Ahhhhhh…the freedom!
The sense of unbridled expression. The unencumbered stream of creative
juices. Nothing can match it!
?????
Why all the looks? Oh geez – get your minds out of the
gutter! I’m talking about tackling the A-Z Challenge for 2015 without a theme.
It’s been a couple years since I’ve taken on the
challenge. For those of you who live
under a rock, the A-Z Challenge involves posting on your blog every day during
the month of April (except Sundays), the first post revolving around a topic
with the letter A in it, then B, then C.
You get the idea. It’s the
brainchild of Arlee Bird and been around since 2007. The past couple of years
the use of a theme to bind all of your posts into a cohesive presentation has
become common, so much so that they now have an A-Z Theme Reveal event on March 23rd.
I’ve never been
a fan of themes when it comes to A-Z. I prefer to treat each day as a mini
writing prompt and see what pops out. To be frank…some of my best posts have
been written on-the-fly for A-Z. My readers enjoy it as well because without
the time to prepare, those post are some of my most personal and forthright.
One of my writing goals for this year was to breathe life back into my blog, and doing the A-Z is like sending a 10,000 volt shock from a defibrillator through it. It’s not all about the post either. I’ll continue to pay a return visit to anyone’s blog who leaves a comment while A-Z is going on, and hopefully I’ll make some new friends as a result. After all, that’s what A-Z is ultimately about.
April is sizing up to be a pretty busy month. Spring is definitely coming in like a Lion! :)
It will be like a jolt to your blog. Good luck running without a theme. I'd have a meltdown trying to do that.
ReplyDeleteI find it exhilarating! :)
DeleteGood luck with the A-Z. I don't think I could do it, so I admire those who do. I'm not sure if I'll be able to stop by every day, but I'll try.
ReplyDeleteNo pressure. I'm always happy when you drop by. :)
DeleteGood luck with the challenge - having fun with it is the best way to go! :)
ReplyDeleteAmen! :)
DeleteI can't imagine trying to write them all on the fly. Good luck, DL.
ReplyDeleteI'm pumped!! :)
DeleteI don't know if I could do it sans theme. You're braver than a lot of us.
ReplyDeleteOr just plain stupid! :)
DeleteLast year, my theme was writing, but each post was a different topic. This year I picked a real theme. I like the organization behind having a theme. I'm not sure if I could go commando on the Challenge.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read your posts!
Let's hope I don't disappoint! :)
DeleteHi Don - that's great you'll be joining us once again ... and going at it fly .. that's fine .. we'll be there following along - I have to say I couldn't do it without a theme .. so good luck with the lightning striking the blog ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteLighting strike is an appropriate description! :)
DeleteWinging it, heh? I think there's a Commando Prize for that. See you a lot in April.
ReplyDeleteA commando prize? Awesome!! :)
DeleteI went commando the firs time I did A to Z. Second time I had a theme. Both fun, both a lot of work. My blog could use a shot of adrenalin, too, so I've been contemplating signing up again. Just can't quite commit to those twenty six posts in a month. :P
ReplyDeleteAnd good luck!
It's like diving into a cold pool....you just gotta do it! :)
DeleteI think my head would explode if I had to write a blog post every day. Good luck doing it pantser-style!
ReplyDeleteYee Haw!! :)
DeleteSounds like April is going to be a busy roller coaster ride for you! I'll be sure to stop by and read some posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you!! :)
DeleteGood luck with doing A-Z with or without a theme. I know I don't have time to do it, but will stop by when I can.
ReplyDeleteGreat! Thanks. :)
DeleteI thought you were going to post the A to Z benefits of going commando. ;)
ReplyDeleteHmmmmmm....now that would have made a good post. :)
DeleteYeah, you had me there too. :) I'd be in a panic each day if I didn't have a pre-set direction in which to fly.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the rush of it. :)
DeletePosting on the fly can be liberating :) I tried to come up with a theme, then gave it all up entirely. Again. I'll be offline for the entire month, maybe two. Good luck Don.
ReplyDeleteI'll need the luck! :)
DeleteLove this!
ReplyDeleteI cracked up when I first saw you post that. Going Commando!
Heather
*Evil grin* :)
DeleteBest theme so far. Hahaha. Going commando. Thanks for the laugh and best wishes to you!
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say....I'm a lousy packer. :)
DeleteAs always, I think about doing A-Z and then I bow out before making any commitment :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck - and go get 'em, dude :)
Sometimes you gotta just hold your nose and take the plunge! :)
DeleteI've been on the fence about doing the A-Z this year, but you've inspired me. The last 2 years I've had a theme, but the first time I did it I winged it and I think it was more fun. So I'm going to join you in the commando challenge!
ReplyDeleteYAY!!!! I'll definitely be dropping in. :)
Deletestill thinking about doing it (soo much going on lately it's making me freak!) but either way I can't wait to read all the entries! such a fun idea :)
ReplyDeleteThere always seems to be something going on and there's never a perfect time. Flexibility is the key. :)
DeleteAlways enjoyed the A-Z challenge and looking forward to seeing what you're gonna do.
ReplyDeleteI'll try not to disappoint! :)
DeleteGoing commando had me giggling...
ReplyDelete*Evil grin*
DeleteYou had me laughing out loud with the Going Commando! Once I saw the jeans, yes, my mind started to go in the gutter and I said "What the?" :) You can be soo bad, DL, but I got a great laugh out of it. I look forward to reading some of your A-Z posts. This'll be my first year ever. Hugs, Eva
ReplyDeleteGood luck and have fun with your commando A-Z challenge!
ReplyDeleteThemeless is a great theme I think. That's the way I went through A to Z the first time around and it was pretty exhilarating. There weren't as many blogs to visit then, but it did challenge my creative sense of improvisation.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time with it.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Wrote By Rote
A 10,000 volt shock is right! That's exactly why I decided to get back on the A-Z train this year! I look forward to reading your impromptu posts!
ReplyDeleteBrandy