Keep Posts Short and Easy to Read!

There are several ways to encourage comments, including making it easy for people to leave comments and by visiting other bloggers. Those are good practices anytime. There is one more thing you can do during the Challenge and it’s critical – keep your posts short.

There are over a thousand participants in the Challenge. We’re encouraging people to visit at least five new blogs a day (starting with the one immediately following one’s own) but many will visit far more. That means time is of the essence.

And short posts are a must!

What is a short post? Definitely under five hundred words. Probably under four hundred, and even shorter is better!

The purpose of the Challenge is to make new friends. If your posts are long, participants are far more likely to skip your blog and move to the next. You’ll miss so many opportunities for new friends. Plus writing long posts takes time! You could spend that time visiting new blogs instead.

In addition to keeping posts short, they need to be easy to read. Long blocks of text are hard on the eyes. Break text into smaller paragraphs. Add images. Highlight or bold some of the text. Pretend you are cooking and spice it up!

And since I want to set an example (and I just made myself hungry) I’m making this A to Z tips post short!

Ninja Captain Alex is one of the A to Z Challenge co hosts and can be found HERE

Getting To Know Host - DL

ABOUT ME

Name: DL Hammons
Blog: Cruising Altitude 2.0
Other Online Info: 
Google+: DL Hammons

Twitter: DL_H

Facebook: DL Hammons

Goodreads: DL Hammons
Publications: None

10 GETTING TO KNOW YOU QUESTIONS

1. What is the most daring thing you've ever done?
At our company gathering last year I got up in front of 50+ executives and informed them all that in my spare time I was a WRITER!
2. What is your favorite article of clothing? I have this one hat the I wear backwards when I'm writing.
3. What is your favorite monster? The xenomorph from the Alien movies.
4. If you had to dress up as your favorite literary character, who would it be? Sherlock Holmes.  Big surprise, given that I write mysteries.
5. What is your favorite fairy tale, urban legend or nursery rhyme?

Lizzie Borden took an axe

And gave her mother forty whacks.

When she saw what she had done

She gave her father forty-one.

6. What is a cause near and dear to your heart?  Stopping bullying.
7. What's the strangest item you've used as a bookmark? A cocktail straw.
8. Do you have any nicknames?  What are they and how did you earn them? On-line I've used Misbehaving and Imposter for user ID's, but in the real world I've been hung with the moniker of Bone.  It's genesis comes from Hammons....Hambone....Bone.  :)
9. Name one habit you want to change in yourself:  I'd like to be less introverted, but that's not going to happen.
10. Tell us something interesting or shocking about yourself:  I'm a military brat, so I really don't have a hometown.  I lost my last baby-tooth at the age of 53.  I have no sense of smell...never have. And yes...I can still taste.

SOME A-to-Z QUESTIONS

1. What was your favorite A-to-Z post from 2011?  I'm an A to Z virgin.
2. What brought you to the A-to-Z originally?  Tell us about your first A-to-Z:  I was brought into the fold by Arlee, who offered me this opportunity to "change my stars". (Any Knights Tale fans out there?)  Part of my changing things up for 2012 was to make it uncomfortable in my comfort zone...and I think this qualifies.
3. Are you doing a theme?  Nope...I'm winging it, but most of my posts will be about letting my readers get to know me better.
4. Are you writing & scheduling posts in advance? About half of them are written and scheduled.
5. What is your favorite letter of the alphabet, and why?  What letter do you like least?  I have three of them actually.  L...S...U  Geaux Tigers!

I hope you've enjoyed these questions and answers.  Don't forget, you are welcome, even encouraged, to ask any additional questions you might have in the comments section.  Or feel free to answer the questions yourself!  We won't tell.

Just the prescription...for clearing your mind

Hello there! 

Join me, Jenny Pearson, co-host of the upcoming A to Z Challenge, for a relaxing walkabout!

Before we begin...I want to welcome any and all newcomers - are you looking for answers to your A to Z questions? Please visit our FAQ Tab - you are sure to find answers to all your questions there! If you’re still stumped visit our Contact Tab and fire off a question to us...we are here to help!

Now, about this walkabout…

Are you feeling topped up with all the information on the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of this Challenge?

I hope so...because this post in NOT about any of that. It’s about sitting back, enjoying a little West Coast scenery and letting your mind clear as we start the countdown to when the FUN really begins - April 1st. 

In a matter of six days we will all be showcasing our thoughts, ideas, stories, pictures, and whatever else is hiding up our sleeves in the upcoming third annual A to Z Challenge.

To that end...I went for a walkabout and in the fresh, crisp air of a glorious day I was able to relax and clear my mind.

Come join me - it’s what the Challenge Doctor has prescribed.  (click on any picture to enlarge)

Pan Pacific Hotel, home to the Five Sails Restaurant. 

View of the North Shore, from behind our new Convention Centre.

2010 Olympic Cauldron

Downtown Vancouver & Granville Street entertainment.

Relaxing dinner and a peaceful evening sky.

Now, as a little after dinner wind down…

I’m please to announce all my posts are ready for the Challenge. I  would like to invite each of you to visit, during the Challenge, and enjoy what I have written, just for you.

In approximately 4,000 words, divided into 26 parts I have told a tragic tale, which will be posted in its entirety on May 1st. Each letter is featured extensively in its corresponding post. 

I had incredible fun with my choice for this year's Challenge...and, suffice it to say, I found it very challenging indeed! Hence the need for many wonderful walkabouts, like this one!

Now...we will have no more stressing, if you are new and have just signed up, the fun for you will be to enjoy the spontaneity of each day’s letter...remember, just have fun!

I am looking forward to visiting you!

Happy Blogging

 Jenny

PEARSON REPORT