Challenge #5: Sarah vs A to Z Blogging Challenge

Aka my A to Z Challenge Reflections Post

A Summary...

Pledging to write 26 posts and blog every day throughout April - minus the Sundays - was always going to be tough considering I have no internet access at home. No, I don't live in the early '90s, I just can't afford such a luxury, meaning I had to be super organised and find the motivation to write before work, in my lunch hour and at my parents' house at the weekends, which on some occasions was really difficult and resulted in me banging my head repeatedly against my desk in frustration.


The Tough Bits...
I work in PR, so the majority of my working day involves writing, but not being able to give my brain a break really showed on certain posts I think. They'll be the ones where I simply went for a 'top five songs beginning with the letter...' post, which gave me the chance to share some of the music I love, but admittedly were pretty lame. Sorry about that.

You can probably guess what the tough letters were though, right? Yeah, you got it, the dreaded K and Q. Although I surprised myself by doing ok with X (is for X-rated) and Z (is for Zines), but I feel I could have done so much more with them if I'd allowed myself more time.


Good Moments...
I'm proud to say I made it though and I seemed to have survived without having a complete meltdown, which seemed unlikely at the time. Despite best intentions and plans to have the majority of my posts written before the challenge started, I limped into April with just a couple of posts prepped and spent much time panic writing in the spare moments I could snatch at a computer.

I wish I could have done it differently and I think if I'd had more time to write the posts they may have been more informative, but I know myself all too well and if I'm honest, that was never going to happen. It was always going to be the case of flying by the seat of my pants. I'm just that kinda girl. However, I did manage to get every post up on the right day, so I'm really stoked about that and have since rewarded myself with a celebratory gin or two.

I'm also so grateful to everyone who stopped by, left a comment, offered words of encouragement or support and have kindly started following me. I'm aware I talk a lot of shit, so thank you for your patience and for caring. You've made it such a great experience.


My Best Bits...

I go on way too much in them, but my favourite posts included P (is for Punk Pilgrimages), R (is for Record Store Day) and W (is for Women Who Rock). I think it's because they really meant something to me and they were the ones I really put some work into, so I hope people got something out of them.


What I've Learned...

That sometimes a little planning helps and occasionally more coffee doesn't. I have a slight anxiety problem, so topping up my stressed out little brain and increasing my heartbeat with more caffeine just created additional panic and got less writing done. Next time I'm bringing gin to the party instead. I might not get more work done, but it'll certainly be fun.

And of course, I'll start working on my posts much earlier. Yeah, right...


What I Would Do Differently...

The same as everyone else: start writing earlier, visit more blogs and plan my posts better.

I found it really hard to trying to visit all the blogs on the list and got nowhere near visiting all of them. If I didn't make it to yours I'm really sorry and if I did visit, but didn't comment, I'm sorry about that too.


What I Found...

I did discover some great blogs along the way that kept me chuckling, lifted my spirits and made me go 'wow', if you haven't clicky-clicked your way to them yet, go take a looky-look:

* Dina Thanki

* A Daft Scots Lass

* Art of a Hidden Heart

* Mandeep Bohgan

* Completely Unoriginal Thoughts


Overall it's been fun, as well as a little stressful, but it's shown me that I can do things when I put my mind to it and I'm really glad I took part as one of my things to do before I turn 30. It's certainly something everyone should try at least once, regardless of age, and you may even see me on the list again next year.

Verdict: WIN!

A to Z Blogging Challenge

Why I'm Taking Part

Previously, I have started two unsuccessful blogs and this time around I want things to be different. It's not that I struggle for things to write - as you may have noticed from previous posts I know how to go on – and it's not that I don't want to do it, it's just that when it comes down to it I'm pretty lazy. Given the choice between scoffing an entire packet of biscuits while watching Corrie and getting off my arse and actually doing something, the biscuits will always come first. But this time round things are going to be different... well, for now at least.

So, by signing up for something that asks me to blog every day (except Sundays) during the month of April, I'm hoping it will get me in the habit of blogging regularly and not get too distracted looking for things to 'lol' at on the internet.

I'm also keen to see what other blogs are out there and look at how other people are tackling the challenge, whether they've gone for a theme or are going random, have planned ahead or are winging it. So far I've come across some that look like they're going to be gems.

Here are a few to check out:

Dina Thanki

Dina's amazing illustrations will be moulded into a sayings and phrases theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge and after being treated to a special behind the scenes look at her ideas – while not puking over sushi – I can say it's going to be awesome.


On the Road with U2
While U2 are not my favourite band in the world, I'm loving the ambition and theme going on here. Basically, Deena has vowed to write an entire A to Z of U2 songs, which I think is a pretty amazing idea and has me intrigued as to whether U2 have a back catalogue that stretches the entire alphabet... Clearly they must have, but I'm looking forward to finding out what songs cover the hard letters (QVXZ) and glad to see another music obsessive has signed up for teh challenge.

 

Completely Unoriginal Thoughts

With the kind of self-deprecating humour I just love, Nifer at Completely Unoriginal Thoughts is just my kinda girl. She's also signed up for the challenge for similar reasons as me, so I'm really looking forward to reading more of her stuff and seeing what topics she decides to tackle throughout April. I fully recommend stopping by.

 

Lil Cup of Jo

A gorgeous blog with some really cute and inspiring craft ideas, including everything from cards and scrap books to t-shirts and homeware. Intrigued to know whether Kristy is planning on crafting her way from A to Z... I hope so!

Writing Prompts Everyday
A great idea to get the creative juices flowing, this one does exactly what it says on the tin and gives you a topic to write on everyday. I think this is a great idea to try when writing block kicks in or just as a warm up, so will be visiting in April to see what prompts are on offer and joining in.

Grumpy IT Guy

Describing himself as a guy who likes to rant and 'fucking swear', Grumpy IT Guy's blog looks like it's shaping up to be a funny one. He offers his observations on things that really piss him off and likes to use the f-word - a lot - so pay him a visit if you want to learn how to use it in new and interesting ways.

My A to Z Plan

I came across the A to Z Blogging Challenge while trawling Blogger looking for inspiration and knew instantly that I'd be signing up and what my theme would be – music. Music is my lifeblood, my first love and my lifelong companion, so having the opportunity to write about it and share it with others is one not to be missed.

Initially I thought I'd go for a band a letter, but after some consideration I think it will be more interesting to mix it up a bit, to look at my life in music and take influence from there. From the bands and artists I love to the essential ingredients that helped me discover them in the first place, because while music is always at the heart of the story, sometimes it takes other people to help you find the best of it.

Hopefully it might make for some interesting posts and if I can just get one person to check out a new band then it'll all be worthwhile.