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April 5 Question: Have you taken advantage of the annual A to Z Challenge in terms of marketing, networking, publicity for your book? What were the results?
The awesome co-hosts for the April 5 posting of the IWSG will be Christopher D. Votey, Madeline Mora-Summonte, Fundy Blue, and Chrys Fey!
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I can’t even remember how or why I started doing the A to Z Challenge. What attracted me to it was all of the fascinating themes people chose. I learned so much that I had to repeat the experience for several years in a row. Not only did I learn from others, but I learned a lot about the theme I chose. I’m missing it this year, but I hope to be back in 2018.
As to the second part of this question, I’d say the results were that I connected with a lot people who in turn connected me with others.
Learning new things and connecting with others are two reasons I keep coming back for a month of alphabetizing.
How’s everyone doing on the Insecure front these days? Are you doing the A to Z Challenge 2017? Why? Why not?
I'm not sure who started using A to Z themes first, but I'm glad they did because it's made A to Z more enriching in the reading as well as the composition of posts.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
The year I did it I found a lot of fun themes, too. But there were never enough hours in the day and marketing was a bust.
I’m not participating, but I am enjoying reading as many of the blog posts as I can.
I have never participated in the A-Z challenge, but I have always loved visiting the posts of others who are participating. So many interesting posts. I always learn a lot and I find new blogs all the time.
~Jess
This is my 5th year in a row. I love the challenge of writing every day (well almost) and working on a theme. Finding new blogs and reading on diverse themes is what I like about A to Z Challenge.
I love A to Z, but like last year, this year just didn't work for me. I had to let it pass me by, but I'm waving and cheering for those taking part!
I love the A to Z challenge.
I do it for networking, to meet people and other authors, to learn new things about the world…
It takes loads of time, though.
I hear what you're saying, Michelle.
I agree with you completely. Learning new things and connecting with people is a great motivator to keep participating. I enjoyed my A to Z in 2014 and then my life intruded and I had to bow out from my blogging for practically the next two years. This year sneaked right up on me, but I'm hoping to participate next year just for the fun of being in the midst of things. My son, Noah, has a daily music blog called A Song A Day and is now doing the challenge for the third year, based on how much fun I had during my year. He really enjoys it!
How great to have your son involved.
My current insecurity is all about taking on too much, but at least it's exciting stuff. I haven't done the A – Z yet, but I do enjoy the variety of posts.
Maybe you can sign on next year!
The A to Z is fun but it takes so much time. I miss writing.
E is for Experiment: Turning the USS Eldridge Invisible
There's just so much time, isn't there?
I decided at the last minute to jump in and, with stuff going on at work, I'm going to find myself exhausted
Just hope it's a good exhaustion!
Sounds like you've done if for a while and still like it. That by itself is something. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
I actually had my posts ready for 2017 when my right hand gave out and the doctor said, no way.
I'm doing a lighter version of A to Z and not visiting as many blogs as in years past. Still enjoying the event the best and having fun with it.
Cheryl, I hope A to Z endures for generations. I'm doing a light version this year but still participating just the same.
I'm sure it will endure. There are always new people and people like us who just do it differently.
I am doing the challenge this year, though initially I decided not to. My philosophy with posting on my blog is to really explore what something is. But AtoZ generally requires a short post. I don't like doing short posts.
Having decided not to do it this year, I volunteered to co-host IWSG. But then I have a book coming out in June (hopefully), and I felt it was foolish of me not to use AtoZ as a marketing tool, to give people a taste of what I'm trying to do. So, here I am.
I checked out your D post! I'm loving your theme. I'll be back.
Hi, Lee…
So nice to drop in. I feel like it's been a lifetime. I loved your theme last year and really enjoyed it. I opted out this year, too. After four years in a row, I just couldn't keep up with it. I did the challenge as A CHALLENGE. When everyone wrote their posts MONTHS in advance, I did mine the day before they were to post. NOW that is a challenge. AS Tara said, blogging has changed and we just don't have the endless hours to be hopping from site to site. I ADORE my blogger friends, but keeping up with almost a thousand is impossible. So I have my select peeps I visit and who visit me and that is enough. No time really for new blogger friends especially when I miss my close friends so much. I loved it the first two years … it was another time.
I've missed your visits, but I so understand. You've been doing a lot–including moving! Yikes. Come back when you can. You're always welcome.
i totally did it to connect with other bloggers – the first year, i had no theme. but being the organized person i am, i went nuts for the next five years or so.
but times change. not doing it this year. i don't feel i could do it justice by visiting as i have in the past. plus it's changed – blogging is fading and so the challenge has changed with the times… i'm curious to see how it goes!
Tara Tyler Talks
I haven't read the new rules. Guess I should find out if it's something I'd like to do in 2018. I'm hearing that some people don't like the change.
Not doing it this year. But I'm enjoying the posts.
Me, too. So I guess we're almost as involved as we would be if we'd actually created those 26 posts!
Yeah, A to Z is a great way to get more out into the blogosphere. Which is good. And marketing in a way.
Since marketing was not one of my skills, I needed all the help I could get.
I love the challenge for how it connects me to new people. This year, my health and energy isn't that great so no idea how well I'll do, but I'm trying.
Don't overdo, Patricia. Save some energy for your books.
I did the challenge for a couple of years. It was great an intense, but I no longer have the time to invest in it anymore.
I'm hearing that a lot.
The challenge means new connections for sure. When you're not participating it's nice to cruise around and really read the posts. When you're in it, there's only time for a quick skim and move on. Sadly.
You've hit it on the head exactly. I'm really enjoying so many of the posts this year because I have time to really read them and think about them.
The Challenge was always a good way to connect with new people and learn new things. I'm skipping it this year, mostly because of all the time it takes!
Yet another A to Zer on the sidelines. Still there seem to be a lot of people out there on the letter D today!
I am far too lazy for the A-Z, but revel in other people's hard work. Learning is a gift, and one I treasure.
You do a great job revelling! I saw you at most of my posts in the past.
I never participated in A-Z, but you make a good point. One can learn a lot during that one month. I'm thinking about next year.
Let us know what you decide.
It was fun the two years I did it, and I hope to do it again next year. This year just too much is happening right now and I can't keep up.
We're in that boat together!
I'm with you–it was reading what others wrote that made me want to do it. The idea of delving that deeply into a theme was addictive.
I totally agree about those A-Z themes! Some are so interesting and intriguing, and I definitely learned a lot the years I participated.
Even though I am not participating in the A to Z this year, I would say the networking is one of the major advantages to participate.
Wishing you all the best in the challenge.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
My challenge this year consists of waving pom poms.
Totally agree with your reasons. If you can find the time to get around to others it can be effective and fun.
I have the time this year! 🙂
Connecting with great people is the highlight of A to Z, I think. I'm not able to participate this year but will hopefully join in the marathon again next year. I hope you are enjoying the Spring time, Lee. Take good care.
Ah, yes. Thanks. I am enjoying this April so much.
Those are two great reasons for the A-Z Challenge! I've enjoyed the posts people create for it.
Well, we're at D today! So only 22 more posts to go.
I met almost all of my blogger pals (you included!) through the A to Z challenges that I did. Such fun memories!
I seem to keep a lot of my A to Z friends, so that's a great reason to do the yearly event.
That sounds like the best reason yet to A to Z each year. I am not doing but cheering everyone one.
' Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
We're doing a great job! Just look at how much progress they're making.
I always enjoyed your A to Z posts. You took me to places I'll never have the chance to visit.
Thank you for reading them, Susan. It's nice to share travels.
most people that I've seen doing this challenge were lost, mildly put 🙂
Always the DEZ!
Connecting and learning are two of the wins. Can sure suck time away though.
The cats know!
Like Chrys, before IWSG, my blog was barely visible. Thanks to some of you following it, I don't feel as lonely. I have not tried A to Z yet. I'm worried about having enough time to fit all the work in as it is. Good luck with all you do, Lee!
It's a wild time for people like us who are building networks to show our work to best advantage. I had no idea I'd be doing this when I first said, "I'm going to write a book."
I first participated in A to Z because I wanted to connect with more bloggers. And I did. It worked like a charm. 🙂 Before the Challenge, and before joining IWSG, my blog was barely visible.
So true. The A to Z has definitely made each of us more visible.
Hi Lee – the A-Z really opened my eyes to the blogging world, and to the range of authors out there … I've loved it. Yes it is hard work and I've learnt to do my posts in advance, so I can participate better – but I don't like the social media aspect this year … and almost certainly won't do it next year … but I've made some great friends … you and 'our pond pudding'! Cheers Hilary
Ah, yes. Remember that fun? I should pull out our Pond Pudding summer again and repost.
I've done the A to Z Challenge once, made some wonderful connections. But right now swamped with work. Love all your themes.
I so understand. I'm hoping to do it next year.
I've done it twice (the 2nd and 3rd years) and found it to be a ton of fun. Very time consuming too, and my Aprils of late have been too books to participate. 🙁
Well, it's spring and there's so much to lure us outside after the winter. I understand why April's so packed.
Hi, Lee, I think I must be mad to take on the Challenge.
Hoping I can stay abreast.
You are mad! But in a good way, Joy. Have fun and I'll be by to say hi and cheer you on.
I succeeded once, failed once at the A-Z challenge. I'm not trying it this year because one thing I did learn was to be prepared ahead of time and I didn't have time for that this year.
Preparation is all!
I found it exhausting but a great network experience, and yes, some of those themes are so creative and informative. I just haven't been able to join in for the past few years. Maybe next year (she said, every year). X
That's what I'm thinking, Shah. Once out, maybe always out. I've found a lot of things to do in April this year.
Glad you found it so helpful. I've never had time for it and it doesn't fit with my blog. I'm hoping to start connecting with new people through this group though and am going to work at it more, starting this month.
You've had a few years of hard life events, Natalie. The A to Z would be at the bottom of my list if I'd been you. Besides, your great blog captures a lot of attention from readers and writers.
I have not done it for several years, mostly because when I prioritize the things in my life, it doesn't show up as a priority where I'd have to let go of something else in order to do it. It was lovely when I did participate for all the reasons you mention, but the time factor makes it hard for me to choose to participate.
Well, you've been busy with your anthology, so I can see why the A to Z didn't take priority. Congrats on that again, Karen.
I participated once. So much fun, but also exhausting. I went through a phase of blog burnout afterward, but I'm glad I did it.
It does push you into burnout. I'm glad when I do it and so glad when it's over.
The Challenge has its moments. 🙂
Heather
And you'd know first-hand! 🙂
I loved A to Z but find it works best if I write the posts in March and save time to visit in April. Both of those months are too busy this year, so I decided to take a break from A to Z this go-round.
A lot of old-timers have sat this one out. I hear what you're saying.
The A to Z is a great way to connect and have fun, but it requires a lot of time, more than I have now.
It is a big time-eater but it has been fun. Just can't do it this year.
I think the challenge is really intriguing, but as I'm doing Camp NaNoWriMo this month, it seemed too daunting a task to take on this year. I'm enjoying seeing everyone's posts though! 🙂 http://wwww.raimeygallant.com
Hi Raimey! Thanks for the visit and I hear what you're saying. We can only do so much.
Some of the themes are really fascinating. I can't visit everyone this month, but certain themes I'm going to as often as possible.
Me, too!