W Is For Wrap Up
Because I’m pretty much done even though it’s only Day W in the A To Z April Blogging Challenge. I’m blogged out. But I made it almost two thirds of the way through the alphabet so I’m calling it a win.
What I’ve Learned
- I already knew it, but this challenge reinforced the fact there are a lot of clever and interesting folks out there sharing their stories, struggles, perspectives, and information.
- Creativity and curiosity make for passionate people.
- Â Everyone loves quotes.
- It is not possible to wing it during this challenge. Even though I had a topic list for every day it was still a lot of work to do on the fly. For me anyway. If I were to do it again I’d spend time writing and scheduling posts well in advance. This would leave me more time for visiting other blogs.
- If I were to do it again I would zero in on a very specific topic.
This challenge came along at a great time. I needed to set aside my work-in-progress for a bit. The A to Z Challenge allowed me the opportunity to keep writing but switch my focus. These types of challenges are another way for me to fill my creative well and interact with others. I’ve done photo challenges and Instagram challenges because I love taking pictures. I’ve done NaNoWriMo and many other writing challenges. I do well within a flock, I think.
Community is a key thing for everyone, however big or small in whatever endeavour whoever you are.
Do challenges inspire you?
Congrats on all the blogging you did this month, Karyn. You did a great job!
Thanks Jana!
Congratulations. I’m in the challenge too and totally exhausted. I hope you do it again next year.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
I’m definitely thinking about it, Jo-Ann! Also it’s given me lots to think about regarding my blog and how to move forward.
Hi Karyn, I’ve enjoyed your posts over the month. I’ve learned heaps from other blogs like yours during the challenge. Like you, I’ve shifted my focus from my WIP to do the challenge and now find I’m ready to get back to it with new vigour. Good luck – and thank you!
Thank you Caeyns! I’ve learned so much too. And here’s to renewed inspiration on our works-in-progress!
Well done for coming 2/3 of the way. These challenges only work when you’re still finding them fun 🙂
Debbie
So true, Debbie!
Agree about doing well with the challenge format, but in my case, I don’t think it’s the ‘flock’ aspect that is the key. Rather, the huge freaking looming deadlines. Also agree I would like to do more advance composition next time, which is frowned upon in NaNo but would be perfect for this. And thirdly also agree this would leave more time for blog visits and commenting. It appears we are in agreement on just about everything, to your point about more structure on the theme or topic. When I started, I thought A-Z was structure enough. It was okay, but by the end I saw many, many ways by many very clever people that had shaped their themes so creatively. Next time!
BTW I’ve put together a Listly of participants like yourself who have written a challenge recap here http://list.ly/list/17Wd-2016-a-to-z-challenge-wrap-ups
Happy to know I wasn’t the only one who struggled and was inspired at the same time. And yes! Here’s to next time!
Hey, it sounds like you made a great first attempt! And you learned so much. I heartily encourage you to plan on trying again next year with all that you have learned in mind.
Barbara
Visit me at
Life & Faith in Caneyhead