This is how I won: I posted daily according to the alphabet, mainly by creating titles for the posts where the first word started with the specified letter of the day. Since there are so many words in the English language, that wasn't too big of a stretch although I admit to the usual "cheating" for X and Z days.
My theme was Stories from A to Z, composed of stories about traveling to South America with my son the summer of 2019. Although they were connected according to our travels, I tried to compose each entry to stand alone. Figuring it wasn't likely too many visitors would come for each day and read each story, I wanted them to enjoy the experience without having to read what came before or after.
I had visits and comments which made me happy, feeling like people connected with my stories. I visited quite a few blogs on the Challenge and commented on many posts during the month. Isn't that the point? There were bloggers who kindly returned the favor and others who did not. I don't understand that, because again, isn't that the point?
Overall it was a positive experience, and I'm very glad I signed up this year. I wasn't sure if I could handle it since I've been away from blogging for so long. I missed the community and social interaction I always enjoyed from this "slow" social media. It suits me and I'm glad I jumped right in with this intense, month-long Challenge.
Well done to everyone who participated and especially to the organizers and facilitators. I'm amazed that it's still active after all these years. I think my first Challenge was in 2011!
Congratulations on finishing. One or two posts a week is about my limit. I do like the community here in the blogosphere - which I have always found supportive and welcoming.
ReplyDeleteYeah, every day for 28 days is quite the stretch!
DeleteCongratulations for getting back into blogging and completing the A to Z challenge!! 😊
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maria, and thanks for stopping by.
DeleteYes, exchanging comments is an integral part of blogging and is the best way to share with more readers, as I discovered after I'd been going 6 years. I find these days, however, that I can't keep up. I'd like to visit everyone who comments on mine, and a lot of others too, but it now takes me ages to read and write things. (I had a seizure 2 years ago, and have to get the computer to read things for me now. Funnily, I can write so long as I don't try to read it while writing.)
ReplyDeleteYour posts are excellent and get quite a lot of comments. We all do what we can, right? Thank you for visiting and following my blog!
DeleteI'm glad you had a good time. I enjoyed your stories.
ReplyDeleteJamie (jannghi.blogspot.com):
ReplyDeleteThanks for following and commenting on my blog. I'm glad you enjoyed the A to Z.
Gosh... I've been blogging now for 16 years and I know what you mean about having a community to exchange ideas with.I feel like I've seen grandchildren of blogger buddies grow up. I confess I don't always comment every day. I have too much on my plate right now. Sigh...
ReplyDeleteIt's disappointing when bloggers don't repay visits - it seems like a courtesy, but I know many people have very busy lives and distractions.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen - committed and supportive bloggers will, others - who can stay out in the cold - won't ... it's the way of the world. The A-Z started in 2010 - when only 100 signed up ... not me - took me by surprise ... but I had a lot going on - and so thought ok now it's 2011 I have to join in ... it even went up to 2,000 - way too many ... but shows what a huge success it was. - well administered, well supported ... I loved it - then changes came - and I opted out. I'm still supported from those early days ... for someone who only blogs - I'm happy. I'm going to go back through your stories - and it's good to see you out and about again - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by my one post this year. Thank you for taking the time to share your stories! I haven't been blogging much lately, but do take the time to read a few posts now and then.
ReplyDeleteMarcy, It was a beautiful post, I'm glad I didn't miss it!
DeleteI only had time to read a couple of your posts but I enjoyed them and will get back again - it was an interesting premise for a travel tale.
ReplyDeletehttps://how-would-you-know.com/2024/05/a-z-challenge-2024-reflections-post.html
Congratulations on finishing the challenge. I think I've read every single one of your posts throughout the challenge, but I may have missed one or two during the early days. I enjoyed every episode of your traveling that I read. You and your son, Forrest, make a good traveling team. :-) I hope the fun continues for you both.
ReplyDeleteDebi, I loved your comments along the way, and knowing there were a few who actually read and enjoyed my often lengthy stories.
DeleteI so enjoyed your posts and even though I didn't comment on every one, they were appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI tried a few posts myself but found I was a dismal failure in my consistency. You have a beautiful way with words.
Sue
I've never been one for writing challenges, (think NaNoWriMo, 12x12 and A to Z) because I have figured out my own driving horse and it's doing fine. But I loved your last round at this, and your return to the blogosphere. Thum's up!
ReplyDeleteHow about a congratulations on finishing and two thumbs up for your enjoyable stories? I enjoyed each and every one of the Eclipse saga stories I read. Sadly, I've seen A to Z participation drop over the years (I've done A to Z since 2015) and I have my private thoughts as to why. You are now on my blogroll. I hope, if you do turn these posts into a book, it is successful. It deserves to be.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing the challenge! Sounds like you have a good framework for a book with the posts you did this month...
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting for Reflections for A to Z Blogging Challenge 2024
Good job! Congrats on finishing;)
ReplyDeleteSandra sandracox.blogspot.com
Congrats on finishing the A to Z 2024. I think most of us 'cheat' a little on X. Mine was X marks the Spot. I didn't have any trouble with Y or Z this year but certainly have in previous challenges.
ReplyDeletehttps://dacairns.com.au/blog/f/the-jury-is-out
DA, I read your reflections post but didn't see a place to comment. I think it's amazing that you visited so many participants on the Challenge. I started out strong with visits and then had to focus more on getting my posts done on time.
DeleteHappy Mother's Day, Karen:)
ReplyDeleteSandra sandracox.blogspot.com
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