11 May 2012

Reflections of a crazy month in April.



In my theme for the A - Z alphabet challenge, I concentrated on linking emotions to something in nature.
Weeks beforehand, I prepared my seeds by composing short submissions with pen and paper. After typing them onto the computer, I added appropriate pictures, each with their heading for the day. I set up my email calendar for a daily reminder of each letter, but found the prompt unnecessary because I was primed to post first thing each morning with my already assembled material. 

While I readied the growing medium for my seeds, I learned a lot about blogging during the challenge. I didn't realize, until near the end, the need to post in html so others could read the writing on the blogger messages they followed. 

From now on, I'll make regular blogs. The benefits are enormous. I've made many new friends, whose written thoughts I will follow. 

Having planted my seeds of wisdom for others to follow on my blog, it took me a long time to settle into a novel-writing schedule afterward, I've found the whole experience of reading and commenting on other people's blogs stimulating.

You could say I'm as grateful as a plant growing toward the light.

19 comments:

  1. Another beautiful post, Francene. Although I miss the daily interaction with other bloggers, I've enjoyed getting back to my manuscript - three chapters left to edit and then I'm done!

    Congrats on a successful April.

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  2. I like less pressure, so the aftermath of the intense blogging is a pleasure, where I can leisurely read blogs and write better blogs myself. If you visit my blog today, I have a You Tube rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" that you might like considering the title of your book, "Wind Over Troubled Waters." Your writing discipline showed during the challenge.

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  3. I prepared a lot of my posts in advance but, though I draft my novels on paper, I hadn't thought of starting blog posts that way. Good idea!

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  4. I feel like a stronger blogger after this challenge.

    It was great getting to know you and the other bloggers.

    Have a great weekend.

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  5. I'm happy the challenge inspired you!!

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  6. Good for you for preparing beforehand! I admire your preparation. I'm hoping to do so next year.

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  7. Hi Francene: i agree with Sheenah, i'm also hoping to be more organized next year, if, God willing, i choose to participate in this month-long madness again! I was not prepared ahead of time so often would find myself typing my notes with my 2 thumbs in my notepad on my iPhone on my break or lunch and then copy, paste and post once i got home :).

    I'll be back to read more of your writings, i like a lot! Way to go. Cheerz, Sylvie aka Little S

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  8. Regular blog posts do make all the difference!

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  9. Hello! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on my A-Z reflections post. :) I like the look and feel of your blog, it's warm and inviting. Thanks for sharing your reflections!

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  10. I too started my blog posts on paper, often on scraps as random thoughts came to my head at work. I enjoyed reading your posts even if I wasn't faithful to comment.

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  11. I used to write everything on a legal pad but now just type into Word, it is less time consuming.
    Wsa great meeting you Francine.

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  12. Hi Francene, What a lovely blog you have here. Thanks for visiting mine and leaving a comment so I could find you :)

    KarenG

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  13. I really admire all who participated in the daily A-Z challenge. I think it's a very wise idea to have a theme and do advance preparation. It sounds like it was a truly positive experience for you, Francene! :)

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  14. Lovely reflections post. The Challenge was so much fun. Blogging is worthwhile with this fantastic writing community.

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  15. What a nice post. I certainly felt like I grew during the Challenge too! I had about half my posts ready before April. I'd like to be more organised next year. Thanks for your comment on my blog.

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  16. It was a crazy month! I'm still trying to catch my breath. Your blog is lovely and I'm glad I found so many great new blogs through the challenge :)

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  17. The reading and commenting part is stimulating, but also draining. There never seems to be enough time to make it all the places I want to go.

    Thanks for your Reflections.


    Lee
    An A to Z Co-Host
    Tossing It Out

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  18. Great posting. I agree on the crazy ride, but am looking forward to next April- crazy huh? :) I found posts that for some reason I scrapped, so am slowly getting around to posting them.

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  19. Hi Francene .. it's learning our way in blogging isn't it .. while the A - z gives us a great opportunity to interact with other bloggers - I'm learning so much ..

    This has just popped up in my Reader a few minutes ago - such is life! Cheers Hilary

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