IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The 2024 OFFICIAL MASTER LIST: https://tinyurl.com/w54yupwe

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

#atozchallenge Is an International Event!

   


Spill Beans and the A to Z

At the end of every year, I have a tradition of writing down what significantly helped make me a better person that year. One of the bullets on this year's list read: "Participating in the A to Z Challenge". I learned how to make myself write, whether I was in the mood or not, but most importantly, I met an incredible group of encouraging and supporting bloggers who were genuinely interested in all I had to say from a perspective of someone from another corner of the globe. If only those in power were as accepting, open-minded and loving as our blogger family!

In a world that's controlled by the media and how they'd like us to think, gaps are made even wider and most of us are misrepresented. Because of this, my theme for this April will be the A to Z of Iraqi Culture. I'd like to use this year's A to Z Blogging Challenge as a tool to shorten the gaps. Build bridges. Reach out. Speak!

Last year, the A to Z Challenge taught me that we are much more alike than we are different. I hope this year's will teach me to celebrate the differences.


http://spill-beans.blogspot.com/




United Arab Emirates

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Blogging Basics: Formulating a Post

Last time, we discussed how to make hyperlink signatures in order to lead others directly to your blog and streamline the process of blog visiting. This week, we'll address the nitty gritty of putting together a post that will draw readers and keep them.

Our previous five pointers were: 1. Choose your link, 2. Choose your signature, 3. Make your hyperlink, 4. Add your signature, and 5. Post it following your comment.

When I talk about putting together/formulating a post, I know very well you all know how to write a post. However, there are things that can make it so people are more likely to stick around and read your entire post, rather than just skipping along after a quick glance. And why do we write blog posts? Ostensibly so someone will read them, right?

Before I hit the five pointers, I want to give you a disclaimer: Not every rule has to be followed. When I give out these Blogging Basics tips, I don't expect you to do everything to the letter of what I'm saying. All I'm doing is passing along things I have learned along the way, that may help you, and that you may or may not find meets with your personal preferences. Do I follow all the rules? Not necessarily...

Without further ado, the basics of formulating a post:

1. Choose a catchy title. Those of you who are also writers know this one already, but, surprisingly, it is often forgotten with blogging. Try to choose a quick, clever title that will catch the attention of those scanning through new posts to read. Make sure it is an honest title, though. Don't say the post is about one thing then switch it on the reader. They won't appreciate it.

2. Keep it brief. We're writing blog posts, not magazine articles, and attention spans online aren't as long as they may be elsewhere. There are always exceptions to this rule (I'm sure my posts are longer than the "standard"), but overall, try to keep it somewhat brief.

3. Provide quality content. On the flip side of the "keep it brief" pointer, don't make it so brief that you're not actually saying anything. Find the balance you're comfortable with and go from there. Don't post just to post. Post because you have something to say, something others want to read.

4. Use photos/images. This is especially true if your post is longer. Images break up the text and give the eye a rest. They may also draw the eye to the blog post, which benefits you. Do make sure it is an image you are allowed to use. Look for Creative Commons photos or use your own!

5. Make it yours. Add your own flair. Your personality will show through in what you're writing, and that may ultimately be what gains you readers. It's the other half of providing quality content. Content + personality makes for a winning combination. If you're writing about things that interest you, you'll find this happens on its own.

These are just a few pointers that may help you with writing a post people will enjoy reading, and one that will hopefully draw readers to that post. Feel free to share your own pointers in the comments. Tell us what draws you to a post and what drives you away.

What is your top pointer when it comes to writing a blog post people will want to read? What Blogging Basics topics would you like to see covered in this series?

May you find your Muse.

Shannon
The Warrior Muse


Monday, March 4, 2013

Getting to Know Your A to Z Challenge Co-Hosts - L. Diane Wolfe

L. Diane Wolfe, a.k.a., “Spunk On A Stick.”

"Favorite childhood memory" (Tina)

My father was a rock hound and a carpenter. He had a shop where he worked and his rocks were lined up on shelves. Sunday mornings, I’d go out and spend time with him. He’d have a fire going in the old stove and I’d sit there and polish his rocks while he worked on his next project. It was very peaceful.

"Which is your favorite fictional character and why?" (Mayflow3r)

Ruth, the White Dragon from Anne McCaffrey’s books. Ruth was the only white dragon and smaller than the rest, but smarter than the other dragons. I guess because I’m a bit of a runt myself, I’ve always identified with Ruth.

"Describe the last Halloween costume you wore." (Nicole)

It’s been a long time, but I went as Brandon Lee’s character from The Crow.

"Name a movie you watched that exceeded your expectations." (Nicole)

Argo. My husband didn’t even tell me what it was about until we arrived at the theatre. It’s not my type of movie, but I knew he really wanted to see it. I loved it - thought it was incredibly intense.

"Name an item that you have too much of." (Nicole)

Bath and Body Works products! At least 25 different scents, all with matching spray, lotion, and body wash. My husband says he really should’ve purchased stock in the company.

"True or False: Frequently cracking your knuckles will lead to arthritis. (Defend your choice.)" (Mina Lobo)

False. I’ve cracked my knuckles since I was a kid, and the only place I really have arthritis now is my toes.

"How old were you when you realized your passion for writing?" (Magical Mystical MiMi)

I was 13 and it was when I read The White Dragon for the first time.

"Coke or Pepsi?" (Mina Lobo)

Coke! Although we usually have RC products in our house.

"What is your "Thing". i.e. do you have a non-professional hobby or a particularly acute preference for something that you feel defines a large part of who you are?" (Matt Conlon)

I’m a professional speaker, author, and photographer, so I suppose none of those count. My thing would have to be roller coasters then. I’m a thrill junkie. Bring on the drops and the loops!

"When writing, do you prefer to compose your first-draft by hand, on your computer, or using Morse Code?" (Mina Lobo)

I write everything by hand first and then transfer to the computer. Last year I got the Dragon Naturally Speaking software, so instead of typing that first draft into the computer, I speak it, which is wonderful!


L. Diane Wolfe
Professional Speaker & Author
Blog - Spunk On A Stick’s Tips
Website - Spunk On A Stick
Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the National Speakers Association and the author of numerous books. Her latest title, “How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now,” covers her publishing seminars in depth and provides an overview of the entire process from idea to market. “Overcoming Obstacles With SPUNK! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting”, ties her goal-setting and leadership seminars together into one complete, enthusiastic package. Her YA series, The Circle of Friends, features morally grounded, positive stories. Wolfe travels extensively for media interviews and speaking engagements, maintains a dozen websites & blogs, and assists writers through her author services.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Silvia Villalobos: Why is it Important to Set Aside Blocks of Time for Writing


Please welcome today's A-Z Participant expert, Sylvia Villalobos.  Her topic is timely and important for all who are participating in The Challenge, as well as for writers of all genres in general.   I hope her advice helps you like it helped me.

You can find her here:
Name: Silvia Villalobos -- first time A-Z participant - way to go!
Blog: Silvia Writes
Stories published: “An Affair of the Heart” at Fiction365, and “Games” at Red Fez. 

Why is it important to set aside blocks of time for writing

I’m having trouble, sometimes, keeping a writing schedule -- for blog entries or stories. The A-Z challenge is a perfect motivator. Great to keep me on that chair, coming up with something new every day.    

After long breaks from writing, most of what I write centers on what’s already there, old stuff. Not bad, but it doesn’t stimulate my imagination. I add a few words to a WIP or a blog draft, cut and paste, maybe even change a name or two, but that’s not real writing, is it?

When I'm lucky, and inspiration strikes, writing is that process where I let my thoughts guide my fingers on the keyboard, create new sentences and paragraphs, do not move from that chair until I produce something new. Hopefully a whole lot of something new. Editing comes later, but if I don't put something down, I don't have anything to edit. 

Here’s what writing everyday does for me:

1. It improves my writing. The more I write, the easier it gets.
2. Memories clarify themselves -- the more I write, the better I seem to remember things.
3. Keeps the creative part of the brain engaged.
4. I don’t have to endure remorse for not having created anything new.
5. I have a schedule and discipline -- instill that writing discipline.
6. Helps me be more observant. The more I write, the better I connect with the world around me.
7. Master techniques such as description, dialogue, and exposition.
8.  I get comfortable with writing.
9.  Practice, practice, practice.
10. Feels good.

What about you?

Now can the process of everyday writing become counterproductive? Sure, it could turn into a mess if I just type away for fear of not coming up with anything new. I also need to take time off to look for inspiration. That happens when I travel or read a lot. But back to setting aside blocks of time for writing. When two writing friends mentioned the A-Z challenge I thought, that is exactly what I need. What better way to keep motivated? Can't think of one, nor can I think of a better event than the A-Z Blogging Challenge. 
I'm ready. :)



Sylvia, I'm glad you shared your advice with us. The part about not just adding to the work I've already done really spoke to me, as did the discipline of daily writing. I wish you all the best in this year's challenge!

~Tina

Friday, March 1, 2013

A to Z Tips - The Advantage of a Theme

If you’re participating in the Challenge, you are probably already planning your posts. That is good – plan and write as many as possible before the Challenge begins so you have more time to visit other bloggers in April. And it’s easier to do that if you have a theme for the month.

If you intend to wing it, nothing wrong with that. The first year of the Challenge, I didn’t have a theme. Of course this meant some days I was scrounging for something that matched the letter. (For Q, I blogged about Q*Bert and the crappy 1983 movie, Q – not good!)

A theme will give you direction. If you select movies, you can go with the movie titles. With music - band or song titles. With sports - players or teams. By narrowing the focus, it’s actually easier, because then you won’t be overwhelmed.

A theme also lets visitors know what to expect. They will be more apt to return, especially if they like your theme. If you can, include a line or two at the beginning of each post that states your theme for the month.

It’s good research. Select a topic you want to know more about – you’ll learn something as you search. Perhaps it’s something you need to research for your next book or for school. Kill two birds with one stone.

Does the theme have to match your blog exactly? No, it can be anything you want. If it’s something that interests you, chances are you’ve already talked about it on your blog. Brainstorm some different themes and pick one. If it fits your style, then do it.

If you need some ideas to get you started, I recently listed some fun, geeky themes at Allison’s blog, Geek Banter.

Have fun with it. Just think - your blog is a theme park for one whole month. Make it fun!

Co-host Ninja Captain Alex is the author of CassaStar and CassaFire and his blog can be found HERE