan more next time. 🙂
When I started blogging, I posted 5 days a week. That was a hectic schedule. This is even more than that. I think it’s awesome that you were able to do it one year!
I’m still amazed that I made it to the bitter end!
Sometimes posting twice a month seems to often 🙂
LOL. It’s funny some months I struggle to come up with posts and other months I wish I posted more often. Then I just put those topics on a TBW (To be written) list for the next month. 🙂
I have a lot of the TBW posts clogging up my drafts!
It looks like the sign-up on that page if for LAST year, but I’ll keep an eye out. I need more visits (and comments!) to my blog, and this seems like a fun way to get that. Not to mention the motivation to write more…
The link should just take you to the A-Z site and the page is there to sign-up.
I definitely enjoyed a boost in comments and visits after signing up. Good luck 🙂
I remember these posts Pete, and I enjoyed them. I won’t be taking part, but I do like reading the creativity of those who participate.
Thanks, Gwen. They were fun to write, but I’ll stick to reading them this year 🙂
I think I will give this challenge a try this year!!!
Excellent. Good luck. I will try and stop by in April to check out how you do 🙂
Thanks for the blog visit, Pete.
No problem 🙂
I enjoyed your challenge last year.
Thanks. It was fun to do, but a lot more work than I expected. Maybe next year 😉
Far too much for me to handle! But it sounds like a great way to get in the habit of writing every day. I just need to get into that habit again with my novels. 😉
I hear you there. It is good for a daily routine, but such a drain on my energy. Good luck getting back into the habit with your novel.
I’m also skipping the challenge this year as I try and finish off my most recent WIP. Thank you for helping to spread the word about the BLOG BLITZ! It is much appreciated! 🙂
Happy to help. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I will be participating this year, and sorry to hear you won’t be there. But I totally understand. Took me weeks to recover after last year’s challenge. Congrats on the book.
The Blog Blitz sounds fun. So, I just add my name to the list and get ready for the onslaught? 🙂
Good luck with the challenge. I will stop by during the challenge to see what you’re A to Z’ing about!
The Blog Blitz is fun. I’m still waiting for my blitzing 😉
I think I’m going try to do the A to Z blog challenge this year. Usually pretty fun, and I love reading what others post each day.
I’ll have to check out the blog Blitz you mentioned, as well. 🙂
Excellent. I hope you enjoy the challenge. I look forward to your posts. 🙂
I won’t be joining in, as I don’t generally need an incentive to write daily. I also don’t think I could manage the time commitment. But, I know that challenges and groups like these are wonderful support centers. Every writer can always use support!
And, boy they don’t half take up your time!
Great support though for sure.
Like you I decided to give 2014 A to Z a miss and as it’s turned out round here that was a wise decision, even though I had the perfect alphabetical trail. Now I have two choices for 2015.