I’d like to welcome two bloggers from last year’s A to Z Challenge, Patricia and Yvonne. I met both of these amazing ladies last year during the Challenge (see – you’ll make some great friends this way!) and they’d like to share their thoughts with you.
From Patricia Stoltey:
The 2010 A to Z Challenge was such fun that I hope to do it every year. In addition to the usual things we say about making new blogger friends and sticking to a schedule, I found the challenge helped me think and plan ahead. I worked to create and stick to a theme for my 26 posts, and I wrote most of the posts in advance instead of the last minute. So come on, April challenge. I'm ready.
- Patricia Stoltey
And from Yvonne:
THE A TO Z CHALLENGE 2010:
Last year I decided to take part
In the Blogfest called A to Z.
It was the brilliant brainwave of Arlee Bird,
And what a difference it's made to me.
You see I had been blogging for a few years,
And followers only a few.
When I had finished the Challenge
They had more than doubled, this I relate to you.
It was the best decision I had made
To get my poetry on a wider scale.
I've made some wonderful friends into the bargain
But that's another tale.
If you're still unsure whether to participate
Take a tip from me.
You'll be pleasantly surprised at the outcome,
This I can guarantee.
Yvonne Lewis
from
For those of you still on the fence. take the plunge! What have you got to lose? Nothing. But you’ve a wealth of friendship, experience, and knowledge to gain…
Oh, and there’s a rumor going around… I’ll address it on Wednesday.
I definately want to give this a go this April. I'm looking forward to meeting lots of new bloggers. Bring it on!
ReplyDeleteI met Yvonne last year during the challenge. She is one of the SWEETEST ladies I've ever met!
ReplyDeleteThis is Great :) I can't wait til April!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Alex.
ReplyDeleteHave a good day.
Yvonne.
Aw...I loved this! So excited to be a part of it this year. She's given my a bit more courage to join this wonderful crowd.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, I've chosen to make it harder on myself...no writing ahead of time! 26 stories in 26 days. It seems impossible, but my biggest shortcoming is lack of discipline in daily writing. I've already started following a few blogs from the A-Z linky list and will be adding more, it's a great way to find some really wonderful writers and friends. Good luck everyone!
ReplyDeleteAine, you'll have a great time.
ReplyDeleteJessica, she is indeed!
You're welcome, Yvonne.
Salarsen, you'll be in good company.
li, that is a challenge, but it will really make you stretch.
I'm in, but I've yet to write anything or decide on a theme...procrastination much?
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading all the posts.
ReplyDeleteI just don't have the time. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm finding it hard enough to blog three times a week with all my schoolwork right now and April is exam month so it's only going to get worse.
We are all on a crazy train heading to crazy town and the bar is open!
ReplyDeleteA rumor huh? Now I'm curious.
ReplyDeleteGreat testimonials!
ReplyDeleteRumor, hmm? Can't wait ... (wink & smile)
Looking forward to meeting some new bloggers this way (no, I'm not participating, but it's fun to watch from the sidelines, too.) :)
ReplyDeleteEveryone will have fun. I cannot manage the time commitment this year, but I'll be visiting.
ReplyDeleteNothing speaks more convincingly than the words of those who have done the Challenge before. Thanks to Patricia and Yvonne for their endorsements.
ReplyDeleteI think rumor-mongering is cheap and tawdry---I anxiously await hearing yours :)
Lee
Tossing It Out
Visiting all these people is mind boggling! Somehow I see visits into May --at least for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm anticipating fun to rival a roller coaster ride!
Let me survive my birthday this week and I'll most likely and finally sign up.
ReplyDeleteAlex
Laura, last year I had no theme but it was still fun.
ReplyDeleteHeather, that's right!
Matthew and Marvin, tune in on Wednesday...
Lee, see it works!
Mary, it will be a great ride!
I've started writing up some posts for the challenge. Now if I can just figure out how to do everything else that needs doing, I'll be in good shape! :)
ReplyDeleteRumour?!?!?!?!?! I love rumours, me!!!! Oooh you are a TEASE!!!! Not nice!! T is for Tease!!
ReplyDeleteTake care
x
I am so looking forward to the challenge and meeting new friends....
ReplyDeleteGreat reasons to participate in the challenge. And I'm so stoked about April because I have my posts all ready to go!
ReplyDeleteI know both Patricia and Yvonne and am glad they are on board! Two more closer to 500!
ReplyDeleteVery good tributes as to why our answer should be "YES, I will join." :)
ReplyDeleteJules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Rumor, what rumor? I'm completely out of the loop after my break...will have to remedy that and check back!
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday,
Karen
You tempt me, Alex....
ReplyDeleteYou can do it, Alison!
ReplyDeleteKitty, now I'm Teasing Captain Ninja Alex.
Angela, that's great!
Stephen, we're going to hit it.
Glad you're on board, Jules!
Karen, the benefits outweigh the challenges.
Betty, you post almost daily already - do it!
I'm signed up. Thanks for the reminder because it seems eons away but I know it will be here b4 I know it.
ReplyDeleteThat's great to hear from two who did it last year. I'm looking forward to the challenge of April. I'm already planning, and realized that yes, I'll need to write some in advance to keep up. Now, back to work.
ReplyDeleteOH yes, I'm signed up. I started my blog right around the A-Z and I remember how fun it was reading everyone's posts.
ReplyDeleteRumor??? I can't stand it. But it's a great way to get me back here on Wednesday... :)
ReplyDeleteI'll wander around the web today and see if I can send a few more folks here for the pep talk. Thanks for including me, Alex.
Totally in! I love the little added pressure on my creativity... ups the ante a little, which oddly enough, I dig.
ReplyDeleteFor me, at the moment, it's really only a matter of time.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to see these two ladies, grace your blog today. I have enjoyed getting to know them better and so won't the new members!
ReplyDeleteIt is going to be special~
Rumor? Oh, I like a good rumor. As long as it's not about me. :)
ReplyDeleteLiz, we won't let you forget.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne, you are a wise woman.
Hey Katie!! Glad you're back on board this year.
Patricia, thanks for encouraging everyone to join the fun.
Somehow I knew you'd like that part, Hart.
No rumor about you, Ciara!
I've already got some post scheduled.
ReplyDeleteNancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium
That was great!! Still on the fence but this is making me leeeeeean!
ReplyDeleteI regret not doing this last year so I'm going to rock it this year. I already have my format in mind. Woot!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait.
Oh! You ended with a teaser. I'm looking forward to reading the A to Z posts.
ReplyDeleteRumor? What rumor? Telllll usssss!
ReplyDeleteHey there Alex- I have something for you on my blog
ReplyDeleteColene, just fall on over!
ReplyDeleteHannah, you'll have a great time.
Helen and Lydia, I will - soon!
Thanks, Summer!
Great post, you guys! I can't wait until the Challenge this year. We're going to rock it!
ReplyDeleteRumors abound? Say it isn't so, Captain Alex!
ReplyDeleteI think writing in advance is great advice.
ReplyDeleteI'll be on vacation for a week in April so will opt out, but I'm looking forward to what you have cooked up a-z. Is K going to be Kate Beckinsale?
ReplyDeleteI'll be on vacation for a week in April so will opt out, but I'm looking forward to what you have cooked up a-z. Is K going to be Kate Beckinsale?
ReplyDeleteLoved, loved, loved the poem.
ReplyDeleteA rumour? Please tell me. I won't tell anyone, promise!
I'm looking forward to this challenge! :)
ReplyDeleteThere's a rumor? I'm curious to know what it is now!
We have to be careful when rumours abound...we might get hit in the back of the head with them ;)
ReplyDeleteRumors? Wow! A to Z gossip. :D
ReplyDeleteThose are two compelling reasons to join in the fun, but I’m still planning to be on the sidelines cheering everyone on.
ReplyDeleteThere's a huge list of people participating in the A to Z Challenge. I'm not participating, but I'll enjoy reading the posts.
ReplyDeleteLove your excitement, Alex.
ReplyDeleteI worry that this is a tall order for me but I'll give it a go.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the posts, Patricia and Yvonne. Hope I can write ahead like you, Patricia.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alex, for this post and for commenting on mine!
Sounds like I might test the A to Z waters! Just followed Y. I'm her #300. Wait! That didn't come out right.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to all the great people I'll meet during the challenge!
ReplyDeleteA to Z is sounding more and more appealing.
ReplyDeleteI love rumors :)
ReplyDelete....dhole
I started blogging in April last year. Barely knew what I was doing. But I do remember it was a week or two into the A to Z challenge, and vaguely remember reading Patricia's posts.
ReplyDeleteReading her thoughts here, I instantly thought of "A Theme." Hooray for Pat! And for you, Alex. Thank you for having her, and also Yvonne who is also a "well-versed" friend.
Kelly, preschedule those posts! And I've got something special planned for April...
ReplyDeleteEllie, must wait until Wednesday!
Lynda, this one hit me last year, so I'm all right.
Theresa, all the more reason to join!
Ricky, you can do it little camper.
You're welcome, Monti.
Copyboy, we'll just pretend you didn't say that...
Cheeseboy, do it, do it, do it.
I'm pretty new to the blogging thing, but I am looking forward to trying to meet the challenge of a post everyday. I am really hoping to find some new blogs to follow and gain some new followers as well. Thanks for helping to organize this.
ReplyDeleteI hope the challenge keeps growing and growing. I'm going to do some promotion over the next few weeks.
ReplyDeleteGaaaaaah SO tempting! I wish I had the time to sit down and plan 26 posts ahead, it would be so much fun, but with deadlines looming, it's looking impossible!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading everyone's posts in the challenge, but I'm not up for it....my kiddo has too much homework and I can't guartanee that I'll be able to do a post every day.
ReplyDeleteJust found out that this is happening again this year... I'll be posting! I need something to get me back to blogging again :) Looking forward to getting back in blog-land for a while...
ReplyDeleteI love your review of Rango from your last post. My son is begging to see it. And I just can't wait until the challenge.
ReplyDeleteAlex, thank you from introducing Patricia and Yvonne. I'm following Patricia's footsteps and scheduling in advance. I like how Yvonne says that it's a surprise waiting to spring. I can't wait! :)
ReplyDelete♥.•*¨ Elizabeth ¨*•.♥
I'm starting to look forward to it.
ReplyDeletexoRobyn
Bookblogger, you will achieve all that and more!
ReplyDeleteSusan, thanks - we appreciate it.
Sangu, nothing is impossible.
Melody, glad you're on board.
Clarissa, hope you enjoy Rango then!
Elizabeth and Robyn, it will be fun!
Alex, I want to join. I think I can do the challenge pretty well, but I'm not sure how to sign up. (very technology challenged.) Do I just put my blog name in the first line? Then what do I put in the second blank? Sorry, I'm a techie loser...
ReplyDeleteOh dear, do I need a theme? I'll have to get my thinking hat on. I'll be back tomorrow to find out about the rumour.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to hire someone to take over my real life duties so I can participate in the next one!
ReplyDeleteLinda, I answered your question on your blog.
ReplyDeleteEliza, no you don't need a theme - I didn't have one last year!
Pat, that's a great idea!!! I need to do that as well.
Need to figure out how this blogfest works. Captain Ninja, any tips?
ReplyDeleteMy Darcy Mutates
I don't join a lot of blog hops or challenges, mostly because I suspect I won't stick to it. But I really want to get back on track with my blog after burying myself in edits for a month straight, so this comes at a perfect time.
ReplyDeleteCount me in!
Hi Alex .. sounds like you've got excellent support - looking forward to it ..
ReplyDeleteMust find the list of bloggers .. cheers Hilary
Such a great challenge love seeing peoples posts on it, and you have me intrigued on this rumour dear sir! Maybe because I'm a nosey swine ha ha
ReplyDelete