I've joined the 2013 A to Z Challenge and this will be my second year (click on the link for more information). When I finished last year, I told myself that I would not be doing it again. It was hard and I was exhausted by the end. It took me more than a month to recuperate and start writing again.
But, here I am starting this year's challenge. My purpose for participating this year is to motivate myself to more actively pursue my art. I had never considered myself a writer or photographer - they were simply hobbies. My professional career is intense and stressful and it can easily consume me if I allow it. It's difficult for me to make time to write and work on my photography. I have really been trying, though. I'm taking both my writing and photography to a new level, I'm working on a variety of projects and I am totally excited about this opportunity. The A to Z Challenge is perfect for helping me stay focused as I move forward as a writer and photographer.
This year, I went about the Challenge in a completely different way. I am beginning by taking and editing photographs. When I create a final version, I change the format so that the photograph will actually upload to Blogger and then insert it into a blank post. Then, I just start writing while using the photograph as my inspiration. I take the theme that emerged, title my post and then schedule it to publish on the appropriate day.
When I create my photographs and begin writing, I have no idea what letter of the alphabet I am writing for. It's just sort of happening for many of the posts. I only have a few completed and I'm sure they may not all be this easy but so far, it has been a wonderful way to work fluidly and be in the moment. This is really working for me and I'm finding that I'm enjoying creating my posts a lot more than I did last year. I've discovered this to be one of the nice things about participating in the Challenge again - I'm learning about myself throughout the process.
I love your theme and the process. I sort of did that last year. I chose 26 Brothers Grimm titles and then studied them and eventually became inspired by the title -- not the story -- and wrote what came to mind.
ReplyDeleteThe A-Z is exhausting, but it requires me to write. I'm worried about this year. I only have half the posts created. I'm not a seat of the pants writer either. I have to be prepared.
Teresa, I only have two posts written. At least you're way ahead of me:) I loved your theme last year. I can't wait for the e-book to come out. Good luck.
DeleteHey, I just awarded you the Liebster Award on my blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Murees! Even though I already have this award, I so appreciate your thoughtfulness. One of the best parts of blogging is connecting with others like you! I followed the guidelines for the Blog Award in this post:
Deletehttp://awakeningsandreflections.blogspot.com/2012/06/thank-you.html.
Jaime, I felt exactly the same way as you when I did it the first year, Im now on my third, and haven't yet decided what I will choose as my topic. I am really looking forward to seeing your posts, and your photography especially! Hope you are having a blessed day, Amandax
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amanda. I'm looking forward to your posts as well. I've only written seven so far but I'm much more ahead than I was last year:)
DeleteWe "met" during the A-Z challenge last year, remember? :-) I didn't think I'd do it again either, but I joined up again. Maybe it takes a year to recover. I am trying to write posts ahead of time, which I did not do last year, and that made it really hard. I'll be looking for you during April!
ReplyDeleteYes, I do remember. I'm glad that we met - it's nice knowing that I connected with someone who lives in the same state:) I had mixed feelings about doing the A to Z Challenge again but I'm much more ahead this year. I have the first week's posts scheduled and a few here and there. Hopefully, it won't be too crazy. Enjoy your weekend!
DeleteI think that this is a wonderful way to go about doing your posts for the challenge and beyond. Thank you for writing about your process.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Suzanne. It's actually been a lot of fun. I only have U, Y & Z left!
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