If you were reading the blog in April last year you will have seen me taking part in the A to Z blogging challenge. This involves blogging every day other than Sundays and for each post, you move through the alphabet. So, for example, the first post title or subject is A. And on it goes until you get to – yep, Z.
I really enjoyed doing this last year. It was hard work getting that amount of posts out on time, but I seemed to thrive under the pressure and produced some posts that had a high visitor count. So why am I writing about it now? Yes, I’ve signed up again. I’m a glutton for punishment.
What is there to be gained by doing this challenge?
You learn to produce work on a daily basis.
It gives you routine. As a writer what better habit to form than to sit down and type daily. If it’s not something you do, then this challenge could be something that starts the routine, gets you up and running, forms a habit.
It makes you think wider.
You may blog or write without much thought, or simply be in such a habit that you no longer think any wider than your given or self-given remit. This challenge makes you think harder about what you produce, because I’m telling you, it’s not easy coming up with a decent subject for a different letter every day. Stretch those thought muscles. Exercise the mind.
It introduces you to new bloggers with shared interests.
In 2012 there were over 1,700 bloggers engaged in this challenge. I don’t know the definitive figures for 2013, but it was higher. So with that amount of bloggers all looking to connect with new bloggers you are bound to find several that really suit you and who you want to follow long after the challenge is over.
So they’re my reasons for joining again this year. Will you be joining me? Here is the sign up list!Β If not, I hope to still see you around the blog. All posts will still be relevant to my usual general themes, but a little more regular!
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Glad you’re on board for another Challenge! It does stretch us as writers and introduces us to many new friends.
Rebecca Bradley says
I love the challenge Alex and can’t wait for another year!
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – Oh, it’s good to know you’ll be doing this challenge. I’m very much looking forward to what you’ll come up with for us. π
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Margot, I just hope I can come up with the posts so quickly in succession!
dmauldin53 says
I’ve already signed up for my second year. I look forward to seeing you there. π
Rebecca Bradley says
I think it’s my third year. I look forward to doing the challenge with you! π
dmauldin53 says
π
Patricia Lynne (@plynne_writes) says
I’m signed up for this year too. I love the challenge and seeing all the different posts and meeting new people. Last year, I did a theme and it worked really well, so I’m doing theme again. Next month will be getting my posts prewritten so I can spend April visiting others.
Rebecca Bradley says
I’m glad you’ve signed up again Patricia. I need to be organised this year and pre-write more posts!
Joanna (Lazuli Portals Trilogy) says
I have huge admiration for you, and for the others who are doing this! No, it’s not right for me (well, us!) and our own A-Z, which is focused on one theme, will take many months! π
Best of luck, and I hope you again enjoy the challenge, Rebecca.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Joanna. It’s hard work but I enjoy it and think it’s worth it π
Guilie Castillo says
This’ll be my 3rd year, and I’m an addict π I had to drop out halfway last year, so this time it’s all about vindication π Glad to connect, Rebecca, and I’ll be looking forward to your posts.
Rebecca Bradley says
I look forward to doing the challenge with you this year Guilie. It’s definitely an interesting month!
Jacqui Murray says
Yikes this sounds busy. I will be thinking about it. I’m starting up a writer workshop with Richard Bausch. I’m wondering how frantic he’ll keep me… Hmmm…
Rebecca Bradley says
Ah, you sound pretty busy there Jacqui! You really want to think about doing this? I should be encouraging you because it’s great fun, but it is a lot of energy!
Linda King says
I did the challenge two years ago but didn’t manage it last year. This year – I don’t know! Probably if I’m organised enough to write the blogposts in advance. Looking forward to reading yours, Rebecca π
Rebecca Bradley says
You now have two months to prep yourself Linda π
nancyrae4 says
OK. I had so much fun last year, I’m signing up. It was a great way to get my butt in chair. I loved the punster feel of it and, in some way, it inspired me to crank harder on my novel.
Rebecca Bradley says
Yay! It does encourage you and put your bum in the seat doesn’t it? So glad you’re signing up π
Gina says
I’m participating in the challenge this year too! This is my first year, so I’m excited.
Rebecca Bradley says
Glad to hear you’re signing up Gina. I look forward to doing the challenge with you. You will love it! π
Damyanti says
Glad to have you Rebecca. I’ve set myself up with two blogs in the challenge this year– getting just a teensy bit nervous!
jen says
Thanks for visiting my blog yesterday. I’m sure you read it but I’ll mention it again in this comment. This is my third year doing the challenge. I’ve been a real lazy blogger for the past six months or more so this challenge is a perfect thing to get my blogging/writing discipline back.in shape.