Ever since I began blogging (properly) in 2004, I have come across many blogging challenges. Resisted signing up. Always.
A couple of reasons: One, every day, I am battling deadlines, and I didn't want another one staring at me. Two, I wasn't able to relate to many of these Challenges.
In 2018, on March 23, I found a blog post by Jayashree on "A to Z Challenge". Via a link on that post, I landed on the home page of the contest organisers. I found the concept so interesting that I lost no time in signing up. My name, name of the blog, its URL etc appeared on the Master List.
Of course, it was another deadline to keep up. But I thought it was just for one month. Thus, that year, I blogged on whatever came to my mind on the 26 weekdays of April.
In 2019, however, there was a theme: journalistic jargons. In 2020, it was, what kept me going as COVID-19 spread its tentacles around all of us.
This year, on March 8, the window to reveal the theme opened and it closed yesterday. And like all those three years, this year too, I am undecided if I should have a theme, if so, what it should be; or should I randomly blog on some topic. Anyway, there are a few more days.
Theme or theme, this series has introduced me to many blogs and bloggers. I hope the trend continues this year too. Looking forward to April ...
Looking forward to read your A to Z April Challenge posts this year also.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, April is soon. I like to just do my blog as normal, making sure my title fits the letter of the day. It's a different sort of challenge. I'm sure you'll come up with a good topic.
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteit's how we 'met' Pradeep - and a wonderful way to do so! I also began in 2018, but this will be only my second shot - though I am compensating by running it on three blogs plus instagram!!! 8!}... YAM xx
Hi Yamini - Wow! Three blogs plus Instagram. That's quite a lot.
DeleteSometimes you just gotta wing-ding it... I am looking forward to the challenge of keeping up with reading others posts, not so much as writing my own. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteHi Crackerberries - Yes, reading others' posts is also part of the fun! Thanks for dropping by.
DeleteYou're very brave to tackle it for another year Pradeep. I did it for three years and ran myself dry - it just takes up SO much of my time with writing and formatting 26 posts and then reading and commenting on so many others. I made some lovely connections through it though (yourself included) but I don't think I have it in me anymore to participate - I'll just pop in and out and read a few posts here and there. Happy AtoZ-ing!
ReplyDeleteHi Leanne - Indeed, it's stressful. Let me see how far I can go!
DeleteHi Pradeep - I enjoyed it for 9 years ... but then things changed and I decided enough was enough. I'd like to have a theme and did pre-prepare some of them ... but have met some wonderful bloggers over the years - so I agree it's a fun time. Enjoy and I'll be seeing you around! Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Pradeep. I toyed with the idea of doing the challenge, but decided not to!
ReplyDeleteHi Corinne - I think I have some energy left to have a go this year! Take care.
DeleteDo pick a theme, Pradeep! You have many areas of expertise and a lot to teach other, or so I gather from what I've read of your blog so far. I look forward to following you through the month, have fun with it-that's the main thing!
ReplyDeleteHi Josna - I shall. Thanks for dropping by, and for the comments. :-)
DeleteIt's precisely the idea of having to blog on a theme continuously for four weeks that discourages me from participating in these challenges. I am more of an instinctive person - so I don't prefer schedules :)
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
Hi Rajesh - Yes, that can be a put-off. Let me see if that works this time!
DeleteWriting is your line and you are prolific at that. Not all can write with ease on all days on a topic. It is challenging but you are equal to the task. The important feature is all your writings are crisp and interesting. Best wishes
ReplyDeleteHi KP - Thank you so much! It would be tough ... Let me see.
DeleteA difficult decision, Pradeep. I know I couldn’t do it, though. Even now, I struggle to write one post a week! We didn’t ‘meet’ that way, but I’m glad we did. By the way, I see you’ve been blogging even longer than I have! 2004!! Wow!
ReplyDeleteHi Vallypee - With busy daily schedules it's not easy to find time to blog. But it's good fun writing something informally and connecting with good people around the world. That keeps me going.
DeleteGood luck - theme or not!
ReplyDeletehttps://iainkellywriting.com/2021/03/08/a-z-challenge-2021-theme-reveal/
Hi Iain - Thanks for dropping by. I shall check out your blog. Well, I might end up with a theme after all!
DeleteSo happy to read you again this year Pradeep 😊. Enjoy preparing your theme, and posts!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you, Pradeep.
ReplyDeleteA-Z is always a wonderful challenge to take! We had "met" last year thanks to it:)
Hi Anita - Thank you. Yes. I remember your series of posts last year.
DeleteHi Pradeep.
ReplyDeleteOur paths crossed via last year's challenge and I'm so glad they did:)
This will be my fifth year with the A to Z and yes, the deadlines can be scary (especially as I'm not one of those organised bloggers who write ahead of time!) but the meeting and finding of bloggers from diverse fields keeps me going.
Wishing you the best for this year too.
And looking forward to reading to your posts.
Hi Arti - Even I don't write posts in advance. Looking forward to your posts too :-)
DeleteI'm fortunate to have found your blog. Between housework and the distraction of young cats, I don't plan on participating but wish everyone the best and look forward to reading yours.
ReplyDeleteHi Darla - Thanks a lot :-) I can understand, we have to prioritise, when there are too many things on the plate!
DeleteThe theme reveal is the easiest post and when we are on it on the 31st March, it would feel all jiggling in the stomach. Ha! I've done it thrice and this is my 4th year. Good luck Pradeep! Looking forward to your posts.
ReplyDeleteHi Nandhini - Thank you ... Looking forward to your posts as well.
DeleteAll the best to go ahead with your ideas,Pradeep.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarala - Thank you.
DeleteI think that with something like this challenge, the best thing is alwasy to do what you feel like doing ;-)
ReplyDeleteHave a great April!
@JazzFeathers
The Old Shelter - Theme Reveal - The Great War
Hi Jazz Feathers - Thanks for dropping by. I have finally zeroed in on a theme -- Interesting features associated my current place of residence - Bengaluru.
DeleteDo visit.
Thanks.