Friday, January 6, 2012

Awesome Stuff and the Big Announcement!

Thanks again to everyone who participated in the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!There were some awesome posts, including this funny one from Mark and a touching and inspirational one from Youngblood. I’ve tried to visit as many as possible and I’ve also cleaned up the list a bit, eliminating those who aren’t participating.

I also had a very funny surprise visual review of CassaStar from Jesse at Not Worth Mentioning. Thanks dude, it was hilarious!

Saturday, January 7, I have a guest post with Laura B. Writer. She is a marketing consultant who critiques writer/author blogs during the week and conducts interviews on the weekends. So stop by and say hey on Saturday!

But today’s main event it the April 2012 A to Z Challenge!

First – what is the Challenge?

This amazing month long blogfest was created by Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out. If you subtract Sundays from April, you then have 26 days--one day for each letter of the alphabet. (This year April 1 is on a Sunday, so we will start on that day.) Using this premise, you start beginning April 1 with a topic themed on the letter A, then on April 2 another topic with the letter B, and so on until you finish on April 30 with the letter Z. This will be the third annual A to Z Challenge!

The purpose of the Challenge is to blog almost daily following the alphabet – and to make friends. Yes, many gain blog followers, but as those who’ve participated in the past will tell you, the real treasure lies in making new friends.

I was a last-minute entry to the first A to Z Challenge. I think Lee is still laughing at the comment I made when I decided to do it. There were about a hundred of us and I was randomly selecting entertainment stuff that began with the corresponding letter. (For Q, I posted about Q-Bert and the movie "Q" – lame!) But I made some great friends in the process, including the wonderful Yvonne Lewis and Ella.

Last year, Lee enlisted the help of several co-hosts and I was honored to be among those bloggers. Were we blown away when almost thirteen hundred participants signed up! (And for those of you who were overwhelmed last year, we have a plan for this year.) I had a theme this time and featured two blogger buddies each day whose blogs corresponded with the letter. It was an awesome month and I made a ton of new friends.

Now we are gearing up for the April 2012 A to Z Challenge and signups begin January 30. But today’s big announcement is the introduction of this year’s hosts:

Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Stephen Tremp at Breakthrough Blogs
Jenny Pearson at Pearson Report
Matthew McNish at The QQQE
Jeremy Hawkins at Retro-Zombie
Tina Downey at Life is Good
DL Hammons at Cruising Altitude
Shannon Lawrence at The Warrior Muse
Elizabeth Mueller
Damyanti Biswas at AmlokiBlogs
Konstanz Silverbow at No Thought 2 Small

We are armed and ready!

To keep up with other announcement regarding the Challenge, please follow the A to Z Challenge Blog.

This is one of the most amazing challenge you will undertake and one of the most rewarding – join us!

Are you planning to participate? Were you a part of last year’s event? Did you make some new friends? What awesome things happened to you as a result of the Challenge? This Ninja would like to know…
And if you have a second, scroll to the bottom of my blog - I completely forgot my publisher was doing this!

150 comments:

The Angry Lurker said...

Sounds like organised chaos...good luck.

Rhonda said...

Congratulations. You were an awesome host last year, that's how I met you. Looks like you are in good company this year. Congrats.

Miranda Hardy said...

This will be my first year, so I'm excited about it.

Matthew MacNish said...

I forgot about how you did that theme last year, that worked out very well, I think. Glad to be a part of it!

True Life and Fiction said...

Thanks for the announcement, Alex. I'll be sure to follow this. You've introduced me to some great new blogs.

Juliana said...

It sounds like a fun challenge. I'll see if I can join ;)

Nick Wilford said...

I'll definitely be signing up for this, it sounds like a blast. Two questions: Can you blog about anything, and can you use a dictionary??

That's good news too about Laura B's site, I always enjoy her interviews. I take it she has asked for a photo? You know she never does an interview without one, don't you? ;)

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Alex, I was the first one to sign on the first Challenge ......my claim to fame, enjoyed it so much did the second. Have made many friends including yourself and have already got this years all done and put away until April 1st.
Good luck with your co-hosting.

Have a great week-end.
Yvonne.

Brinda said...

1300 participants is a feat to be sure. I will think about this one today.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

I'm not sure if I could survive the A to Z challenge. I have so many films to review, it would be a 'mission impossible' for me to participate in it. :(

Tonja said...

It was a lot of fun last year. I'm definitely in this year.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Rhonda!

Miranda, you will have a blast.

Matthew, everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Glad you found some cool bloggers, JL.

Nick, yes and yes! And sorry, I didn't give her my photo, although there is one in my bio.

Yvonne, you were one of the greatest blessings from that first Challenge!

Brinda, join us!

George, I bet you could make the letters line up.

Glad you are, Tonja!

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Alex, you always know how to bring on the party... this a to z party is going to rock this year, I am so glad to be part of it.

Jeremy

Marta Szemik said...

This will be my first time joining in the challenge and I can't wait. It should be fun. Would you recommend preparing the posts ahead to enjoy visiting others more?

mooderino said...

Nearly that time already. Better get prepping.

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

Bring it ON!
Last year was fabulous, and not at all as hard as I thought it was going to be. Made plenty of new pals, including you, Mr. Ninja Alex! Thanks!

Rusty Carl said...

Man, that sounds like a huge commitment. I hope this year blows up even more - although I'm not sure I'll be participating. Maybe I will. I don't know.

I'll look for your post this weekend.

Karen Baldwin said...

OK...this is my fear...I'll sign up and then not be able to finish. But I think I can, I think I can...

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I was overwhelmed last year. But I'm still doing it again this year because it was fun and challenging.

Unknown said...

Been thinking about this challenge lately and then you post about it. Had fun last year and am planing on giving it a go again this year. I couldn't enter the giveaway because it is open for only those that live in the US...

Laura Eno said...

I didn't know what I was doing last year but still had a great time! Definitely doing it again this year.
Goodreads giveaways are a great exposure for you. Good luck with it!

DL Hammons said...

Locked and Loaded! Let's do this thing! :)

vic caswell said...

dude? why are you hiding that at the very bottom of your blog?

C D Meetens said...

That was a long way down :).

I'm actually quite excited about this challenge, and have some ideas. I feel like I'll be in a hopeless mess, but maybe that's part of the fun :D.

Bryan Russell said...

I like giveaways. At least, when I win. The other kind are less fun.

Kelly Polark said...

Congrats on the cohosting responsibilities! You are a natural at this blogfest thing!
(and I used to love Qbert long ago!!!)

Unknown said...

The hosts with the mosts!! You have an awesome team this year for the Challenge and I can't wait. I have my theme this year. Last year was my first year and I had the Gashly Crumb Tinies as my letters and wrote something about me and my favorite things. I made lots and lots of new friends and had an absolute blast. I didn't make through on time so this year my goal is to finish on time.

Ciara said...

Yep, I've been planning on participating since last year. :)

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Sounds good. Yes, I'm in.

Goodreads giveaway with your book is awesome.

Teresa

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jeremy, glad you are!

Marta, YES!!!!

Cathy, thank you! Glad you're doing it again,

Rusty, you need to do it. Trust me, you don't want to be left out of the fun.

Em-Musing, plan ahead and you'll be able to finish.

Siv, I'm sorry!

Thanks, Laura.

Vic, because when I put it in my sidebar it was a foot long!

CD, your comment made me laugh.

Kelly, at least you remember Q*Bert.

Melissa, a theme really helps.

Talli Roland said...

Looks like a great line-up! I'm sure you'll have loads of fun.

Nadja Notariani said...

I'm definitely going to put this on my calendar - and consider joining in. Blogging every day would be a challenge for me as I normally blog two to three times weekly. I'm glad you shared it in advance to give slow-pokes like me a chance to mull it over! Ha!

Arlee Bird said...

I may have planted a seed, but your blog has become synonymous with the A to Z Challenge. You do a great job of cultivating enthusiasm and loyalty. I'm glad you are back on board this stellar ship of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.


Lee
Tossing It Out

Jules said...

Oh yeah I did last year and burned out. I guess I need to start training now. :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

M.J. Fifield said...

I'm looking forward to the A to Z Challenge this year. I did it last year and although it was a lot of work, it was a lot of fun.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Wow! A dozen hosts! I loved participating last year and met some super neat folks. I'm planning to sign up. Thanks for sharing the names of the hosts!

Monti
Mary Montague Sikes

Anonymous said...

Pretty funny review over at Not Worth Mentioning. I wonder why he is shirtless. I guess he has his reasons.

Anonymous said...

I'm looking forward to the event with mucho gusto! Have my theme and the daily topics selected. Just have to sit down and finish filling them out. It's going to be a great event, although I have no idea what to expect. Only that it will far supersede last year's Challenge.

Tina said...

Alex, thanks for all you've done for me since I met you at last year's A-Z! I appreciate your visits and comments. Thanks so much for helping me get in the door as co-host of this year's Challenge! I'm very excited, I'm very close to picking a theme, and I'm very glad for friends like you :-)
Tina @ Life is Good

Suze said...

I have a confession to make. I didn't participate last year because I only started Girl Wizard at the end of March and didn't know about it. I planned to participate this year but 1,300 blogs (read that over at Lee's) seems like an enormous amount. I guess I feel an eensy bit intimidated.

Anonymous said...

I'll repeat Suze's sentiments. I just joined the blogosphere mid-April last year. Heard a lot of GREAT things about this fest and had the chance to read a few entries.

But 26 posts in 26 days? Yikes!

At any rate, wishing you, as a gracious host among these other greats, all the best. And kudos to those who choose to participate!

Charles Gramlich said...

I so admire your energy, man.

Sara said...

Sounds like fun. Well, it sounds like a challenge, but challenges are fun right?

Chantele Sedgwick said...

I haven't done the A-Z challenge before. I'm not creative enough! :) And I might have to sign up for the Insecure Writer's Support Group. It sounds awesome!

Pearson Report said...

Hi Alex! Great post!

I whole heartedly agree with this statement:
"This is one of the most amazing challenge you will undertake and one of the most rewarding – join us!"

Best thing I did for my writing was enter the A to Z challenge; last year was my first and I'm really excited about this one.

Also, I looking forward to co-hosting with you and the team - what fun!

Cheers, Jenny @ PEARSON REPORT

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I will most likely participate. I can't promise I'll visit thousands of blogs but I'll give it a go. Hopefully you guys will make it easier for me by providing some kind of section to visit or something like that.

Sarah Ahiers said...

i'm still on the fence about whether or not to compete. I'll make a decision when it's closer to the time

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nadja, I only blog three times a week, but for one month, I can do it!

Lee, YOUR blog should be synonymous! You started something awesome here.

MJ, good for yoU!

Karen, I hope you do.

Monti, that's great!

Kristen, I didn't ask...

Stephen, I bet it will! I have my theme chosen already as well.

Tina, and I am very grateful I met YOU.

Suze, don't let it scare you. We have a plan for non-intimidation.

Charles, hope I can maintain it!

Chantele, please join us for both.

Jenny, after my experience the first year, I am a hundred percent sold on the Challenge.

Michael, we do have plans! Last year, even by breaking it down to thirty-five a day, it was impossible to visit them all...

Sarah, join us...

Johanna Garth said...

I remember last year so clearly because that was right around the time I started blogging and I had no idea it was a challenge. I just thought a whole bunch of people blogged based on the alphabet, which seemed both cool and slightly weird. I'm not going to tell you how long it took me to figure out that it was the A-Z challenge!

Alex Villasante said...

Did the challenge last year and LOVED IT. Totally geeked for this year!

Emily R. King said...

I've been giving this blogfest a lot of thought. I'm going to think about it a little more. It sounds like fun!
I'll see you at Laura's blog tomorrow.

Suze Reese said...

Ooh this sounds so enticing! I'm crossing fingers that my stack of things to do becomes a bit shorter by sign ups. Right now I can't imagine a blog post a day. Maybe if I did it like a novel and wrote and scheduled all the posts in one sitting? Hmm...thinking.

Lydia Kang said...

Have fun with this Alex! I haven't done the challenge because of time constraints. Kudos to those who do!

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Oh my you are armed and ready!! I won't be participating in the Challenge this year as I've got other commitments but wishing you all the best!

Empty Nest Insider said...

We met last year during the challenge, and I 'm so glad you're co-hosting again! Congrats to the rest of the winning team! Julie

Cate Masters said...

Very cool that you're co-hosting! Sounds like a fun event.

Sarah McCabe said...

I was totally overwhelmed by the challenge last year. Especially since I was so new to blogging. For a while I didn't think I was going to join in again this year. But now I think I will. It'll be a lot easier without a new baby in the mix and I just can't resist a good challenge.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Johanna, that's funny! Bet you'll be ready for this year though.

Magpie, bring on the geek!

Emily, the more you hear about it, the more you'll want to do it.

Suze, many do that. I pre-wrote all of my posts last year.

Julie, we did!

Sarah, doing the Challenge with a new baby sounds overwhelming. It will be so much more fun for you this year.

farawayeyes said...

Still trying to talk commitment-phobic self into it. Getting there. I was worried about NaNo and fell in love, maybe this will be the same. I do value the friends I've made at the Blog Hops.

Suze said...

It's not the 26 posts that intimidate. No problem! :D It's the visiting over a thousand blogs. That's an enormous time investment. I've purposely kept the blogs I follow and comment on faithfully to between 40 and 50 and I don't really like to have a ton of followers whom I never interact with. I dunno. I guess it kind of gets to the heart of why we blog. Maybe?

I shall continue to give it thought. Have a super day, Al.

Beth said...

I barely hung on last year. I'm not sure I could do it again...Sorry about missing ISWSG this month. Thanks for the reminder for Feb.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

I hope to give it a go this year. Sounds like fun. A little maddening, but fun. Count me in as your newest follower.

Luanne G. Smith said...

I kicked the challenge's butt last year. Didn't miss a post and I picked up about 100 followers. All around great experience, though it is exhausting!

Have a great weekend.

LD Masterson said...

Not up to taking on the challenge this year but I'll be following and cheering everyone on.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Bring it!

Roland D. Yeomans said...

I shall be there and do my utmost to amuse and entertain. Got to dust off those cyber-dancing shoes! I wish you luck in co-hosting : quite an honor. One which you deserve, Roland

Angela Brown said...

A to Z challenge - still a little nervous but my idea is there, the seed is germinating. Maybe this challenge is something I can do. At least I have some time to prepare.

Uh...that's if my usual procrastination doesn't kick in with a craziness.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Faraway, it's just the same. Join us!

Suze, and you don't have to visit all of the blogs either. As I said, we have a plan this year. I don't think the hosts even made it to every blog last year.

Beth, hope to see you in February!

Thanks, Susan!

LG, then you will kick butt this year as well.

Heather, that's the spirit!

Thank you, Roland. I really enjoyed hosting last year.

Angela, I won't let it!

Christine Rains said...

This will be my first time doing the challenge and I'm excited. I just hope I don't revert into Sesame Street type A to Z posts. I'm spending too much time around children!

My movie to watch this weekend is Straw Dogs. I haven't heard anything about it other than Netflix said I would like it.

Leovi said...

Yes, I'm thinking I'm going to dedicate this issue to the April 2012 year A to Z Challenge! Last year I made a tribute to dead poets.

Elana Johnson said...

I signed up one year I think, and failed miserably. But it is fun to see what everyone blogs about during April!

Callie Leuck said...

Hey Alex! Your Insecure Writers Support Group is sure popular -- I see posts for it every month when it rolls around and many are quite interesting and insightful. Just thought I'd pop by and say hi, since I see you all over the place. Looking forward with interest and some trepidation to April -- not sure if I will participate this year or not. I certainly did get a lot out of the challenge last year, including several bloggy friends :)

Huntress said...

Priceless.
That is my take on last years A to Z challenge.

Cassie Mae said...

So, I started reading the comments cuz I love doing that so I don't repeat something someone else has said, but I got about half way and I hit refresh and more comments popped up. So at this rate, I'll be reading your comment thread all day, lol.

I'm wondering how busy I'll be in April, but this sounds like a lot of fun. I'll probably do it only if I've finished my wip by then. :)

And a giveaway? Totally there!

Patsy said...

I won't be doing the a to z myself, but look forward to reading some interesting posts.

The Happy Whisk said...

You did an excellent job with yours last year, Alex. Really a nice thing you did there.

Good luck you crazy bloggers.

Enjoy your challenge.

TS Hendrik said...

I'm probably the only one who did the challenge and came out with less readers. haha

Last year was fun but also very draining. This year I think I might abstain so I can visit more blogs and get to see more of what other people come up with.

M Pax said...

Yes, I'm planning to participate again. Thinking over what to do this year...

It is a great thing to get involved in.

Have a great weekend, Alex! Will try and pop in tomorrow.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I'm excited for the contest for your book. Sounds like an awesome blogfest but I'm not sure I could post every day like. I'll enjoy reading all of yours.

Patricia Stoltey said...

Yay! What a great lineup of hosts, Alex. Can't wait for April 1st!

Emily said...

I think I may do this!

Jan Morrison said...

oh I'm in, definitely in - if not as me then as my alter ego - Fern Nestlewood. Last year was great and for me - I have to pick a theme - then it is go go go! I'll be on vacation in florida for ten days of the festivities but hey - I'll pre-post or post from the aligator pond...

dolorah said...

Ok, now I really have to go create an account a good reads. I want to win CassaFire.

I haven't attempted the A-Z challenge yet. I can't post that often. But I enjoy reading other people's challenges :)

........dhole

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Christine, even if you do, it's all right.

Leovi, your theme was great last year!

Callie, thank you! I hope you join us.

Cassie, I'll go to answer comments and by the time I'm done, three more appear!

Thanks, Whisk!

TS, no! You need to join us. We'll get you more followers.

Mary, glad you're on board!

Natalie, you'd be surprised what you are capable of doing.

Emily, please join us!

Good to hear, Jan!

Donna, I bet you could.

Golden Eagle said...

I'm definitely planning to participate; I met a lot of new people last year and had fun writing and reading posts. :)

Carol Kilgore said...

Not participating again this year. I have some other things going on at that time, including a blog break. Have fun!

Kittie Howard said...

Actually, I'm seriously thinking about doing it this year. A tip I read last year said to write posts ahead then post in order to stay sane. Will be in Louisiana for a week in April but the iPad works.

Donna Shields said...

I love the A-Z challenge. Can't wait for it.

Jasmine Walt said...

Alex, I tried to click on your A-Z challenge link, but it didn't work. :/

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I did participate last year and even though it was a lot of hours, I found some really terrific blogs, increased my following and learned tons of stuff.
Can't wait to do it again.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Golden, that's great!

Carol, we'll miss you.

Kittie, you got it! And I use my iPad often to blog.

Jasmine, I'll fix. The Badge in my sidebar works though.

Susan, awesome!

Cindy said...

Yes, I'm going to do the A to Z challenge. It sounds like a good time.

J.L. Campbell said...

Like last year, I'm thinking I'm crazy to even consider it, but I completed the challenge.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I don't know, Alex, I'm still catching my breath from last year. It was amazing and fun, though. Looks like a great crew of hosts and some folks I have yet to meet.
Happy weekend.
xoRobyn

Jeff Beesler said...

I'm glad to see this year's A-Z challenge is in such capable hands! I'll definitely be cheering you all on from the sidelines!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Good for you, Cindy!

JL, proof it is possible.

Robyn, come on!! We need chocolate.

Jeffrey! Good to hear from you. Sorry your life is crazy now. We'll miss you.

Misha Gerrick said...

Oh wow this is going to be epix! Can't wait. :-)

Shannon Lawrence said...

Can't wait to see what you decide to do this year, Alex. Delighted to be co-hosting with you!

I loved Q-Bert as a kid...

Jamie Gibbs said...

The past 2 A-Z challenges have been an absolute blast, and I've met some good people along the way. I can't wait!

PK HREZO said...

Yep, I'm in! I loved it cuz it encourages short posts!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Misha, yes it will!

Shannon, I already have a plan.

Jamie, did we meet during the first one? I can't remember - seems like we've known each other forever.

PK, that is a big plus!!!

Anonymous said...

A to Z was a great experience last year! I blogged about 26 different short story markets. Guess I could run those again -- with updates, of course...

Old Kitty said...

Whoa!! Love that you are so armed and ready Cap'n Ninja!!! I have this song in my head now:

A you're adorable
B you're so beautiful
C you're so cute and full of charm!
D you're delightful
E you're something or other!
F you're the feather in my erm.. feather in my.. something!!!

Off I go to youtube it now - cos I can!! Cos Google took pity on me! Yay!

take care
x

Suze said...

Well, all righty, then. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Milo, your topic was great! I'm sure people would benefit from a repeat.

Aw, thanks Kitty! Let me know when it's on YouTube.

A Beer for the Shower said...

Question: Is it necessary to have committed all 26 alphabetical letters to memory in order to compete?

ediFanoB said...

To be honest, I needed one day before writing this comment.

I must say I feel totally overextended with the A to Z challenge.

I'm more than happy when I write more than one post per week but 26 posts in one month ... In 2011 I wrote in sum 99 posts.
I will be happy when I find time to visit some of the participating blogs.

I wish everyone who take part in the challenge a lot fun.

Everyone who succeeds deserves my admiration.


a have upmore than

Ron Easton for Dads UnLimited said...

I sure do look forward to this year's challenge. Last year was great. The hardest part for me was getting it all posted, but this year, I have a plan....
Thanks for all you've done to make this go off in such an enjoyable way!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

No, you may cheat and use your dictionary!

Edi, as detailed as your posts, I can understand why it might be too much. You'd really have to write a lot in advance.

Inside Out, that's good to hear!

Anonymous said...

You've really got some skill getting so much together. They sound like so much fun. I will have to investigate them all :)

Alexandra Heep said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Alexandra Heep said...

I have deleted my prior comment as I found the answer to my question. I am excited to get started and am sorry I missed last year.

Alex (not the famous one) ;-)

Ms Saba (aka Teacher007.5) said...

Oh my! that is more than just a challenge!! that is down right scary!! But, I think I will give it a shot any way!! :D

Author A.O. Peart said...

I think I've said that you amaze me just about a thousand times, but I will say it again, You amaze me! How the heck are you able to do so much in the blogging department and write fabulous books on top of that? Wow.

The idea behind this challenge is very clever. I can't commit to blog everyday but I would love to try "here and there", if that's okay. If not, I will cheer for everyone else and visit as many participating blogs as I can :-)

Bethany Elizabeth said...

I always enjoy watching the A-Z challenges, but I don't know if I could actually do one without failing miserably. I'll cheer everyone else on, though. :)

Leovi said...

Yes, it's a big challenge this year will break all records.

Stacy S. Jensen said...

I'm in this year. I'm excited to be doing it and have a note on my calendar to sign up.

cd sutton said...

I'm in this year, first time. Hope I can keep at it til the end. I may do some preparing ahead also! Like others, I want to see posts on other sites.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Melanie, join us!

Alexandra, glad you're on board. And I'm not famous - I'm just Alex.

Ms. Saba, it's fun! You can do it.

Angela, thank you so much. And pre-plan and schedule your posts and the Challenge is very do-able.

Bethany, give it a try!

Leovi, it will!

Stacy, that's great!

CD, preparing ahead of time is the only way to go. Glad you're on board.

Denise Covey said...

Hi Alex. Having hosts was a great idea. I know plenty of people who were overwhelmed and dropped out. I wonder what the plan for them is this year? It is a crazy/fun idea but very draining.

Denise

Helen Ginger said...

Just the idea that you are armed is a tad scary Alex.

Anonymous said...

I haven't done it before, but I want to participate this year. It looks like a fun challenge.

Anonymous said...

So many great things... thanks for sharing... going to check them all out:)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Denise, we do have a plan!

Helen, I'm a Ninja - I'm always armed!

Medeia, it is a lot of fun.

Rek Sesh said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rek Sesh said...

That was my first blogfest in the real sense.
I had a good time writing and reading though felt guilty that I couldn't visit even half the particpants. Met awesome people like You, Misha, Golden, M Pax, Arlee and some others who have stopped blogging....but that's life.
I see some of the hosts have dropped out.. I know only a couple of the new ones.
I must be the only one happy with fewer A-Z followers cause I can still be as irrelevant on my blog as before. :D
Summer power cuts in this small city I am in, means, I can't visit and comment as before.
Ironic, yes, that we can buy the latest Iphones but sometimes can't charge them. :(

Karen Elizabeth Brown said...

Alex:
I came in late to join the Insecure Writers Support Group. I'm still not sure if I'm signed up. I wasn't sure what tab I was supposed to click on. I DO want to participate. I'll keep checking and will be visiting those blogs. I just started a new blog so am in the middle of the setting that up. Thanks for your encouragment to all!
Karen Elizabeth Brown

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rek, that is ironic! Yes, many new hosts, although Stephen and I are returning. And don't worry - I didn't visit everyone either. Just no way.

Hey karen! Glad you're with us. Did you sign up pn the master list I posted Wednesday?

Cate Masters said...

Ha, just checked out Jesse's visual review. Very inventive!

Julie Musil said...

OMG, that shirtless review is hilarious! Awesome stuff, Alex. I loved reading all the A-Z posts last year, and look forward to seeing what you clever writers come up with again this year!

David P. King said...

After doing both the Campaigner Challenge and The Rule of Three at the same time has almost burned me out from blogfesting for a while. Good thing I have a few weeks to decide to join.

Time to check out your links! :)

Cat Lavoie said...

That shirtless review was hilarious! :) I'm looking forward to participating in the A-Z Challenge this year. Last year was tons of fun! I think I've already decided on a theme...

Leovi said...

This year is sure to break all records for participation.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Cate, wasn't it funny?

Julie, you should join us.

David, this is beyond both! After doing the Campaign one, there is NO comparison - the A to Z Challenge is much more effective and far more fun!

Catherine, glad you're on board! It really is best to go with a theme.

Jennie Bailey said...

I am super excited to do it this year! Planning to participate and determined that nothing will get in the way.

Jessica Bell said...

I just said to Matt that I think you guys may have just twisted my arm ... OMG ... I'm already having a restless sleep and I'm awake!!! :o) Um ... yes ... I will join you. Again. Please don't make me regret it! lololol

Unknown said...

Yes I plan on signing up again this year. Last year I had myself ready to go when my computer was hit with a virus. This year I am ready for anything.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jennie, that's great!

Jessica, you won't regret it. I'll cheer you on every day.

KD, that's awful! No virus this year.

GYPSYWOMAN said...

hi, alex - just in the neighborhood and wanted to personally wish you a magnificent new year filled with peace and love - and to thank you for your always kind comments! have a wonderful upcoming week! jenean

Chris Phillips said...

Haven't been to NWM in too long, always a good time.

E. M. Prokop said...

Alex! It's so awesome that you're a co-host of the challenge! I think it's amazing how many actual writers...by that I meant people who have written real books..there are on blogger, and I'm so in awe of all of them! It's going to be a fun month...do you suggest writing the posts before hand, or is that considered cheating? Last year I had no idea what the hell I was doing and just kind of came up with stuff as I sat there...truthfully, that's probably what I'll do again this year! Happy days to you Alex.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

The A-Z is lots of fun so I'll likely be doing it again this year :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Same to you, Jenean!

Eve, writing posts ahead of time and pre-scheduling them really takes pressure off of you. I say go for it!

Lynda, glad you're on board!

Anonymous said...

This will be my first year participating. I've already started working on a few of my posts, so I'll be ready for it.

Jen said...

Last year was the first year I'd heard about A-Z and unfortunately I had to bow out at the last minute. BUT I'm signing up this year and looking forward to it! I've got a better handle on school now so the challenge should be fun, exciting and I'm looking forward to meeting some great new people. Wow! That's one awesome list of hosts!!

Looking forward to it!
Jen

kjmckendry said...

Awesome, I had a great time last year! The A-Z was really what inspired me to focus more on blogging! I can't wait for this April.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Susanne, that's great!

Jen, that's good stuff.

K, glad you're on board.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I'm going to be doing A to Z for the second time, and this time, instead of splitting my April focus between A to Z and Script Frenzy, I'm going to try to find something Script-related for every letter of the alphabet. Whoo-hoo!

Elizabeth Mueller said...

I'm sorry I missed IWSG. Again. Ugh. It's an honor to fight side-by-side with you in this A to Z thing. I look forward to reading your posts. :D

♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥

Unknown said...

It really is an amazing challenge! I'm so glad that (in South Africa, at least) part of April is during a school holiday, so there's a little more time than usual to try and get around to just a few more of those 1000+ blogs!