Getting to Know Your Co-Hosts – Special Tribute to Jeremy Hawkins

Every year, we introduce the co-hosts so you know the people behind this massive endeavor. Unfortunately, co-host Jeremy Hawkins is unable to put together a post due to an injury. The other co-hosts decided to pull together and share some things about the amazing individual behind the A to Z Challenge graphics and website.

Condensed from his blog, this is what happened to Jeremy:

I fell on ice last Saturday and broke my ankle where the short of it is I have 8 screws and a new holding plate. I am heavy medicated and loopy, typing this I hope it makes sense. Now this is not the world's worst injury, I have never broke anything. I want to thank all my friends and family for all the support.
It's bed rest for two solid weeks and then back to the other doctor for more... I have an iPad once in a while so I am on Facebook.
I will try to catch up soon, thank you for your friendship and "I will be back"
-Jeremy [Retro]

Jeremy is the genius behind the A to Z Challenge graphics and the website design, taking time out of his busy design schedule to help the team. He is the author of several books featuring graphics, short stories, or both. He also designs badges, banners, and websites for others, and he has a complete line of t-shirts for sale at Neat-O-Rama.

In addition to helping with this site, Jeremy maintains his own blog at Being Retro, Howling Wolf Records’ site, the Horror Blogger Alliance, and Hate the Captcha, a blog dedicated to The Walking Dead.

He’s also interviewed many movie stars, artists, musicians over the years. Jeremy travels to horror and anime conventions and posts pictures of attendees and stars. He works with Howling Wolf Records and maintains their site.

What you really need to know about Jeremy is he has a heart of gold. He will do anything and everything for his friends, taking time away from his business and wife to do what is necessary. You can’t ask for a better friend.

You the man, Jeremy. And we think you rock! - Alex

Jeremy is more than a co-worker in this crazy train of the A-Z Challenge, he’s my friend. Please leave a comment. We want to cheer him up with a lot of them! Jeremy is one of THE most generous and self-less people I’ve met. He’s always there to lend a helping hand and a willing ear, and he’s truly a great listener. Always ready with a good quip, he cheers you up by just being himself.  True.

He’s also quite the artist. I’m not just talking all the badges and bling and banners and art he does for the A-Z and his friends. He’s a published artist.  Talented.

I’ve had the honor of beta reading several of his books which are now available at Amazon. Here’s a link to his author page. I’d say his specialty is photopainting – that’s what I call it anyway because honestly, what he does is so out of my realm of knowledge. I can’t even size a picture correctly, so it’s a good thing that he’s an admin on my blog, which he built from scratch, just as a favor. That’s another example of Jeremy just being himself.  Giving.

But wait! That’s not all! He’s also a t-shirt designer! He has his own section at Neatorama with his designs. These aren’t just great because of his art (and the great snark in a lot of the captions) but the t-shirts themselves are really great quality. I have two of them. I recommend a long browse so you can get what suits you best, but if you’re stuck for an idea, the Ninja Army shirt he made in honor of Alex is a good place to start!  Loyal.

I can’t say enough about this wonderful friend of mine, but since other co-hosts will be chiming in, I’ll have to leave you with this brief picture. Checking out his many blogs and websites will give you a bigger one.
~Tina

From Arlee -
Jeremy has been my go to guy for not only the A to Z Challenge, but for my own blogs when it comes to bringing things to life with his brilliant images. The man is like a mind-reader when it comes to creating his custom artwork. I just have vaguely say what I'm looking for and he'll quickly shoot me back something that looks like what I was thinking but even better. His creative artistry has been responsible for many of my badges, headers, and my iconic BlogMan logo.
You're a good friend to have, Jeremy. Sorry you've had the recent setback, but at least you've been keeping your sense of humor about it. And I'm sure your mind is cranking away some great new ideas.

From Heather -
Dear Jeremy,
My Facebook newsfeed is so incredibly boring without you. You make me laugh almost every day and I will be sad until you return. I hope you heal quickly and I will expect regular weather reports from your ankle from now on. Hugs & chocolate kisses!

From Nicole -
Whether navigating the horrors of the apocalypse or gathering human souls around to hear some good tunes, Jeremy is the elixir that saves us from the craziness of our universe. He makes all things pretty; glowing in wonder, sprinkled with funnies and covered in cool!

From MJ -
Jeremy is one of those people you’re glad you have the chance to meet in Blog Land. He’s a true friend, and an honest to goodness, kind and real person, the type of guy who makes the world a better place, for having known him. I got to know Jeremy better since co-hosting with him in the A - Z Challenge. I can say without reservation that I’m really glad I did. Best to you, Jeremy. Get well soon!

From Damyanti -
Jeremy is one of those guys who would do a lot without asking for anything in return, and then offer to do more. He does a great job with the graphics, and helps customize badges and a thousand other things-- always kind, unobtrusive and cheerful. He is a good friend, and a huge asset to our team.
Take care of you, Jeremy, and get well soon.

How Important is #Collaboration in the #Blogging Community? #atozchallenge

Composers for Relief: An Album of Collaboration

Arlee Bird started the A to Z April Blogging Challenge to encourage a feeling of community amongst bloggers-- scores of bloggers have benefited through this challenge and will do so again this year. This was made possible through the collaboration of the co-hosts, (Lee, Alex, Tina,  Jeremy, Nicole, Stephen, Heather, AJ, MJ Pam, and yours truly,of course.

Today, one of the members of #TeamDamyanti , +Samantha Geary Jones, is here with a post on collaboration, and how it resulted in an awesome project that might help lives come back to normal in the typhoon-ravaged areas of Philippines. Take it away, +Samantha!

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We all have hopes and dreams. Our hope is our strength. It’s what inspires us to be greater. What pushes us to venture beyond what we know and take a chance. A chance to inspire. A chance to be inspired. A chance to make a difference.

Imagine what we can accomplish, together.

When talents and dreams converge--that’s when the real magic begins.

And that’s exactly what happened in December of 2013. In the tragic wake of the worst natural disaster in Philippines history, over 30 compassionate composers and 28 amazing authors from across the globe, collaborated on a compassionate project to support the relief efforts in the most devastated areas ravaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

The charity event began with the Composers for Relief album--28 tracks embodying a sense of hope and triumph from the brilliant minds of film composers and musicians. Each track inspired an author’s tale, reflecting the soul of the notes with well woven words. These 29 stories transport you Beyond the Binding of the imagination in heart pounding sci fi, enchanting fantasy and gripping slices of realism.

Even now, the collaboration has captured the creative minds of film students at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Malaysia, whose GLOBAL VISUAL HARMONIES project, under the direction of Ray Kril, adds a stunning element of hope in the form of short films inspired by the album.

 

I can’t think of a better way to build a community--one that transcends crafts and continents, cultures and creeds. Consider collaborating with your fellow bloggers and friends, authors and artists, musicians and filmmakers. 

That’s what the A to Z challenge is all about, coming together as a blogging community. In this challenge bloggers from all fields are welcomed, and it can become a cauldron of collaborative creativity.

Let’s take it to the next level-- reach out to one another. Take a chance. YOU can make a difference--you need only try. It’s amazing what we can accomplish, together. 

Begin the journey today by visiting the other bloggers in the A to Z Challenge Sign-up list. Or take part in the A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal. By the time the challenge starts, you would have made friends, and who knows, even thought of a project to do together-- which would enrich your life, and that of others.

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Beyond the Binding is available NOW on Amazon & Smashwords in all ebook formats . Cover designed by Jennifer Redstreake Geary

Composers for Relief is available NOW on ITunes, Amazon, CDBaby & Spotify

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 Have you taken part in a creative, collaborative project? Teamed with other bloggers to create something new, hosted a blogging event together? Has the A to Z challenge resulted in creative ideas of collaboration for you?

Getting to Know Your Fellow #bloggers #atozchallenge #photoblogs

Featuring Photography Blogs

It’s like visiting a museum or photo exhibit, as you wander through this amazing assortment of brilliant photography blogs. No camera captures the same subject. Nor does it delight in sharing a similar one the same way. Each photographer explores the world through a camera, letting each snapshot reveal a larger story waiting to be shared.

Spud’s Daily Photo: Bill Nichols combines a bit of history with photos he’s taken throughout the years. His photo journalism charms us with a unique point of view and delightful photography.

Throo Da Looking Glass: The combination of haiku and brilliantly captured photographs make this blog stand out. Combine that with the diverse collection of photos taken, and you’re sure to find something that captures your eye!

La Fotografia Efectista Abstracta:  This blog might be in Spanish, but the photos speak to a universal language. You’ll positively be amazed by some of the pictures you see here!

Outreach:  While photography is strongly present on this blog, you’ll also find a plethora of other intriguing posts. Everything from research to random bits of advice, contests and reviews are just a sampling of what you will find here.

Traveling Cats:  Cats, cats and more cats - from in the house to around the world, this is no ordinary photography blog!

Now I know there are a lot more photo blogs out there. These are just a few I came across while doing some blog hopping recently. 

Thanks for capturing the world in pictures for us!

M. J.

©2014 All Rights Reserved
Photo credit:  Blogfrog, Blogfrog Logo, CCA-Share Alike 3.0 

Don't Get Busted by the Photo Police: #atozchallenge advice

Hi friends (waving), PammyPam here!  If you're like me, you love love love to have photos on your blog.  Especially those big, bright, and beautiful (see what I did there) photos that are pin worth (as in Pinterest)! The problem is, how do you find these photos?

To be sure, there are many places on the internet that offer photos.  You can use pay services or copyright free sites, as well.  These are great ideas but you MUST remember to correctly cite the owner of the pics or you could end up with a visit from the photo police.  But what if you don't have the time or the notion to find just the right pic for your blog?

Do what I do, my friends, and take your own photos.

Yep, take your own photos.

If you have a camera enabled phone or even a small digital camera, you can become your own photographer! There are many benefits to using your own photos:

• They are free (no costs to join)
• They are yours to use again and again
• You control how they are used 
• Did I mention they're free?
• You can get exactly the shot you want

See? You can't lose with taking you're own photos.  I blog about books and there is nothing easier than going to my bookshelf, pulling out a book and staging it exactly the way I want it.  Maybe I want a shot of a dog reading a book? Easy, just go grab the dog, some doggie treats, and BAM. Done. Or perhaps I want that all to common Pinterest pic of a stack of books with a tea cup on top? Simple; snag the books I want, set them on the table with a tea cup, get down level with the books and POOF! Instant pic. See?

Once you've taken your photos, upload them to a photo editing site to create them to your liking ( I like picmonkey).  BE SURE TO WATERMARK THEM WITH YOUR BLOG NAME.  Save the photos and VOILA!  Not only do you have customized photos for your blog post, now you don't have to worry about the photo police coming to get you! 

Here's a tip: My A to Z Challenge always includes book titles; I start taking photos of books early to ensure I find a book for each letter of the alphabet. I do this process in steps. 

• Keep a list of the letters you need pics for
• Take the photos. 
• Upload them to a photo editing site and edit (make a collage!)
• Save new photo with the title of the book
• Upload to blog
• Write blog post

Don't try to do all of the steps in one sitting. You'll go batty.  Remember, this is supposed to be fun and to keep you from getting busted by the photo police; if you make it too difficult you might not keep up with it.  Slow and steady wins the race here, folks.

Where do you find your photos?

PammyPam

How to use the #atozchallenge to help your writing efforts

How to use the A to Z Challenge to help your writing efforts
Timothy S. Brannan, The Other Side

It is that time of year again. The holidays are done. The kids are all back in school. It is way too cold for yardwork or being outside so naturally our thoughts turn to writing.

Or maybe that is just me.

Strange Brew cover by Peter Bradley

I think I will hear some notes of agreement from many of you when I say I am not sure what I would be doing if I couldn’t write.  It is what keeps me sane…if you consider listening to imaginary people in my head and writing down what they should be doing sane, then yes.

I write. I blog. The lines blur until it comes to the final product.  But honestly it doesn’t have too.
Allow me to take a step back.  I have been blogging now since about 2007, prior to that I maintained a website since about 1995 or so.  I have always had something to say.  I began blogging as a way to gather up my thoughts for the book I was working on at the time.  So for me there is a lot of harmony between “book” writing and “blogging” writing.  I first took part in the A to Z Challenge in 2011.  I made it my own goal to visit and comment on everyone’s blog.  My own efforts though were less focused, I posted what I wanted on that day.  Yeah. I was pretty busy in April of 2011.  For 2012 I went really crazy and blogged on a theme (which is in my opinion the best way to go) and I also posted on my other blog, The Freedom of Nonbelief with the A to Z of the atheists that had most influenced me.  Both of these were good and it was a lot of fun, but I was still really busy.

Last year though I hit on the magical recipe.  On my main blog I actually focused on something I was doing for my book writing and made the A to Z part of my research and rough draft cycle.

The Witch

I write game books. That is books for Roleplaying Games. Think Dungeons & Dragons. Actually that is exactly what I was doing.  I began my blog as a sort of a “design journal” for my WIP “The Witch”.  As I went on I added another book, “Eldritch Witchery”.  So yes I write a lot about witches, magic and all that fun stuff.  Last year I did an A to Z of Demons.  This will all become part of my next book which I am currently working on the drafts.   This idea though really struck a chord with me.  Not only did I get my posts start and done sooner, I could use the feedback given by all my visitors to make edits in my document.  It went beyond the normal theme and into “theme with a purpose”.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to do the A to Z again this year.  I have new Kickstarter out for my next book on witches (and it is a huge manuscript) and that is taking up a lot of my time now.  Plus I didn’t get as far as I wanted on the demon book as I wanted.   But yet the material I got out of it last year is just too good NOT to do it again.

So this year I am once again doing my “Theme with a purpose”.  At present I have a few WIPs on my hard-drive. I am a freelancer and I use Kickstarter to help fund editing, art and layout so my projects are largely my own.  Top of my list is an A to Z of Vampires.  I have wanted to get a vampire book out for some time and it was almost my topic last year.

Here is my strategy:

1. Make the A to Z posting part of my own research.  I tend to research all over the place, so with something like this it is good to start early.  I might not have anything on Aswang yet  but a lot on Baobhan Sìth.   
2. The posts are notes, not the final document.  With the Demons last year sometimes I all had was a name and a vague idea on how I was going to use it.  Other times I had material that I could almost cut and paste right into my document.  The goal though isn’t to be “cut and paste” ready but have an idea on what I want. 
3. Post for feedback.  During the A to Z I get a much wider variety of readership than usual.  I also get more people replying to my posts.  You might not know anything about my games but there are enough horror writers on this challenge that I am certain to get some great feedback.
4. Make it worth your time and make it fun.  No one will read my posts if it looks like they were a chore to do.  If I am phoning it in so speak cause I can’t find a Vampire for “Q” (and I haven’t yet) then why should I expect anyone to read?  By the way if you do know of a Vampire that starts with Q then email me!

As of the writing of this post there are almost 600 people signed up for the A to Z Challenge and about 20% of these self-label themselves with the Writing (WR) or Book (BO) labels.   So this is something they could certainly try and anyone could do it.

Doing the A to Z Challenge is a Challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a Chore.

About the Author
Timothy S. Brannan is the author of The Other Side blog, http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/
He is also the author of “The Ghosts of Albion RPG”, “The Witch”, “Eldritch Witchery” and the upcoming “Strange Brew” which is currently in a Kickstarter Campaign. Please stop by and see if this is something you would like to support.

Related articles

• Tim Brannan guest post
• Eldritch Witchery Print Proof
• Guest Posting on A to Z: The Value of the Blogfest
• Ultimate Witch & Warlock