That’s right, the merry month of May is just around the corner
and with her comes the REFLECTIONS POST, starting on May 7th.
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One more day of posting (April 30th) and we can all give a collective sigh of relief knowing we survived the Challenge!
But really, how hard was it?
I bet you feel like you can tackle just about anything - even a little reflecting!
* * *
While you may use this post to reflect on many things we would love to hear what you have to say about your alphabet adventures as a participant of the A to Z Challenge.
* * *
To help you along here are some things you might want to reflect on…
How did your journey through the alphabet go? Did you meet new bloggers with similar interests? Are there any you would like to feature and share with others?
What were the highlights for you? (lowlights too...we want to hear it all)
Did you enjoy posting daily? What was your biggest hurdle? What was your easiest task?
Was time management an issue? (I know, silly question, when isn’t time management an issue - but, it is worth reflecting on)
And what about your content - did you have a theme or did you wing it? Was it easy to come up with ideas for each letter, or were some harder?
How about commenting - did you stumble upon lots of sites still using word verification? Did this prevent you from leaving a comment? What worked for your blog?
What will you do different next year? (Yes, you are doing this next year, you know you are, even if your brain is telling you to run for the hills - it appreciates the exercise)
What pearls of wisdom do you want to share with the Co-Hosts of this event? (We would love to hear from you and know what you think would make this awesome event even better)
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Are you looking forward to doing a little “reflecting” on May 7th? I know I am!
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Jenny
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Arlee Bird (Tossing it Out) offers more information on the Reflections Post in What’s Next?
April has gone by so quickly, yes I am looking forward to reflections on May 7th,
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Can't believe it's one day away from finishing! Looking forward to the refletion post. Great to have met so many other bloggers.
ReplyDeleteBex
www.leavingcairo.blogspot.com
Just wanted to say thanks for the challenge. I have visited hundreds of the blogs on the list and found many new and interesting sites that I will be following in future, and have had a few new followers myself.
ReplyDelete(just realised above comment is from Bex who's blog I just stopped at, coincidence!) It has been an excellent experience.
martine
It wasn't that difficult for me this time, since I had most of it planned before April even began. At the very least I had a theme for each day planned prior to April. Still, the real exhaustion comes from trying to visit all those other blogs and to return the kindness of those who have visited mine ;)
ReplyDeleteBuuut I have more to say in the reflections post, don't worry ;)
ReplyDeleteExhaustion!!!! Why was it so much more time consuming this year? Maybe I was over-enthusiastic! I'll have analysed it by May 7th and will let you know. *slumps over keyboard*
ReplyDeleteA to Z of Nostalgia
I've loved getting to know new people through this challenge. My blog is book review centered, so it was good to get a little me out there!
ReplyDeleteAs a first-timer, I'm looking forward to the reflections post. I'm thinking that it will help me put things in perspective. I've enjoyed the challenge but I am exhausted as well.
ReplyDeleteCome Tuesday it's going to feel somewhat like the day after a big party when it's time to clean up. The party's not over though. Now it's time to turn down the blaring dance music and clear off the buffet tables and sit around sipping fine wine as we get to know new friends better and meet the ones we may have missed in the hubbub of the big event. Relax and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteLee
A Faraway View
An A to Z Co-host blog
I look forward to the reflection post. Also, for those who have written or read horror/paranormal, please sign up for the I Love Horror/Paranormal Novellas Blog Hop. It will start on August 6 and end on August 10.
ReplyDeletePrecious Monsters
Jolie du Pre
I'm going to miss my theme! But I'm ready to finally start writing again.
ReplyDeleteThis was my first year participating, so I've already been thinking of what I'd do differently for next year. Will share them in my reflections post.
ReplyDeleteSusanne
PUTTING WORDS DOWN ON PAPER
Already outlining my reflections post for the 7th. I began with a solid plan this year and that helped tremendously! But more on that in my reflection post! Thanks for hosting - I really enjoyed the challenge this year!
ReplyDelete@Yvonne - April has indeed gone by too fast, and May 7th will be on our doorsteps before we know it. Thank you for stopping by and being so supportive of the co-hosts and guests, here at the A to Z site.
ReplyDelete@Bex - I got up this morning and when I realized it was the 29th I had a wee shiver - what will I do with myself now. I found my groove toward the end of this Challenge and now, with a quick blink, it will all be but a fond memory!
@Martine - Sounds like you had a great time and visiting so many blogs is the highlight.
Last year, the first Challenge for me, I was blown away by the great sites and bloggers I encountered...this year all the better!
@Trisha - Having some plan of attack before the Challenge started was a sage idea. I found by having my posts ready in advance I was able to visit and comment on many more sites than I could have imagined (part of the co-hosting gig too) but still a great strategy if visiting blogs is one’s objective.
@Rosalind Adam - I’m smiling at your choice of word - I use it too - I truly am exhausted but at the same time quite exhilarated by my involvement. *slumping over keyboard too*
@Cheryl Klarich - Meeting new folks along the way is the fun part, particularly if they are sharing the same passions and interests. I’m pleased you “loved” getting to know new people - keep visiting blogs even after the Challenge ends.
@Jaime - We (the team) look forward to reflection posts from first-timers, it helps us too with perspectives by seeing things through the eyes of someone new to the Challenge process. We look forward to seeing you here, throughout the year, and also at next year’s event.
@Arlee - Oh great leader...if it wasn’t for you and your calm approach to all the little bumps and potholes along the way I don’t know where we all would be! I have really enjoyed my co-hosting experience. I’m looking forward to May 7th...and I might be doing more than one Reflection Post. (one from each perspective: participant/co-host)
@Jolie du Pre - Thank you for joining us on this A to Z journey. The best part about this Challenge is finding other Blog hop events along the way - thank you for sharing the upcoming August 6th one with us.
@Alex - I’m going to miss mine too - while at times I wondered if I was biting off more than I could chew I learned long ago to take lots of little bites rather than one big one - it helped me get through this month with a my sanity still intact. :)
@Susanne Drazic - Going through this for the first time always lends great 20/20 hindsight and really does make the next Challenge fall into place a whole lot easier. We look forward to having you with us next year! Good luck with your reflection post!
Jenny @ Pearson Report
Co-Host of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.
@Amy - Thanks for stopping by - good luck with your Refections Post, I’ll be by to check it out on May 7th!
ReplyDeleteJenny @ Pearson Report
Co-Host of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.
I look forward to seeing the reflections posts. All things considered I think April flew by much faster this year. Thanks again
ReplyDeleteJenny, Lee, and to all of the co-hosts! Julie
I am looking forward to the reflections posts and will do one of my own. This challenge has been a blast for me. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm looking forward to doing a little reflecting on May 7th. It seems like April went by in a Flash and I'm sorry to see it go but welcome May with open arms.
ReplyDeleteThe thoughts that you offered up as inspiration for participants to reflect on cover so many aspects of the challenge that I'm going to readjust my reflections post (I've already been working on it throughout April, as I went along during the challenge) to fit along the lines of your thoughts/questions, because, well, I think this post offers a nice way for participants to organize their reflections posts and keep them tidy.
~Nicole
Blog: The Madlab Post
@MadlabPost on Twitter
@Julie - I’m looking forward to the reflections posts too - it will be interesting seeing what bloggers come up with. Thanks for all your support both here and over at Pearson Report. :)
ReplyDelete@Janyce - I’m happy to read the Challenge was a blast for you! Good stuff - I’ll be dropping by to read your reflections post in May.
@Nicole - Yes, April went by way too fast! I’m still trying to find a few weeks I lost!!!
I’m pleased you will be using some of these thoughts/questions for your reflections post. I know how much it helped me, last year, reading the refections post advice from the team at that time - so, I felt I should pass along some pearls of wisdom I have learned along the way. Thanks for stopping by. :)
Jenny @ Pearson Report
Co-Host of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.
'Z' is on delayed post, ready to go. It really isn't much, though. I'm looking forward to returning to normal (or whatever passes for 'normal' for me).
ReplyDeleteI don't know about that pearls of wisdom, though.
I don't own any pearls.
They always clashed with my corduroys.
@Al - Normal?? what's that? I think I'm going to take a few minutes to "reflect" on how much I miss being sane! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing the Challenge for the second time - you totally rock. I'm looking forward to reading your Refections Post - should be "wild" - just like woo!! (inside joke, right!)
Cheers, Jenny @ Pearson Report
Co-Host of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.
I'm looking forward to writing about what I want when I want - or not!
ReplyDeleteI've got my last post ready to go on May 1 - it's an overview and was in itself rewarding to write. I'm proud that I've done what I said I'd do - thanks for dropping by Jenny, I appreciate your support.
Sue: An A-Z of Climate Matters
Great idea.
ReplyDeleteI ran into a lot of sites using word verification, some sites needing to approve a post (but never would) and some just dead sites.
Great guidance for reflections, Jen. Thanks. I really enjoyed reading these last year - so many different perspectives. I learned a lot.
ReplyDeleteTina @ Life is Good
Co-Host of the April A to Z Challenge
Twitter: @AprilA2Z #atozchallenge
Yes, I am going to write a reflections post as well. Is there a special way we are supposed to promote it?
ReplyDeleteAlex from A Heep of Everything
just stumbled on your site for the first time today. wish i would have known about it a year ago! great idea and i'm going to add it to by storify collection of timeline projects. i enjoy hearing/collecting stories about people using these kinds of creative structured projects. here are others i've found: http://storify.com/designyourpath/creative-timeline-projects-30-day-projects-365-day
ReplyDeleteI have been reflecting any way, so I definitely HAVE to reflect in writing. Can't wait.
ReplyDelete