It's my first year in the A-Z, and I have to tell you...I'm in a blog fog.
Trying to look at 1800 + blogs in the course of a month is truly a challenge. A fun one, but, OH MY GOSH, every day, my brain is overloaded with what to do first.
Do I visit the A-Z site to see what the sponsors are talking about? Do I visit new followers to see what they're up to? Do I head to the A-Z link list to continue my journey through the participating blogs (I'm currently somewhere in the 800's.) Do I check my own blog to see who's popped in? Do I write a new post (sometimes it feels like the letters are bowling me over.) Do I check my email?
Or, while I think about it, do I just sit down with a spoon and a jar of Nutella?
I'm struggling.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the A-Z Challenge. It's certainly accomplishing its goal. I'm writing every day (so far), and discovering new journey buddies. (Who knew there were writers out there who dislike Jersey Shore as much as I do?)
The eye strain is a surprise, as are the late nights. I'm up past midnight most nights because I have to check out "just one more blog."
I'm obsessed. And my butt is sore. I hope I make it to Z.
Along this journey, I've discovered there are a zillion (well, at least 1,820) heartfelt blogs out there. So many unique voices sharing and seeking and learning. Pet lovers, chefs, published authors, grandmas, college students, crafters, people of faith, people whose children have autism, people who struggle with weight issues, gardeners, photographers, and cartoonists. There are wine-makers and bakers and (probably somewhere) candle stick makers.
Whatever interests you - there's a blogger somewhere looking to connect. There are bloggers who are following so many other blogs, I don't know how they ever get away from the computer. Their backsides must be as flat as pancakes. No offense intended, I love pancakes.
The blogosphere is packed with creative, insightful writers and artists who must have Visine in their pockets and widening behinds. It's the price you pay if you love to write.
And I do. So, I've reconciled that I'm going to need bigger pants come May.
How are your eyes and posterior holding up during the A-Z Challenge?
14 comments:
Overloaded and a sore behind here as well. As you can see, I am just getting around to visiting your blog after the lovely comment you left on, um, "J"? Yes, the more I catch up the behinder I get. It is fun though.
WEll this is my second year and I am better organized this year - than last.
Firstly ....
My postings? I prescheduled a bunch of my postings. And I write them in bunches. I keep them short. So far that has worked for me.
Secondly ...
I keep up with reading my comments. I also try to keep up with reading the blog posts of the folks who I have already joined. If I get behind there, then I skip some. But I feel like I made a commitment to them and I try to comment even if it is short.
Lastly ....
I am visiting new blogs - as time allows, but I know I won't get to 1800 during April. But I will hold onto the list and the blog buttons that were provided and EVENTUALLY I will visit everyone. It is a hugely wonderful resource for new reading. I just don't need to visit all of them this month - but I do hit a few each day. When I find someone who I am interested in, I join them.
There is an "overload" element to this blog fest, but it is so much fun and so interesting.
Hope that helps.
Bigger pants, very funny! You really have a wonderful sense of humor....
Enjoy your writing very much! Have a wonderful day!
It is so easy to get overwhelmed when blogging, and in April? Well, you said it very well, my friend! I'd like to figure out a way to make it half an alphabet. hehe. I'm trying to visit everyone at least once and it's probably not going to happen. But you are right about the wonderful blogs out there! I've found many fantastic ones to follow and come back to over and over.
Thank you, RK! that does help. I hadn't thought about keeping the link list and checking blogs later. I want to do that. I've written posts ahead of time too...makes good sense. I'll be better prepared next year!
I would go for the Nutella!
Hah, I'm laughing at your blog and not to make fun but that is how I felt last year as a 'newbie' and man did it take its toll. I wanted to stop blogging, so this year I've come up with a new plan...I know what types of writing/blogging I like and so in my attempt to go through the blogs, if it's something I am interested in (yes, I'm making assumptions at first glance) then I continue and if it's not, I go on to the next one. Not discounting anyone but we all have different tastes and hat speaks to us so those are the ones I tend to visit and just do what you can. I don't expect each person to like mine either and that's okay as well...
I do have that 'addiction' feel,,,just one more, just one more...okay, just one more then I'll stop!
"Ballpark" is my lovely wife who still packs me a lunch every day. I too, am tiring of this A-Z thing because my lunch is following suite....It started on Day 1 with Applesauce. I was okay with the Banana pudding, Celery sticks, Date nut bread, and even the Egg salad, but the further you go in the alphabet, the stranger it gets - yesterday was Porcupine pie and today was Oatmeal surprise. I'm eating out on "Z" day - I hate Zuchini!!!
I'm struggling, too. I'm tired. I'm going out of town for four days and pressured to post ahead. But, I don't feel like writing tonight. Last night, I didn't even check my blog or anyone else's. I just needed a break.
This is a bit overwhelming but I also love all the people I've connected with. I'm just going to do the best I can and still get a good night's sleep:) We've got lots of time to keep visiting blogs. Good luck.
Yep, I hear you, Jaime. I guess everyone feels a bit weary at this point. Enjoy your time away!!
You are right! There are some super, bodacious blogs out there and yours is one of 'em. There is always a blogger looking to connect. I am glad we met. This is an excellent post. You rock! :-)
This has definitely been a challenge for me, since I have never posted every single day since I've had a blog. And now I have two blogs, and made the crazy decision to try it for both! I have missed a letter or two because my brain went into sizzle mode, but so far so good for the first time.
I did as they suggested and visited the five after my name. I do not have the time to visit every blog, so after the initial five, I'm randomly visiting.
Plus I'm going to be without a computer next week so I have to come up with WXYZ before I leave!
I am crazy!
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