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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.
How’s everyone doing on the Insecure front these days? Are you doing the A to Z Challenge 2017? Why? Why not?
Arlee Bird says
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
Lexa Cain says
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.
Barbara Fisher says
I’m not participating, but I am enjoying reading as many of the blog posts as I can.
DMS says
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
Shilpa Garg says
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.
Tyrean Martinson says
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!
Michelle Wallace says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I hear what you're saying, Michelle.
Lynda Dietz says
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!
C. Lee McKenzie says
How great to have your son involved.
Toinette Thomas says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Maybe you can sign on next year!
Tamara Narayan says
The A to Z is fun but it takes so much time. I miss writing.
E is for Experiment: Turning the USS Eldridge Invisible
C. Lee McKenzie says
There's just so much time, isn't there?
sage says
I decided at the last minute to jump in and, with stuff going on at work, I'm going to find myself exhausted
C. Lee McKenzie says
Just hope it's a good exhaustion!
emaginette says
Sounds like you've done if for a while and still like it. That by itself is something. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
C. Lee McKenzie says
I actually had my posts ready for 2017 when my right hand gave out and the doctor said, no way.
Stephen Tremp says
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.
Stephen Tremp says
Cheryl, I hope A to Z endures for generations. I'm doing a light version this year but still participating just the same.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm sure it will endure. There are always new people and people like us who just do it differently.
Chris Votey says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I checked out your D post! I'm loving your theme. I'll be back.
Michael Di Gesu says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
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.
Tara Tyler R says
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
C. Lee McKenzie says
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.
Sandra Cox says
Not doing it this year. But I'm enjoying the posts.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Me, too. So I guess we're almost as involved as we would be if we'd actually created those 26 posts!
Liz A. says
Yeah, A to Z is a great way to get more out into the blogosphere. Which is good. And marketing in a way.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Since marketing was not one of my skills, I needed all the help I could get.
Patricia Lynne says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Don't overdo, Patricia. Save some energy for your books.
Lynda R Young says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm hearing that a lot.
Denise Covey says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
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.
Sarah Foster says
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!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yet another A to Zer on the sidelines. Still there seem to be a lot of people out there on the letter D today!
Elephant's Child says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You do a great job revelling! I saw you at most of my posts in the past.
Olga Godim says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Let us know what you decide.
Beverly Stowe McClure says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
We're in that boat together!
Jacqui Murray says
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.
Madeline Mora-Summonte says
I totally agree about those A-Z themes! Some are so interesting and intriguing, and I definitely learned a lot the years I participated.
Pat Garcia says
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
C. Lee McKenzie says
My challenge this year consists of waving pom poms.
Hart Johnson says
Totally agree with your reasons. If you can find the time to get around to others it can be effective and fun.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I have the time this year! 🙂
Nicola says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Ah, yes. Thanks. I am enjoying this April so much.
Cherie Reich says
Those are two great reasons for the A-Z Challenge! I've enjoyed the posts people create for it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Well, we're at D today! So only 22 more posts to go.
Julie Flanders says
I met almost all of my blogger pals (you included!) through the A to Z challenges that I did. Such fun memories!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I seem to keep a lot of my A to Z friends, so that's a great reason to do the yearly event.
Juneta Key says
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
C. Lee McKenzie says
We're doing a great job! Just look at how much progress they're making.
Susan Gourley/Kelley says
I always enjoyed your A to Z posts. You took me to places I'll never have the chance to visit.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thank you for reading them, Susan. It's nice to share travels.
DEZMOND says
most people that I've seen doing this challenge were lost, mildly put 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Always the DEZ!
Pat Hatt says
Connecting and learning are two of the wins. Can sure suck time away though.
C. Lee McKenzie says
The cats know!
Victoria Marie Lees says
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!
C. Lee McKenzie says
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."
Chrys Fey says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
So true. The A to Z has definitely made each of us more visible.
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
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
C. Lee McKenzie says
Ah, yes. Remember that fun? I should pull out our Pond Pudding summer again and repost.
Rachna Chhabria says
I've done the A to Z Challenge once, made some wonderful connections. But right now swamped with work. Love all your themes.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I so understand. I'm hoping to do it next year.
Donna K. Weaver says
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. 🙁
C. Lee McKenzie says
Well, it's spring and there's so much to lure us outside after the winter. I understand why April's so packed.
J.L. Campbell says
Hi, Lee, I think I must be mad to take on the Challenge.
Hoping I can stay abreast.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You are mad! But in a good way, Joy. Have fun and I'll be by to say hi and cheer you on.
Elizabeth Seckman says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Preparation is all!
Shah Wharton says
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
C. Lee McKenzie says
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.
Natalie Aguirre says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
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.
Karen Walker says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
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.
Carol Kilgore says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It does push you into burnout. I'm glad when I do it and so glad when it's over.
Heather M. Gardner says
The Challenge has its moments. 🙂
Heather
C. Lee McKenzie says
And you'd know first-hand! 🙂
Yvonne Ventresca says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
A lot of old-timers have sat this one out. I hear what you're saying.
L. Diane Wolfe says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It is a big time-eater but it has been fun. Just can't do it this year.
Raimey Gallant says
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
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Raimey! Thanks for the visit and I hear what you're saying. We can only do so much.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Me, too!