Pages

Monday, April 6, 2020

Enthusiasm #atozchallenge

#AtoZChallenge 2020 badge


The team decided our theme for this month's posts here would be "2020 visions of blogging." This set of weekday posts focuses on:

Memories from Blogging in the Past

#AtoZChallenge 2020 Blogging from A to Z Challenge letter E

I started my blog, The Sound of One Hand Typing, in 2012 so that I could participate in this challenge. I had been reading about it on other people's blogs for almost a year and finally decided to bite the bullet and start my own blog so that I could participate. I had a great deal of fun participating, so much so that when May rolled around I didn't know what to do with myself. Now I had this blog and a few readers, and I knew I had to keep going with it, lest I lose those readers and the enthusiasm I had for blogging. I tried writing about my nascent career as a fiction writer, but the more I wrote about it, the less I believed that I had a nascent career as a fiction writer, finally realizing that it's awful hard to be a fiction writer if you don't even like reading fiction.

So I started blogging about music, because I love music and I'm enthusiastic about it. I started writing stories about my youth, because the stories were funny and occasionally heartwarming and I liked telling them. I started participating in blog hops that gave me a prompt every week that I would have to write about (or, in my case, find a way not to write about while still using the prompt, which is often more fun). Now I was writing and posting every day, and having more fun than an adult should have with his clothes on.

My blog has taught me that I can be myself and still get people to read it. That's what has kept me going for 8+ years.

What about you? What got you started in blogging, and what keeps you doing it?

#AtoZChallenge 2020 badge

Grab a copy of the Master List! Click here:
Grab your A to Z gear, and other cool goodies from our graphics guy, here: NeatoShop.com/artist/Jeremy-Hawkins

42 comments:

  1. True Enthusiasm is a must , that keeps you going. And if the activity is of passion, enthusiasm comes along too. That's what has kept me moving in blogging too.

    From E , I'll take you to North East. Try out this Eromba from Manipur.

    https://facetsofadiregionalcuisine.blogspot.com/2020/04/e-for-eromba-from-manipur.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hank's E is for Eagle's Nest

    Hank is here:
    https://imagery77.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-eagles-nest.html

    Hank

    ReplyDelete
  3. The prompts are interesting.

    What about you? What got you started in blogging, and what keeps you doing it?

    Can be taken up by all A to Z bloggers after April as they are now concentrating on their themes.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I thought blogging would be fun but I quickly realized the white space on my screen was an intimidating factor that I struggled with. I don't have the same problem today but back when I started my blog, blogging was fairly new and I thought it would be cool to have one too. I learned everything I know about HTML and blog templates from blogging.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I've always admired your ability to keep up with all of the bloghops. I barely know where to find them. One day, when I'm feeling better, I'm going to go on a massive pursuit and take on more challenges. Doing the A2Z for 2 different blogs is 'just enough' for right now.

    ~Mary
    Literary Gold - #AtoZChallenge : Endless Vacation
    Jingle Jangle Jungle - #AtoZChallenge: E

    ReplyDelete
  6. Happy Monday everyone!
    https://ladyleemanilablog.wordpress.com/2020/04/05/thursday-photo-prompt-together-writephoto/

    ReplyDelete
  7. If you look with a little enthusiasm in the depths of Esper, you can find a very bright material which you can use to build something truly magical: etherium!

    http://codexanathema.com/2020/04/06/e-is-for-esper/

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yes, "I can be myself and still get people to read it", I agree John, this is the magic of blogging and sharing with the entire world. Keep going!
    E is for Embroirery

    ReplyDelete
  9. yay for week 2!! Good luck everyone w/ your posts.

    https://www.thejoyousliving.com/a-to-z-challenge-how-prejudice-nearly-destroyed-the-eberle-family/

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yes, John, to be an enthusiastic blogger, you have to be honest about what you enjoy. Then your enthusiasm is obvious to the readers.
    My post for E is one of the ones I like the best - there is even music! E is for earthquake, everlasting (or eternal life and eucharist). https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2020/04/06/e-is-for-earthquake-eternal-or-everlasting-life-and-eucharist/

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello Sir/Madam,

    Thinking about to sell Product how much on your sites & taking images on A high Quality Camera or a High Resolution images that max time are not fit on your website images sizes & Even you need to enhance them or to remove Dust /Scratch to attract your Buyer to sell them more on your E-commerce Site?

    I am here for you to help you get rid of this issues sell them more & more By doing this type of steps.

    https://www.fiverr.com/carddesignrr/do-photoshop-remove-background-crop-resize

    ReplyDelete
  12. I blame my cousin - she introduced me to blogging many years ago. There have been ups and downs but I'm on my 6th A-Z Challenge and I look forward to it each year.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow - my E pmompt is about E Writing. And is somewhat similar to your thoughts. All about how i started blogging and what i use to do prior blogging.

    1 thing I have noticed- when people start blogging [ including me] the tone of posts is more preachy. As n when more posts happen- its gets to more casual tone. Not sure if my thinking is right- but this is what I have observed.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I also participate in blog hops and blog trains they keep me glues to continuity and discipline.

    enthusiasm is what keeps us all going, enthusiasm to learn something new everyday, 8 years is a long time and you are doing great.

    my today's blog - http://mywordsmywisdom.com/eerie-nightmares-who-has-freaked-you-in-your-dream-last-night-atozchallenge/

    ReplyDelete
  15. I know I got into blogging because a friend suggested I should. But why do I keep at it? Gosh, I have no idea!...I'm going to have to think about that...

    ReplyDelete
  16. And enthusiasm is what keeping go for more each day.

    Check this just 5 lines with a message.

    https://facetsofadishortstories.blogspot.com/2020/04/e-for-ex.html

    ReplyDelete
  17. The things you learn about people while blogging.

    I was trying to get several things published for myself and friendship I created a blog - well several. Blogging for writers was still in the early dawn. What I learned I learned about blogging was from geek friends.

    my joy in blogging comes from meeting people. People keep "it" fresh.

    cheers y'all.
    ~moonie

    The letter E

    ReplyDelete
  18. I began blogging in 2010 just before the release of my first and only children's book which I intended to use the blogging platform to self-promote. That was dismal failure but I discovered a fun community in the process and decided to keep going with it. Like you I went from away from my original intent to sharing music more or less which I continue at least once a week and sometime more on my site these days. It was with the A2Z Challenge that pushed me to kick start my love art and I'm delighted that I didn't back down. Thanks for being co-hosting this amazing annual event, my friend!

    Cathy's Pinup Girl #AtoZChallenge Art Sketch Series ('E')

    ReplyDelete
  19. I started in 2016 and have to admit sometimes my enthusiam wanes. But I do love that I continue to learn and my posts have improved over time. Today we have an Etoufee recipe.

    https://www.screwyism.com/louisiana-style-crawfish-etouffee/

    ReplyDelete
  20. Enthusiasm is a great reason to have a blog.

    Today from letter E I write about three E's that are important in these lockdown times. Read my post titled "Entertain/Engage/Enrich during Lockdown to know what is keeping me sane.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Fear of Alzheimers lol Is that a good reason?? Probably not but I'm going with it.
    My link for letter E
    https://katytrailcreations.com/2020/04/06/enormous-need-for-exercise-letter-e/

    ReplyDelete
  22. Move on from that pesky political post or fearmongering tweet -- it doesn't do you good.

    You have to develop and exercise emotional competence, a digital-era skill and strength needed to navigate the wavering and woeful world wide web of today.

    Read more about my latest #AtoZChallenge entry, right here: http://coolkidandy.com/2020/04/06/atozchallenge-pandemic-journal-exercising-emotional-competence-during-the-outbreak/

    ReplyDelete
  23. This challenge is what makes/keeps me enthusiastic about my current blog! I had lost that spark with my book blog, and I miss it, but that's okay.

    https://whatwouldangiewatch.blogspot.com/2020/04/evermore-season-1-episodes-1-4-2014.html

    ReplyDelete
  24. Started to blog when I was a student of ISiM. I was introduced to A to z challenge by my friend who reads blogs. Maybe it's the enthusiasm that's making me write again :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Nice to know that you have picked up the word Enthusiasm - which is so very important to sustain oneself in blogging. I was introduced by a friend, and started with enthusiasm somehow this was challenging as I had a full time work and with family.. was tough.. am still trying to keep going, A-Z is an opportunity for me to revive and renew.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Interestingly I started to blog in 2012 as well.
    My debut was I had something to tell to my Facebook friend, but it was going to be too lengthy for a FB post, so I signed up to Blogger without even thinking about it. I wrote down my story (it was about purchasing a handbag, hahah) and that was my first blog post.

    What keeps me going are the numerous writing challenges I take part in.

    In 2020 my A-Z theme is SWITZERLAND, my home country. E is for Equality.

    https://thethreegerbers.blogspot.com/2020/04/a-z-2020-switzerland-equality.html

    ReplyDelete
  27. We have often heard about the phrase – majboori ka faydaa uthana – in Hindi, meaning people taking advantage of the situation you are in. These people are like leaches, they squeeze your blood out till the last drop, while making you do voluntarily. They understand that you are in need, and they exploit it to the brim. https://hopelesslyyhopefull.blogspot.com/2020/04/how-to-identify-exploiter.html

    ReplyDelete
  28. I like that you chose Enthusiasm as your word. It's so important to have enthusiasm in our lives but especially now. Thank you for helping to host the 2020 challenge. I chose environment because although we have to shelter in place, I'm enjoying the view from my kitchen window, where I have my "home office" set up. https://www.dianeweidenbenner.com/environment/

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm very excited about this challenge...it brings me a lot of eager enthusiasm to see what eccentric and exceptional articles everyone has to write about! Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  30. And full enthusiasm I submit my third in a day, the hindi poetry
    e - is for ehsas

    https://facetsofadihindi.blogspot.com/2020/04/e-ehsaas.html

    Enjoy

    ReplyDelete
  31. And this one is last fr today with E

    End is the beginning

    https://facetsofadienglish.blogspot.com/2020/04/end-is-beginning.html

    Hope you enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  32. You always have such interesting blog posts, John. Glad you decided to keep doing it!

    Janet’s Smiles

    ReplyDelete
  33. Good read on Enthusiasm! I started blogging due a dear friend's motivation. She encouraged me to write blogs and is till date constantly helping me to take up various blog hops, challenges etc. Even this A2Z challenge was introduced to me by her. Thanks Shilpa!
    My post of the alphabet E - https://anjus.home.blog/2020/04/06/eye-care/

    ReplyDelete
  34. Enthusiasm got me started and friends I've made have kept me going.

    ReplyDelete
  35. It's important to enjoy what you write about on your blog -- otherwise it starts to feel like work.

    An A-Z of Faerie: Vila

    ReplyDelete
  36. Well said to write one certainly needs to be enthusiastic about the topic.
    Enthusiasm to express yourself and keep challenging. nice post.

    My E post - https://praguntatwa.com/the-letter-e-and-what-it-brought-with-it/

    ReplyDelete
  37. I went back to when I started blogging after I read you post. This is my 10 year anniversary since I started blogging on wordpress. I can't believe it was 10 years. I went to my 1st post on wordpress and let's just say I have come a long way on my knowledge of blogging ( ;) that's putting it nicely ). Always love visiting Mr. John Blessings to you oh and you are really one of my heroes and my Chicago Blogger friend. That's what I call you so the husband knows who I talking about ;) . We do have a connection and that feels good <3

    ReplyDelete
  38. Post 5 in the series 'Idiosyncrasies of a Covidiot'

    E for Exceptionally Coarse


    Cheers,
    CRD

    ReplyDelete
  39. This year I thought, "Will I be able to complete the A-Z challenge?" That's when the idea struck to me that why don't I blog about things I am enthusiastic about. SO i came up with Food and Fiction.

    E for Egg's Sunny Side up - https://chaoticsoulzzz.com/2020/04/06/eggs-sunny-side-up-self-story-with-a-bang/

    Ashmita from chaoticosulzzz.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I started last year working at my blog because I felt I wanted a creative outlet to express myself. I had always wanted to write but was afraid to share.. I also wanted to find a way I could advocate for others. I am hoping that I can do that through writing and my blog.

    ReplyDelete

Commenting is now open to all, but will be monitored for spam, ads, abusive language, or anything that is not relevant to the interests of the A to Z Challenge--Please respect this blog space and its users Captcha temporarily added because of 12 spam comments in ONE day!

Please leave your opinions and feel free to ask anything that is on your mind. Irrelevant anonymous comments and spam will be deleted.