Stephen Tremp Celebrates the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge

         Most of you know Stephen Tremp from his Breakthrough Blog and his many blog comments.  Stephen has been a blog friend of mine almost from my earliest bloggy beginnings.  I'm a big fan of his Chase Manhattan book series (Openings to be released in January 2012!).  Stephen Tremp was one of the co-hosts of the 2011 Challenge.  We include his reflections post from this past May here today.  Deja vu--you may have read this already.




Well, I survived the 2011 April A to Z Challenge as did many of you. I think survive is very good word. I met some awesome people and got reacquainted with many others.

Thanks again to Arlee Bird, Alex Cavanaugh, Talli Roland, Jennifer Daiker, Jeffrey Beesler, Karen Gowan, and Candace Ganger for putting together such an awesome blogging event and inviting me to take part as a co-host.

I had personal challenges such as an IRS audit for 2008 (why so close to the filing date) and lingering medical emergencies in my immediate family. This prevented me from visiting many blogs the second half of April. So I thank you all for stopping by my blog and saying hi. I hope you enjoyed the science-based posts as much as I did.


I learned much about myself during this past month. Life is precious and should be treated more valuable than gold. No doubt many of you had your own personal obstacles to overcome too. So, if you haven’t already done so, stop by Jennifer Daiker’s blog and Elizabeth Mueller’s blog for two well-deserved awards.

I’m going to take a few days off from blogging. Possibly a week. But that’s all. I have so much to write about that I have material to take me all the way through summer and well into the fall.

Now it’s time to rest and celebrate. Go and do something crazy. Just don’t get caught. That’s an order!

Question: What are some of your reflections from this past month?

Stephen Tremp
Author: Breakthrough Series
http://breakthroughblogs.blogspot.com/

        Thanks Stephen.  I for one never tire of your blog and the fun and fascinating information you provide us.  Oh, and since this is a Deja Vu post don't forget to visit D. L. Hammons site for the list of other blogs participating in the Deja Vu Blog Fest.  

Related articles

• In Which Arlee Bird Explains Why Blogfests Are a Big Deal (damyantiwrites.wordpress.com)
• A Matter of Life and Death: Another A to Z Story (tossingitout.blogspot.com)

A-Z Reflections – snoitcelfeR Z-A by Bob Scotney

     Today we have the Reflections post from Bob Scotney at Bob's Home for Writing.  He tells us about his first Challenge and what his reactions were.

A-Z Reflections – snoitcelfeR Z-A

I had no idea what I had let myself in for when I signed up for the Challenge, never having entered anything like this before. At the 215 (or was it 216) entry I was amazed to see over 1000 register. That nearly put me off.

I planned to have 5 posts in hand throughout the month, this quickly fell back to 3 – Easter nearly saw me quit.

The main negative for me was trying to read too many blogs each day and after 10 days or so I had to give up searching. Then I discovered the Next Blog and Surprise Me buttons on someone else’s blog and they led me to a wider set of Challengers.

However this meant I was unable to comment on every blog I visited.

Another disappointment was the number of entrants who didn’t. I‘d love to know how many actually completed the challenge.

My followers increase by 66% and by the end I had made it past 100. My thanks to all that joined me.

I was honoured to received three awards – I didn’t know they existed before. Thanks for those and also to Elizabeth Mueller for the laughing Zebra at the end.

Would I do it again? Yes – probably, but like many I would have to trim the length of some of my posts.

Finally congratulations and grateful thanks to Arlee and the ‘gang’ who organised the whole shebang. You did/are doing a great job.

Related articles

• In Which Arlee Bird Explains Why Blogfests Are a Big Deal (damyantiwrites.wordpress.com)

Poetic Praise from Yvonne Lewis

          Poet Yvonne Lewis now has two Blogging from A to Z Challenges behind her and is looking forward to the 2012 Challenge.  On her blog Welcome to My World of Poetry Yvonne always offers her posts in verse and she never faltered during the two A to Z Challenges.  Today we pay tribute to the tribute Yvonne paid to the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge of 2011.

                REFLECTIONS ON THE A TO Z CHALLENGE:

REFLECTIONS ON THE A TO Z CHALLENGE:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

This being the second A to Z I've participated,

It was certainly all I hoped it would be.

I've made some fantastic new friends

Thanks to the A to Z.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Along with friends from last year,

My followers are now many more.

My one wish is we stay acquainted

After all that's what's blogging is for.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I wish I could have visited more blogs

For the entries exceeded all expectations.

In all honesty I did my best,

But there were so many from all different nations.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I have learned quite alot about so many things

As each blog is unique in its own way.

It was certainly a pleasure to communicate

Each and every day.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

My thanks go to the team

Who organised the event.

For the month of April.

To me The A to Z challenge was....Heaven Sent.

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A Seasonal Take on the A to Z Challenge from Hilary Melton-Butcher

A – Z: seasonal take for The Blogging 

from A to Z Challenge ...

see how easy it can be ... an ABC of the Aspects of the British Countryside to an A – Z about our Christmastide ... come join the fun – April First 2012 is our starting day – but you’re not a fool to take part ...

The Nativity
by Charles-Francois Poerson, 1667

Advent – from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” – Advent Sunday is the start of the Advent season – fourth Sunday before Christmas Day.

Brandy Butter – an essential addition for Christmas Pudding and Mince Pies

Christmas – Christ’s Mass is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes maesse, a phrase first recorded in 1038.

 Deck the Halls: 
Green Holly and Ivy

Decorations – from pre-Christian times, people in the Roman Empire brought branches from evergreen plants indoors in the winter.  In the 15^th Century in London it was the custom for every house and all the parish churches to be “decked with holm (Holm Oak), ivy, bays, and whatsoever the season the year afforded to be green.  “Deck the Halls” ... a traditional Yuletide/Christmas carol and New Year carol.

Extras: Bread sauce, chestnut stuffing, bacon rolls, turkey gravy from the juices, cranberry sauce, bowls of nuts, custard, creams and chocolates ...  

Family Christmas
Feast 1940s

Flowers to decorate the table – Christmas roses, hollywreaths ...

Grandparents and all family the essentials to Christmastide ...

Holly – was seen as a protection against pagans and witches, its thorns and red berries held to represent the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus at the Crucifixion and the blood he shed.

Ivy – the heart shaped leaves are said to symbolize the coming to earth of Jesus

Mistletoe postcard,
circa 1902

Jingle Bells – an American secular Christmas song

Karpfen in Bier: a traditional Christmas Eve dish in Germany – “Carp in Beer” ... poached, served with a sauce made from the liquor, with brown ale and gingerbread

Leftovers ... sliced ham or turkey, chipolatas, devils on horseback (bacon wrapped around prunes), fresh bread, baked potatoes, pickles and salads ...  then bowls of rich turkey soup, turkey or ham ‘muck up’ ... fried Christmas pudding with brandy butter .... yummmeeee ....

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
at King’s College Cambridge
 – December 2010 – c/o Phillip Cooke

Mince Pies with brandy butter or cream – may be eaten before a snatched kiss under the mistletoe

N for Nativity – Commemoration of Jesus’ birth – popularised by Saint Francis of Assissi from 1223

O Little Town of Bethlehem – one of many traditional Christmas Carols sung in Church or at Carol Services

Plum Pudding .... on which a sprig of holly is set, brandy poured over and set alight, before being served with brandy butter, cream or custard ...

Trafalgar Square, London
– Christmas Tree

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert introduced the Christmas tree to Britain: they were enamoured seeing a tree hung with lights, ornaments and presents placed around.

Remember our loved ones – with a Christmas card, personal telephone call or special handwritten letter --- especially those thank you letters and cards.

Christmas stocking

Santa Claus – leave out gifts for Santa to thank him for his visit  ... Stilton, Mince Pies with a glass of sherry

Tradition – Christmas is a strong Christian tradition, from which over time a variety of Christmas celebrations have developed, that incorporate regional and local cultures.

Units of weight – you’ll be dieting off in January 2012 – sorreeeeee!

Vegetables – roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, roast onions, Brussels sprouts, carrots, red cabbage ...

Wassail Cup

Wassail cup – historically mulled cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger spices, roasted cider apples to decorate and topped with slices of toast, acting as sops.

X - the great unknown .... xxx or perhaps that KISS under the Mistletoe

Yule Log: Buche de Noel – a traditional dessert served at Christmas time particularly in francophone countries and former French colonies.  A sponge cake in the form of a log – filled with chocolate buttercream, covered in a chocolate ganache or frosting, decorated with powdered sugar to resemble snow.

Z       Zizz it all off – just don’t hibernate ‘til April ....

Blogging from A - Z

Lee’s great suggestion of the A – Z posts can be filled with so many ideas ...  good for our creativity, while greeting old friends and meeting new bloggers – come join the fun.

I so enjoyed the Challenge last year - thanks so much Lee for the Christmas opportunity – Happy Christmastide to one and all .. with a very successful 2012 ahead ...

Hilary Melton-Butcher

PositiveLetters Inspirational Stories

         And as Hilary says, The Blogging from A to Z April Challenge is as easy as ABC.   Come join us.  Sign ups will begin on January 30, 2012.  Thank you, Hilary, for this special holiday A to Z post.

      

A to Z Reflections from Empty Nest Insider

A Whirlwind of Emotions From A to Z

Empty Nest Insider

                                                                                                  Julie Kemp Pick


It all began when Rhonda from Laugh Quotes sent me an email about the A to Z  Blogging Challenge. The timing was perfect, as I was approaching a milestone birthday, and this was a welcome diversion.

As a new blogger who first started writing in January, I thought this would be an excellent exercise in blogging boot camp. I'm always encouraging my kids to try new things, and felt that this was the perfect opportunity for me to lead by example.

Shortly after I signed up, Arlee Bird introduced himself,  and two other participants quickly followed. I had 3  new followers, before the challenge even began, without begging and pleading! 

The night before the A to Z kickoff, I decided to post my first story around midnight. The next day, I woke up to encouraging comments while gaining new followers! I returned the favors, and searched through new blogs with the handy A to Z buttons. Some of my viewers were quick to rush off, while others generously returned. I looked forward to daily visits from my small, but mighty group of faithful followers.

It was like taking a trip around the world with all of the comforts of home. I laughed, cried, and was often humbled by reading the plights that so many of the bloggers went through.  I was expecting the claws to come out, and that the competition would really heat up. Contrary, it wasn't a competition, it was a challenge as the name suggested; a friendly challenge from within, instead of pitting us against each other.

 I want to thank  all of the hosts for organizing this extraordinary event.  I'm especially grateful to Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out and Talli Rolland. Arlee has the amazing gift of drawing you in, pulling you close, and making you feel like you're part of a private conversation; amidst addressing an audience of more than 1000 people. Throughout the challenge, Talli Roland always made an effort to drop by with  encouraging remarks. In the midst of  temporarily losing her blog, she still kept up the morale without missing a beat.

I'm still reeling from this adventure, that has brought in more than 50 new followers, as well as, insightful tips from all of the hosts. I'm so proud to be  part of such a warm and engaging community. My hope is that we'll continue to knock on each other's doors, and be invited to come in and stay awhile.

              

Blogging from A to Z April Challenge 2012 starts Sunday April 1, 2012

The Official A to Z Badge Is Ready and the News on the A to Z Reflections Tour

         The official Blogging from A to Z April Challenge of 2012 badge is now available.  Our A to Z artist--the aptly named Ada Z, which is short for Ada Zdanowicz--worked long and hard to come up with this finalized version.

        The smaller badge version actually doesn't do the artwork justice as you miss the crossword puzzle motif in the letters and some of the nuances of color.  When you click on the image to enlarge it you can see what I mean.

          If there is enough interest, Ada may make poster size images of the badge available at a later date.  An alternative option might be to make numbered and signed limited edition prints.  But first she will see if she would have enough takers to make it feasible for her to do so.  Perhaps you can express your thoughts in the comment section.

           She is also considering some other possible A to Z artwork goodies such as mugs or T-shirts.  Tell Ada what sorts of A to Z items you might like to see.   Ada is a young artist who would appreciate any support she can get.   You can visit her at CollagePodge.com.

           Last week we put out a call for your Reflections posts or new guest posts about the Challenge.  As we would have expected from our great bloggers out there, the response was overwhelming.  Many of you stepped forward to answer our call and every date until January 6th has been filled, except for December 24th and 25th.   If anyone wants to do a special Christmas post for either of those days we'll gladly accept it, but we're very happy with the content we'll have over the next month.

        Starting next week on Monday December 12th--The Friends of the Alphabet will be here in force to speak out about Blogging from A to Z.   This is the opportunity for those who want to know more about the Challenge to hear first hand what others have to say about it.  Join us to reminisce about the 2011 Challenge and get ready for the Challenge of 2012.  April will be here before you know it!

         And since there were so many of you who were willing to help out with a post during our preseason kick-off prior to the A to Z sign-ups, We have decided to continue to accept more special guest posts beyond January 6th if anyone else wants to contribute something.

         We'll reprint your Reflections from last year or we'll post something brand new.  We have a number of posts that were written especially for the upcoming campaign.  One you won't want to miss is the special Christmas A to Z post that appears on Tuesday December 13th that comes courtesy of Hilary Melton-Butcher , done in that unmistakable style of her usual blog posts--it's great fun.

        That's just a preview of what's to come.  Just about everything anyone would want to know about the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge will be found over the next four or more weeks.  There are plenty of tips on what to do to make the Challenge better.   In fact, much of the information you'll find can be helpful in everyday blogging and not just Challenge blogging.

         Perhaps more importantly these guest posts will help those who did not participate in the previous Challenge to know what it's all about.  We encourage all of you to mention this blog series on your blogs, as well as any social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and so on.  Get the word out.  Blogging from A to Z classes start next week and there's a lot to be learned.

         Also, if you're looking for something to write a blog post about, you can always blog about the A to Z Challenge.  Many of you have done so already.  Thank you, Susan Kane at thecontemplativecat for a great post on November 22nd.

          Excitement is building as we look forward to the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge.  Check this blog daily starting next Monday December 12 to show your fellow bloggers support for their posts.  Tell others about this campaign.  And let us know if you'd like to be included with a guest spot in January--there are several days available for that .

          Thanks to all of you for your support!

Related articles

• Coming Soon: Your A to Z Stories (a-to-zchallenge.com)
• Show Your Support! (a-to-zchallenge.com)
• Preparing Ahead for April (a-to-zchallenge.com)
• Spreading The Word (a-to-zchallenge.com)

Coming Soon: Your A to Z Stories

            Starting December 12th we'll be hearing stories on this blog Monday through Friday until January 6th.  These will be stories from you who participated in the 2011 Challenge.   There will be repeats of some of your reflections posts from the beginning of this past May.  Also if you would like to submit a post about the A to Z Challenge experience we would invite you to do that as well.

             It's time to start hearing from you, the ones who made the 2011 Challenge the success that it was.  If you would like to give your permission for us to reprint your Reflections post then email us at arleebird at gmail dot com.   We will reprint it here on the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge Blog and link back to your blog.  It provides this blog some content that will help others and it will give your blog some of the recognition it deserves.

           Likewise, if you would like to submit a special guest post please send us an email at arleebird at gmail dot com telling us what you would like to write about and when you can get it to us.  Once again it's your blog advertised here, you are helping the A to Z cause, and we link back to your site.

            We're open to just about anything you want to write about and in any format.  We want to build the buzz as we near the day when the A to Z sign ups start.  Can you help us make the 2012 A to Z Challenge even more amazing than the Challenge of 2011?

            On Monday December 12 we'll be posting the 2011 Reflections from Julie at Empty Nest Insider to kick off our campaign.  Julie is the inspiration for this concept and we'd like to give her credit for the idea.  We appreciate her interest and enthusiasm concerning the 2012 Challenge.

           So, please, let us hear from you.  Send us an email to give us permission to reprint your reflections or to suggest an idea that you'd like to talk about on the A to Z Challenge Blog.   Please include the link to your Reflections post to make it easier for us to locate it.  If you would like to participate please let us know by Tuesday December 6th.  That's next week so don't tarry.  Once the days are filled we will stop taking submission requests.  Let us know ASAP.

            Then, let others know about this blog.  If you are not yet a  member please sign up and encourage others to do the same.  If we post your A to Z Reflections or your guest post, we will let you know when it will go on line so you can let your readers know about it.

             April will be here before we know it.  It's not too early to start building for success.  And a huge thank you to all of you A to Z bloggers who are dedicated to the success of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge of 2012.



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Giving Thanks to Those Who Blog from A to Z

Art by Ada Z

          As we head into the Thanksgiving Holiday for those of us in the United States I feel it an appropriate gesture to give thanks to all of you who participated in the 2011 Blogging from A to Z Challenge this past April.  You did a great job in the Challenge as well in the months since then as you have been spreading the word about this event.

          Also, here's an advance thank you to all who will be participating in and helping out with the next Challenge of 2012.  Thanks to you this upcoming Challenge will be bigger and better than ever.

          You have surely noticed the A to Z artwork that has been illustrating most of the posts on this blog as well as on the sidebar.  Some of these samples have been showing up on your blogs as well.  In case you are wondering, our official A to Z artist--the appropriately named Ada Z. (Z is for Zdanowicz)--has been experimenting with badge designs.  I want to thank Ada for her wonderful artistic talent as well as her patience in coming up with a design.   We hope to finalize the official badge very soon.

          Thanks to Sue at TraverseLife.  She is going all out on A to Z promotion as she plugs it on her second blog.  Be sure to stop by to check out what she's done.  While you are there at her blog make sure you tell her thanks.  Perhaps you can use her post as a model for doing something on your own blog.

            And finally, thanks to anyone I haven't mentioned who has posted something about the A to Z Challenge.  Let me know if you have posted something or plan to post something in the future and provide me a link so I can acknowledge it here.

            Thanks to one and all!

Next Tuesday November 29 there will be a special A to Z announcement.  Don't miss it!



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Preparing Ahead for April

Artwork by Ada Z. at CollagePodge

          Several of you have commented that you are already planning your A to Z posts.  Some are mapping them out while others have actually started writing them.   There's nothing wrong with that.  It's not cheating.  In fact I consider it a darn good idea.

           I usually start by printing out a calendar grid that is available on many internet sites.  Or you can use a regular calendar (whatever happened to all those free calendars businesses used to send out--they seem to be in short supply for me anymore), a date book planner, or just a list of the days.  I like using an actual calendar format since I get an easy to see overview of the month.

           Once I have my calendar (or blank format) I first add the letters for each day.  I then go back and start coming up with ideas.  Coming up with those ideas is often the most difficult part of the challenge.  And they're not written in stone, just on a calendar and you can always erase them if you change your mind.  Knowing that you at least have some ideas to work with will make the writing of the posts less difficult.

          Planning and actually writing some or all of your posts ahead of time will make your Challenge less stressful, but don't think you have eliminated the challenge of Blogging from A to Z.  Many of us have found that the real challenge comes with trying to visit the sites of the other participants.  After all, networking is one of the more important aspects of the April Challenge.  If you've taken care of your posts ahead of time then you will have more time to visit other sites and interact more freely.

         One more point:  If you've looked at the 2012 April calendar you may have noticed that without Sundays there are only 25 days, which means we'll have to post on one Sunday.  To me the logical choice is Sunday April 1 since it's the first day of the month and we get the seven day stretch of writing done at the beginning.  In 2012 the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge will begin on Sunday April 1 with the rest of the Sundays off.

        Whichever way you choose to approach the Challenge is fine.  It's your personal challenge and creativity is what will make you really stand out--creativity and how much you visit other blogs and leave comments.  Preparing beforehand will allow more time for visiting.  Writing the posts as you go will boost the adrenaline and keep things more topical.  Either way, have fun Blogging from A to Z in April.
         
          We've been getting mentions on your blogs and I'm trying to keep up with them. 

          Here's one I missed when it first went up.  Thanks to Retired Knitter at My Next 20 Years of Living for her ardent post on October 18th.   This is the kind of shout out that we need.

         Delores from The Feathered Nest also has done her part in getting out the word.

         If you've done an A to Z Challenge post on your blog and I haven't mentioned it please let me know so you can be recognized for your support.  And whenever any of you post something about the Challenge send me a note to my email or in the comments and I'll add your link to a future post.  Thanks for all the help.

         Please visit Tossing It Out tomorrow Wednesday 11/16 when I have as my special guest award-winning best-selling author of nine books Lani Diane Rich.  She'll be offering  a bit of a pep talk with some great advice for all writers.

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BlogWorld Report from the Expo Floor

        On my blog Tossing It Out  I'm reporting on the Los Angeles BlogWorld Expo and New Media Expo, but here I want to give my report on BlogWorld and how my visit related to the A to Z Challenge.

         Those who followed the Challenge of 2011 and my follow-up posts in May know that I am very interested in making the 2012 Challenge more organized and easier to participate in than the first two Challenges.   Judging from last year's more than ten-fold growth, I have every reason to believe that next year will have at least the same participation as last year if not considerably more.   In either case, as we saw in 2011 the Challenge becomes massive, and even overwhelming, for participants.  For this reason I am looking for more ways to meet your requests, your needs, and in general to make the Challenge more fun for all of us.

        The bottom line is that in order to achieve these goals of improving the Challenge I need to find some solutions that will involve some technology with which I am currently not familiar.  Networking and knowledge gathering at the Expo was part of that learning process.  You can believe that I was talking about the A to Z Challenge to get some feedback about it and some sources that I can go to for help later.

         The response I got was consistently positive.  Everyone that I talked to about the Challenge seemed interested and thought that it held some great potential.  Now to see who will back me up in the months to come and join in the fun come April.

          I got some indication of support from a representative in the Blogger booth who said to send in the info about what we're doing and she thought that they'd probably give us some mentions in the Blogger blog right before we are about to start up.  Any additional support like that will not only be favorable for the Challenge, but also increase the possibilities of others to discover your blog.

           However our biggest boost comes from you the participants and supporters alike.  Keep the buzz going on your blogs.   And if there is any realm of expertise that you can contribute to make the Challenge better please leave a suggestion in the comments or contact me at my email address.

           A to Z got some nice mentions in the past week and I hope you will check them out if you haven't done so already:

            Alex J. Cavanaugh was a co-host in the 2011 Challenge.  He gave the A to Z Blog a nice plug in his post last Friday.

           A big Thanks to Yvonne Lewis from Welcome to My World of Poetry for her poetic plug of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge.

          Also, you must check out the post Sue at Jumping Aground did for the Challenge.  She also offers a preview of what she's planning to do in April and offers some good tips for the rest of us.

           Keep the plugs and mentions coming and let me know whenever something appears on your blog or wherever it appears so I can link to it on the Blogging from A to Z Blog.


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Spreading The Word

Art by Ada Zdanowicz

          Just got back from a trip to Tennessee.   I was helping my sister move from Phoenix back to the place we both think of as home.  I don't live there anymore but it was good to have an excuse to get back to visit family and friends.

           Those who know me are probably getting sick of hearing about Blogging from A to Z, but it's my passion these days as I gear up for April 2012.  It's only about five months away but there's still a lot to get done in order to make sure the next Challenge is the best yet.

           This coming week-end I'll be at the Los Angeles Convention Center at the BlogWorld Conference and Expo and you can bet I'll be talking up the A to Z Challenge to anyone who will listen to me.  I feel compelled to spread the word.

            How about you?   Are you willing to help me get the buzz going?  Mention the Challenge in blog posts, tweets, forums, or wherever you might be communicating with others who blog or are interested in blogs.  Let's start drumming up some interest so that when March comes more people will know about what's coming in April of 2012.

             How are some ways you might suggest to start spreading the word?   Will you be attending any conferences, conventions, or meetings where other bloggers might be present?   Can you drop the A to Z name in a few of your upcoming conversations or writing to help us build name recognition?



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The Fun Factor of the A to Z Challenge

Drawing by Ada Zdanowicz at
CollagePodge.com

           There are a number of reasons to join in with the many bloggers who will be Blogging from A to Z in April 2012.  One of the most often cited reasons is that it's fun.

            We definitely don't want to overlook the fun factor of Blogging from A to Z .   In fact according to most past participants this is the number one reason to join the Challenge in April.   However there are others that we'll be looking at in the weeks to come.  But for now we'll focus on the fun.

            Most of you bloggers probably think of blogging as a fun activity.  It's even more fun when a group of bloggers join together in a mutually participatory event.   I think of Blogging from A to Z as so much more than the typical blogfest.  I see the Challenge as a Mega Blog Event--a triathlon for bloggers.  A blogger Olympics.

           April is when the real versatility of the blogging community will be showcased.  But don't worry.  No pressure here.   We're going to have fun blogging.  If you haven't been a part of the past A to Z Challenges then 2012 will be the time to join.  Who knew blogging could be so much fun?

           Be sure to click the Friend Connect button at the top of the sidebar if you haven't done so yet.  We want to get an idea of what to expect in April.   It's only five months away and will be here before you know it.

           To those of you who participated in a previous A to Z Challenge, did you have fun doing it?  What in your opinion is the number one most important aspect of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge?



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Build It and They Will Come?

Artwork by Ada Zdanowicz at
CollagePodge.com

         The A to Z Blog site has been up for two weeks now and the Challenge fans have been coming around to join up.  Remember that this site is not like your typical blog.  It is a news and information site for anything related to the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge.   These first few posts have been basically kick-off posts for the upcoming blog challenge in April.  I've been recruiting the true believers to show support and now it's up to you to pass the word along that this blog is here.

        Thank you to Laura Eno at Daily Dodo for her announcement of this Challenge Blog.  To the rest of you, please follow Laura's lead and announce the link to this site to your readers so we can all start getting on board.  In 2012 we're gonna need a bigger boat so now's the time to start assembling a passenger list.

         Stay tuned!  In the weeks to come we'll be giving you a new sidebar badge to put up on your sites and announcing other new developments.  Don't miss it.

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Show Your Support!

        It's a few months before the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge official sign up list goes on-line, but you can get on board now to show your support for the event by clicking on the "Friend Connect" button to become a Friend of the Alphabet blog follower.

       There has been a frequent debate on the topic of accumulating blog followers versus building relationships or luring regular readers.  This is a blog where numbers do matter.  This blog is not about me or my writing. It is the news and information hub of the A to Z Challenge.

       As new Challenge developments arise, they will be announced here.  If you have something to say about the Challenge, you will be able to add your voice here.  This is the forum for those who plan to participate, for those who are trying to decide if they want to take on the April Challenge, and for those who just want to know more about it.   Think of this blog as "Challenge Central".

        So step up and show that you are a supporter of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge.  Check in occasionally to see what's new or just to get ready to get in the spirit of things.  I am hoping to have some very interesting Challenge news in the next few weeks.  If you can give this blog a mention on your blog I would greatly appreciate it and will be happy to link back to your post if you let me know about it.

        By the way, a few of you have mentioned that you don't see the "Join" button.  I assure you that it is in the top right of the page in the sidebar.  If you don't see it there then try reloading the page.  Sometimes Blogger gets a little quirky and doesn't show the Friends of the Alphabet (still open to more suggestions on that title--maybe we'll have a vote later).   If the Friends block is not there, please don't give up on it.

         Now please, become a friend of the A to Z Challenge Blog and on with the countdown to April.

       

Welcome to the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge Blog

       Now the A to Z Challenge has a home of its own.  The Blogging from A to Z April Challenge began on my other blog Tossing It Out in 2010 with nearly 100 participants.  In 2011 the Challenge grew to nearly 1300 participants.  Who knows what 2012 will bring?

        Why did I create a second blog devoted to the A to Z Challenge?  In one word:  Focus.

         Tossing It Out is my personal blog devoted to writing, blogging, and eclecticism.  There I write about anything from A to Z.  That blog is my potpourri blog.   I did not want Tossing It Out to become overly obsessed with the A to Z Challenge.

         The Blogging from A to Z April Challenge is a topic in and of itself that fills a particular niche.  The real excitement will begin in January of 2012 and will build into a crescendo until the event explodes on the blogging scene of April 2012.

          Between now and the January announcement that will open the A to Z sign-ups I will be posting news updates about the Challenge.  I will also rerun some of the A to Z posts from Tossing It Out that might be of particular interest to those of you who are new to the Challenge.  I also welcome guest posts from previous A to Z participants who would like to share their experiences in the Challenge.

         This will be the official blog for the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge.  Keep an eye on the posts here.   I will try to keep them interesting and helpful.   For now, there will be one post per week each Tuesday.  I hope you will click on the Friend Connect button in the sidebar or subscribe to the blog so you will receive updates.

          Please feel free to offer suggestions as to what you think would make this site better.   I look forward to any feedback that you may have to give.

           For now I've called the followers "Friends of the Alphabet".   Do you like that designation?  Is there another title you think might be better?