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Saturday, March 31, 2012

Last Round-up: Are You Ready to Meet the #atozchallenge?

Badge artwork by Ada Zdanowicz

Can you believe it?  The A to Z Challenge of 2012 starts tomorrow!

        Are you set to go?   Do you have your Official A to Z Badge (pictured above) in a prominent place on your blog page to identify you as a participant?    Do you have some of the other A to Z Bling (see "Banners and Badges" tab at top of this page under the header) decorating your page to make it more exciting?

         Do you have any of your posts done yet?  If not that's okay.  It will make for a bigger challenge and don't worry, there are plenty others who will be flying through this thing by the seat of their pants.  The main thing is to have a good time with it.  Show off some creative skills and network with over a thousand other bloggers.  By the end of April you should have added a lot of new followers, made a few new friends, and added some pretty impressive bragging rights to your blogging resume.

         In fact, today why not visit a few of these bloggers we've listed below.  These are some of the fine folks who we found in the past week saying something about the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge on their blogs:

We always manage to get some education in the April Challenge.  Charles the Reader will be giving us a lesson in the French language on his blog The Written Word.

Fantasy writer Angeline Trevena will be blogging about "world building" for her April topic.

Another blogger who has announced her theme is Eliza Wynn at Ellie's Couch.  Here's a clue:  It has to do with music.

Why should you want to blog from A to Z in April?  Amy tells why at her blog Amy's Beads.   Sounds like she's going to put some effort into this.

If you're a new blogger the A to Z Challenge is a great way to dive right in to the world of blogging.  That's exactly what's happening at Raising the Curtain.   She can use some support so why don't you hop on over and greet her.

He's back!  Matt Conlon will be joining us again this year with more brew reviews.  Visit Matt at BrewNewb.

At The Write Game C. Lee McKenzie featured Rachel Morgan's winning video entry and offered the sign up list.  That's a lot of list for one blog post!

We've got some decent blog representation from guinea pigs in the Challenge.  Check out George's Guinea Pig World to see what I mean.

Donna M. McDine says to Write What Inspires You.  She's going to be inspired by the alphabet in April as she also joins us in the Challenge.

Speak Coffee To Me is another blog in the Challenge.  Eileen's going to be speaking the alphabet to us in the form of her favorite fantasy and science fiction books.

Shanjeniah offers her topics for the month of April in a nicely organized calendar.

Mimi at Watercolors By Mimi Torchia Boothby included Rachel Morgan's recent winning A to Z video in a recent post.  Mimi calls herself "eccentric".   I'll let you'll readers decide for yourself.

Beth at Beth's Blog and Project 52 Returns! has some big things coming up for April including the A to Z Challenge.  And she's got a theme planned.    We wish her well.

Some bloggers have found the A to Z Challenge to be a time of self-discovery.  This has been the case with Gracie at The Story of a Girl... and in the process she has also decided on her theme for April.

Jaye Robin Brown has announced an interesting sounding A to Z theme.  Check it out at Hanging On To Wonder.

There's a detailed post at Journaling Woman with another part on Wednesday about her plans for the April Challenge and it sounds pretty good.

For the music fans, Mina Lobo at Some Dark Romantic has a theme in store that sounds pretty interesting.

Stuart Nager at Tale Spinning will be returning for a second year with more of his imaginative excursions in creative writing.

Taking a humorous look at bloggers, Michael Offut interviews a "tortured artist" about the A to Z Challenge.

If you're a fan of the 80s then Theresa's Tales of Tribulations and Typing Teen Texts will be the place for you as Theresa Milstein revisits the music of that decade.

Dwelling on deeper topics is Angela Felsted who is proposing some topics that might generate some controversy.  A bit of thinking is something we all need to try now and then.

Fans of Paranormal Romance will have a treat from Christine Rains--Writer as she presents an exclusive new work that will only be available during the A to Z Challenge.

There will be 26 days of fantasy flash fiction offered on the blog of Cherie Reich.   She also added another reminder on her Thursday post.

Jemima Pett tells about how preparing for the A to Z posts has helped her clarify and further develop certain aspects of her current book.  She also announces a special gift she's offering during April.

After much internal debate, Geoff at Geoff's Blogs has decided to try the Challenge once again and hope that he doesn't encounter computer problems like he did last year.   This time around this theme will be about the continent where he lives--Africa.

It sounds like SafireBlade will have some exotic offerings for April as she explores other worlds populated by unique beings.   She'll be looking for our feedback about what she'll be writing.

Sommer Leigh got an A to Z Challenge topic thread going in Nathan Bransford's forum section. There are some interesting exchanges here and I want to thank Sommer for think about this.

Sounds like fun coming our way from Jessica Salyer at Just Following a Dream.  She's going to meet the Challenge with a challenge, but she's going to need your help.

Denise at L'Aussie Writer has a fascinating concept planned for April.  She's put some work into this.  Stop by her blog and read about it.

K.T. Hanna needed a bit of coercion but she did the right thing--or is it the write thing?   Check out K.T.s announcement at The Scribble Muse.

There are some giveaways that will be happening on some of your blogs during April.  One will be from Jessica Bell at The Alliterative Allomorph.  Jessica will be writing about her musical influences during the A to Z Challenge and will be drawing from her comments every two days for some very cool prizes.  Watch her blog for details.  For some clues visit Jessica's Website.

Joining the A to Z  for the 3rd year is Bish Denham who now thinks of  the April Challenge as another sign of Spring.   For more lovely signs of Spring visit her blog at Random Thoughts.

Author Alden explains his theme as he gears up for the A to Z Challenge.

A newer blog is Suddenly Seeking.  Maybe some of you can go over and give Kate a follow and bit of encouragement to get her revved up for April.

K.D. Storm tells an amazing story on her blog A Coffee Drive and Adventure Bound Life.  Talk about making April a Challenge!

Jeremy at Geeky Tendencies ran through the last minute check list that appeared on this blog on Thursday.  Is Jeremy's blog ready for the April Challenge?  Check!  Are you ready?

Pamela at The Death Writer has a pretty ominous blogging topic but she's cheery about it and she's ready to go.   I mean go as in start the Challenge not...oh, never mind.

John Holton is going NATO on his blog in April.  If you're curious check out his post at The Sound of One Hand Typing.

Unfortunately, during the frenzy of preparations we've missed some of your past posts even when  you told us about them.  Thank you Beth at By Word of Beth for the lovely words you wrote for us back in February.

There's nothing creepy about Katie Mills succumbing to the April Challenge.  You can read her story at Creepy Query Girl.

During April it will be more movies, more fun at Spirit Called.

One of the entrants of the A to Z Video Contest, Marta Szemik, provides her personal assessment of what the Challenge will amount to--she's got it right.

The Writing Nut gives a retrospective of her posts from last year and looks forward to the pre-May mayhem and the madness of March.  It's all gonna be fun.

Yadin Bromberg gave us still another special post about the A to Z Challenge with a review of April efficiency.  Listen to this young blogger--he sounds like an old hand already and he's just getting started.

Five great reasons to do the A to Z Challenge are presented by Katietesta at A Common Sea.

Erin at  Utah Children's Writers gives a persuasive pitch for the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge.

Janis at Freelance Transcriptionist Road (how's that for a blog title) explains some of the special things she has in store for April.

Some others who have announced their intent to join in on the April fun are Ruby Bows, Seaside Simplicity, Jay Noel, The Adventures of Nagzilla, Choice City Native, Sabrina Garie,

          Whew!  What a week!  If you can, try to visit today's featured bloggers and get a head start on the Challenge.

         Starting tomorrow make sure you visit at least a few new blogs and leave comments wherever you go.  Let the blogs you visit at least know you stopped by.  When you find ones that you like, follow those blogs and let them know you've done so.  And you can follow them all if you're so inclined.  Make the best of this big blogging networking party.


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49 comments:

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

It dosen't seem that long ago we were on about another challenge and here it is one day away, I'll post mine just before going to bed to night as my daughter is none to well and from to morrow morning until mid afternoon will be taking care of her,

Yvonne,

beccabooklover said...

Found some great blogs from this post with some really good themes! I'm doing a Lord of the Rings theme and I can't wait to start tomorrow! :)

Texas Yellow Rose said...

Although I don't have all my posts prepared, I am a bit ahead of the game.

Am enjoying exploring blogs that are new to me. One thing I have noticed are some require an email address in order to post a comment . . . sorry, but I'm just not comfortable doing that. So, folks, I very well may read your blog but not comment if you require my email in order to post.

Hope everyone enjoys the Challenge! It's my first year and I'm having fun! Of course, it's early days yet . . . ask me at letter T!

Cheers!

Jessica Bell said...

Thanks for this amazing list! I'm going to check some of these people out right now. Nice to see some more music lovers in the game! And thanks for the mention too. Appreciate it!

Gregg Metcalf said...

All my posts for the challenge are written and ready to automatically post. This way I can be free of writing and simply enjoy all the other blogs!

Jeremy [Retro] said...

flounder [animal house] said it best... oh boy this is going to be great.

Martha said...

How cool to see my blog on that list! Thanks so much for the mention!

I'm all nice and organized about my approach to the challenge but will be one of those flying by the seat of my pants otherwise. I actually think that's part of the fun.

I'm off to check out the others on the list and make another round of visits from the sign up list.

Let's get this party started! :)

Jaye Robin Brown said...

Whoohoo! It's almost time. Thanks for the links and the mention.

Arlee Bird said...

Sounds like we're in pretty good shape.

Yellow Rose -- I don't think there's too much concern to be had from those blogs that require email addresses. It's the annoying comment systems that require it, but I guess it's for screening purposes to week out spam sites. I've never had a problem having done it, but it is rather inconvenient and time-consuming.

Lee

Bish Denham said...

You obviously put some time and effort into this list. Thanks Lee!

JoJo said...

Good luck everyone! I plugged A-Z yesterday on my blog as well.

The only thing is that I cannot get the hyperlink signature to work at all. People can just click on my name, 'JoJo' to get to my blog I guess. :)

Lisa said...

Amazing task you carry Arlee I will do my best to contribute and make this year's challenge another success.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Thanks Lee .. you do such a wonderful job supporting everyone - enjoy your time as the A - Z toddles its way towards May 1st!!!

Happy time - Hilary

Yadin Bromberg said...

Thanks for the shout out :) AH YOU MAKE ME FEEL OLD!!! I'v got a lot of years before that starts :P

Remember to check out my A-Z Move Marathon over on my blog starting tomorrow at 12am! Does a certain pet detective come to mind with the letter "A"?

Thanks again for the shout out!

Yadin at
Participant in the 2012 #AtoZChallenge
Twitter: @Yadin_Bromberg #atozchallenge
Email: yadinrocks@gmail.com

P.S. The "A" and "B" posts are pretty long because I didn't have the post length and style planned out yet. Everything from "C"-"Z" is perfect length and very catchy as well as A-B. I have some inside info on B because what superhero isn't perfect without real photos taken by me of his batmobile. Oops I'v said too much.... You'll have to stop by for the rest ;)

http://yadinbromberg.blogspot.com

Cheers!

Anonymous said...

this post was a major piece of work Arlee

Unknown said...

I'm all set. Got a brand new adapted banner on my bloghead and an intro post to let people know what they're getting themselves into.

The A-Z of fantasy metal is go!

Anonymous said...

Awesome post! I don't see who wrote this article but thanks! Looks like a lot of hard work.

Anonymous said...

Awesome post! I don't see who wrote this article but thanks! Looks like a lot of hard work.

Huntress said...

This is going to be the best A to Z ever.

Cindy said...

Well I had totally spaced about this challenge until I received an email reminding me...thanks for that :)
I've written out my A - Z topics, just random thoughts about me and my life! I'm only missing letters O, R, and X...we'll see what happens then :)
My first year with this challenge and looking forward to making new cyber friends!

Karen Baldwin said...

Wow! Thanks for all the links. I up for the challenge!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lots of people talking about it this week - and over 1500 join us tomorrow for Day One!

Anonymous said...

Just twelve more hours until the challenge! Thanks for the links and the mention.

SueH said...

All set and ready to go - just did a quick sweep of my pre-scheduled posts and they're all nicely lined up.

Just one thing worries me - I used the original Blogger interface in preparing these posts, I'm just hoping the 'new' interface which kicks in imminently won't mess all my hard work up! I can't find an answer to this - guess I'll find out pretty quick.

I may have to sit up until midnight just to make sure it all goes according to plan.....!

Good luck, everyone - I'm looking forward to spending time trawling round the blogs tomorrow.....and beyond! ;-)

Christine Rains said...

There's lots of great themes! I'm excited. Thank you for the shout-out. Good luck to everyone!

Sheila Siler said...

I am so excited! This will be my second year and I'm looking forward to meeting new people and writing creatively. I have 5 posts written and scheduled, and about 13 posts planned. This is such a great discipline - thanks for doing this for us!

Sheila Siler said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mina Lobo said...

WOW, thanks for the mention (and for the euphemistic intro!) ;-) It's true that some of the tuneage I'm including treads a line angels wouldn't dare to flap their wings at, but some songs I'll feature are quite tame. (What? I can *totally* do normal!) :-D And glad to see other music-themed blogs coming up - gah, I want to read you ALL!!! So many blogs, so little time!!!

GOOD LUCK THIS APRIL, EVERYBODY!

Some Dark Romantic

Tina said...

I can't believe it's already time! I'm so excited, and so flipping out. With the loss (and thank GOD for the recovery) I didn't get ANY posts done ahead of time. This co-host is going to be a pantser after all. Should be a good time, though. I love a challenge. And this challenge changed my blogging forever last year. Looking forward to the new friends I'll meet this year. Great round-up as always, Lee.
Tina @ Life is Good
Co-Host of the April A to Z Challenge
Twitter: @AprilA2Z #atozchallenge

Paula Martin said...

Done A-R so only 8 more to do now. My theme this year is the English Lake District, and I've really enjoyed doing all the research! Bring it on!

Tracy Jo said...

Can't believe it is already here!! I am one of those flying by the seat of my pants but I am ready all at the same time. Looking forward!

Julie Jordan Scott said...

I have my first four days done. This is SHOCKING for me! LOL.

It is probably because I am going to San Francisco tomorrow until Thursday and this is the only way to stay ahead of my travels.

I am looking so forward to knowing everyone (or as many as I am able to!) here.

Survivormama said...

Well I'm in again...did this in 2010 and enjoyed it a lot...hope to have a lot of fun and meet some new bloggers in the process.

Marta Szemik said...

This is too cool! Tomorrow is so close! Yay!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Ready or not, it's here. The craziness begins and I have four letters to prepare for. Gotta go to work on them.

Martha said...

Only 4 hours to go! I think I'm going to go ahead and post my A post in an hour or so just in case Blogger decided to go all wacky on us after midnight. Whoo-hoo! It's almost time!

Laura said...

My first post is scheduled to publish tomorrow! For some reason, having a theme this year is proving to be more stressful for me. I have to let that go and have fun with it! Can't wait to start visiting!!

Narayana Rao K.V.S.S. said...

I posted my first entry.
Advertising Research
http://nraombakc.blogspot.com/2012/03/advertising-research.html

Is there any place where we have to give our daily post links?

klahanie said...

Oh my, I'm way ahead of you. Realising that this being a leap year and thus the incorporation of the 'leap alphabet', I have already done my first posting.
And despite the fact and rather ironically, my alternative to your alphabet challenge, openly promotes this here gosh darn fun challenge, I'm delighted you didn't include me in all these links. Just wouldn't of seemed right.
Seriously kids, have a great time with this and much happy writing to you all. Now I shall go back to my poorly written, not worth reading, site.
With respect and a mandatory extra 'a', your way, Gary

Pish Posh said...

Ahhh!! I'm playing too!! :)

Doris Arnold said...

Ok, color me blind, but where do I find the blog list to look at other's blogs?

Amity said...

I am joining Alex but how and where to link up?

Thanks much...I feel bad being away for quite sometime...I thought I had to give up writing but I feel I can't!

Amity

Glorygarden@msn.com said...

http://glory-garden.blogspot.com/2012/04/aprils-z-challenge-begins.html
Well, I'm jumping right in. I did this last year and had a blast. Can only get better this year, right? Good luck to all!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the shout out! Looking forward to meeting everyone and reading all the great posts this month.

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

First day down... 25 to go. :D
Stop by my blog this month for anything and everything you've ever hoped to know about gender and sexual identity. :)

On such a limited, and important, topic it is definitely going to be a challenge to come up with something for EVERY letter. LOL

Donna McDine said...

Thanks for the mention, much appreciated!

Victor said...

Dear A to Z Challenge people,

Please could you let people using blogger and blogspot thingees to include the option Name/URL for Choose an Identity because I can't comment on so many posts that only have Google Account or Open ID options. I'm only a guinea pig, but I'm doing my best to bloghop.

Thank you very much

Yours sincerely
Victor (http://guineapigging.wordpress.com)

Dihiwi said...

This is my first time participating in this challenge and I must say that it's been interesting and already rewarding. I'll sit down to write something, feeling as if I don't have a word to say, and before you know it, I have another blog. This is definitely getting my creative juices flowing, which was one of my goals. Thanks, Blogging from A to Z Challenge sponsors!
www.dianeweidenbenner.com

Unknown said...

You are so nice putting all those links in for the participating blogs! That post had to have taken you forever!