Wednesday, March 19, 2014

A to Z Theme Reveal and Self-Lovin' Hop

Hello, all! As you can tell by the title of this post, I have VIS (Very Important Stuff) to talk about today! That is, if you translate VIS to mean "bloghops", which I course do: the A to Z Theme Reveal bloghop, and the Self-Lovin' bloghop!

Except... All right. I'm sort of lying to you. Ok, I am lying, because while there really is an A to Z Theme Reveal bloghop, I didn't sign up for it, and...well, they're officially doing it on Friday. But I decided to post as if I'm participating, anyway!

Let me start making sense, here. The A to Z Challenge is a twisted modern form of torture a great challenge for all bloggers, to see if we can post every single day in April, except for Sundays. That translates to 26 days, so we post each day thematically from A to Z (and hence the name). Because, as we've repeatedly established on this blog, I'm a crazy masochist, I thought I would go ahead and sign up for it! So I did!!!!

And today, the totally unofficial day of the A to Z Theme Reveal that I have arbitrarily chosen for myself, I am revealing my theme:

I shall blog each day in April about my Work In Progress (WIP).

Bet you never saw that one coming, huh? TOTAL SURPRISE, since the tag line of this blog is "an inside look into the process of writing a novel", right??

Yeah, so I can be a little predictable sometimes. But in all honesty, and to be serious for a moment, I was trying to find a way to make the challenge something that would help with my writing, instead of something that would take time away from it. Like all of us, I have a day job and family and friends and commitments, and finding time to write can be very challenging. I try to protect that time like a ferocious mother bear. And with this theme, I think I may be able to do that.

One more little note about the A to Z: I am planning, of course, on visiting as many participating blogs as possible, and leaving comments there, but the sheer number of blogs (that sign-up list is up to 1,322 blogs!!!!) means that I'm going to have to cut something else: I decided that I'm not going to respond to comments here, on my own blog, in April. So, know that I will read every single one (I always do), and that I love comments, and that my lack of response has no relationship at all to how happy it makes me when people take the time to drop a line.

Now on the Self-Love! I really DID sign up for this bloghop. According the wonderful Tara Watson, who created it, I'm supposed to talk about something that I'm good at. I was totally on board with this idea - we writers do tend to be an insecure bunch, and I suppose it's possible that my posts have a slight tendency towards self-deprecation - until I went to a writing class a couple of days ago. It was an amazing class, and I learned a ton (which I will share with you, but not 'til next week. Because this post is a wee full already), but I also realized a) how very long it's been since I was in a writing class, b) how very much I needed to be in the class, because c) I came across as a MORON in said class whenever I tried to answer the teacher's questions.

Ok, maybe "moron" is a bit strong, but you get the general idea - the class made me feel VERY VERY INSECURE, so now it's a little difficult to stop obsessively listing and categorizing all of my weaknesses, and focus instead on my strengths. Which, it occurs to me, is probably the entire point of this bloghop in the first place (Tara, you smart lady, you!)

So, self-love: I am a fast reader. Yup. It's a simple thing, but I value it. I don't really know how I picked up the skill, but I can read a book in a day - if that given day doesn't involve anything else. If I'm sick in bed with a good novel, I can tear through it. I fully recognize that I am lucky to have this skill, and therefore I value it even more.

Hmm. I do feel a little better.

I guess it worked.

Thanks, Tara! Everyone else, go check out the linky and visit a few of the other blogs in this hop!

73 comments:

  1. Reading fast is a good skill but don't feel bad about the writing class. First of all you had the confidence to ask questions and in the business of writing few answers are 100% correct or completely wrong. Unless it's grammar.

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    1. Thanks, Susan. You're right, and it's a good reminder. It was hard to be a student again - but also wonderful!!

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  2. Nice. I had this system that worked really well as a teen. I'd see something I didn't like about myself, set a goal to change it, and focus on changing just that for the next month to six months, until I felt like I had it down, then I'd move onto the next thing. Granted, I had a few less distractions back then (looking at you kids) but I think the system still applies. It doesn't work if you can't take the time to see your progress though. =)

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    1. Wow, that's incredibly focused and organized, as well as self-aware. Good for you, seriously. I try to do the same thing now, but maybe not in such a focused way! Great advice, though :)

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  3. I wish I was a faster reader. Then I might be able to get through more books than I do.

    I'm glad you learned stuff from the class, and I'm sorry it made you feel insecure. The fact that I find your posts intriguing and entertaining means you have talent in writing. A lot of other things they teach can be be subjective at times.

    Looking forward to your April posts!

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    1. Thanks, Loni! I really appreciate that - it means a lot to me. The insecurity was a lot about my own (perceived) lack of knowledge. I have trouble reminding myself that it's the reason I'm in a class in the first place!

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  4. You are NOT a moron! Grrrrr! As I read your post I was thinking, wow what a great idea to not answer your own comments so you can go off and write some for others. I may just have to steal that idea, it's so good. So no moron talk young lady!

    I think using the atoz to help with your writing is also another great idea. So stop with the self bashing! Or I will torture you mercilessly with Polka tweets every day!

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    1. LOL, ok ok I will! I promise! NO POLKA TWEETS! ;) And yes, please DO steal that idea.

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  5. Aw, I'm positive you didn't sound anything near a moron! (Positive, girl,positive!)

    I'm a mediocre reader in re speed. Reading fast is an awesome talent to have.

    Thanks for playing!

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    1. Thanks, Tara!! I might have though, just a weeny bit ;) Probably a LOT less than I think, though. Thank YOU for this great hop!

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  6. Totally jealous of that skill. I am a slowish reader and my to read list is so huge. Then I feel guilty for not supporting friends like I should. And don't feel insecure about the technical aspects of writing. If you have voice and drive, everything else can be learned.

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    1. Thanks, Elizabeth! It's just hard to not be the expert, you know? Silly, probably, but true :)

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  7. I'd been thinking about doing the A-Z challenge but I'm fearful that I'll run out of things to blog about. And I totally get not responding to all comments. That along with trying to visit some of the other blogs could take two weeks per post! Anyway, good luck. And I hope all is well in Tibet? :)

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    1. I know!! It helps that you're supposed to keep the posts short - you don't have to find that much to say! Yes, all is well in Tibet, and I'm finally getting somewhere with that plot - thanks for asking! I'll blog about it soon :)

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  8. That is a gah-reat skill! And I so lack it. It's a cruel, cruel irony that I love this writing/reading world so much when I am so, so slow at both.

    I think your no-comment-reply policy is a wise one. It will allow you more time to comment on other blogs and bring more smiles around the blogverse.

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    1. I know - I'm a fast reader, but a not-so-fast writer. I wish I was fast at both!

      Thanks, Nicki :)

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  9. Great skill! If only I could be a fast writer, that would be awesome.

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  10. I was considering doing the A to Z challenge, but with over 1000 other bloggers already signed up, who would ever notice my posts? Besides I need the time just to get any writing done!

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    1. I would notice!! But yes, it IS a time-consumer.

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  11. Yeah, no surprise on the theme reveal!!

    And, dang, I wish I could read a book in a day. I'm a very slow, deliberate reader. And writer. I'm very Ent-ish that way. Lots of deliberation before action.

    Good luck with the A to Z challenge. I've done it twice before and there's always a great feeling of camaraderie.

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    1. Ha, I love the Ents! They were always favorites of mine :) And I hear you - I'm the same way with writing, as you know ;)

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  12. LOL! Liz, I love it! :) Glad you're going for it, and it certainly inspires me to consider it myself (I too haven't officially signed up for the blog hop A to Z challenge). I think it's a great way for meeting many new bloggers, and get everyone inspired. :)

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    1. Thanks, Anna! Come join us! You can promote your book - find some way to blog about it every day. Marcy over at http://www.mainewords.blogspot.com/ is going to blog facts about the year her book takes place every day. Pretty smart idea for promoting!

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    2. I agree, that is a pretty smart idea indeed!! I'll check out Marcy's blog :) Thanks for the encouragement!

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  13. Being a fast reader matters! (Of course, I'm in the same tribe ;-) Good luck with the A-to-Z. I'm not going to, ever. blogging once a week is more than I can do sometime. ;-)

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    1. It IS nice, isn't it?? LOL, I hear you. I used to think the same thing, but somehow I'm doing it anyway...

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  14. Ahh, okay, I'm jealous! I always wish I could read faster :) Great post!

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  15. Liz, I am a fast reader too. It's a great skill to have. There's nothing like finishing a book in a day.
    I'm not participating in A to Z, but look forward to reading your posts. It sounds like a lot of fun!

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    1. I know - it is an amazing thing to do, if you have time!

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  16. New follower waving here! Joining you in the Self Lovin' Bloghop. I think your A to Z idea is great! Publicly sharing your progress is great accountability.

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    1. Hi Leslie! *waves back* Thanks for coming over! I'm not sure how I missed your blog on the hop, but I'm heading over now :)

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  17. All I can say is, best of luck with the A-Z thing, and I hope it works for you. ...'cause I know I sure as hell couldn't do it. O_o

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    1. LOL, gee, thanks! ;) I know, it'll be an interesting ride...

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  18. I'm a fast reader too! My claim to fame is reading Breaking Dawn(700 + pages) in one day- and I worked that day. Is anyone in your family a fast reader as well? My mom was, and both me and my brothers seemed to have inherited it from her. Have fun w/A-Z!

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    1. Ooooh yes, the Twilight books are perfect one-day reads, because you CANNOT PUT THEM DOWN TO SAVE YOUR OWN LIFE ;) I think I may have read Breaking Dawn in a day and a half... ;) Yeah, you're right - my mom is a fast reader, too. I bet that's where it comes from.

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  19. I'm not sure how I'm going to handle the A-Z Challenge just yet. Your idea of not responding to comments is a good one. But, I know myself well enough to know I'd feel compelled to answer someone than how would I justify answering one person and not all? =)

    Elsie
    AJ's wHooligan in the A-Z Challenge

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    1. Hmm, yeah, good question...I think I'm just gonna have to manage the guilt and still not respond to everyone, LOL! If only I didn't need sleep, there'd be no problem here... ;)

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  20. Have fun with A-Z. I did it last year and had a great time, though it did take up a lot of time just visiting other blogs. Good decision to not respond to comments on your blog. As long as you comment back, it's all good. Most folks don't go back to see your comments anyway, I've found. Also, you are not a moron. I can tell from reading your blog. Seriously.

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    1. Thanks, Shell - I appreciate that! :) And I definitely will comment back; I had the feeling that most people would care more about that, than about my responses. Good to know I'm probably right!

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  21. I'll be impressed to see you come up with a post for every letter in the alphabet related to your Work in Progress!

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  22. Great skill! And I love the WIP thing. Looking forward to reading more about your work!

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  23. I'm also a fast reader. I get many books read and my eyes catch key ideas fast.

    Wonderful theme. It's great reading about your WIP on your blog.

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    1. It's such a lucky skill to have, isn't it? Thanks, Medeia!

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  24. Good luck with AtoZ!

    And don't feel bad about class. From the bits of your writing I've read, I cab tell you have talent. I've decided that some things come naturally to writers, whether they've studied them or know the technical name for them or not. ;)

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    1. Thanks, Melissa, I really appreciate this. Most days, I believe in myself, too - until I get nice and insecure, of course. But your words mean a lot :)

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    1. yeah, I knew what you meant :) Darn that auto-correct...

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  26. I'm glad you're doing the A-Z! Looking forward to learning more about your fascinating WIP. And I'm a fast reader too! One of the few things I've ever been good at LOL.

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    1. Thanks, Julie! And I'm positive you're better at a lot more than that!

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  27. Urgh, I want to be a faster reader!!! I never seem to finish a book these days and it's worrying me.

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    1. I know - but to be fair, that's also time!! I'm a fast reader and I still struggle to find the time to read.

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  28. Hey, it's important to write about what's important to you, and WIP insider info can be fun. Looking forward to your posts in April, and good luck. :)

    Alex Hurst, fantasy author in Kyoto, participating in Blogging A-Z April Challenge

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  29. I think that's a great idea! I don't have a WIP right now--I'm not sure what to write next. So I'm going to write about writing!

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  30. Looking forward to your A2Z -- and I lean toward self-deprecation myself. It's actually something I like about myself. People who take themselves too seriously should be drawn and quartered. Then tickled.

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    1. Thanks, Milo! I agree. Humor is beyond essential.

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  31. LOL I don't know... "twisted modern form of torture" sounds pretty accurate. ;)

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    1. Ha! I know...never said I wasn't a glutton for punishment ;)

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  32. Hi, Liz! I'm participating this year too, and it's my first year. Your name is a couple down from mine in the list so I figured I'd get an early start and say hello. Are you all ready to blog? o.O... ;)

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    1. Not at all!! Yikes!! LOL. Thanks for coming by, though!

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  33. Twisted Modern Form of Torture, eh? Love it.

    I can't wait to hear about your WIP. Sounds like a great theme.

    Leanne Ross ( readfaced.wordpress.com & LeanneRossRF )

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    1. LOL, yup! There's my positive attitude ;) Thanks for coming by!

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  34. Hi Liz .. glad to see you're up and running for the A-Z .. I'll enjoy learning about your WIP ... cheers Hilary

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  35. Nice theme, and appropriate. Yeah, I was going to do flash fiction...just can't commit. And I'll be checking you out as I can! Good luck. :)

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    1. That's completely understandable. And this way, you can sit back and laugh at all of us as we scramble to get those 26 posts out... ;)

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  36. Fast reading is a great skill!
    Love your A-Z theme - hope it helps you keep up with the writing.
    :-)
    Deniz
    Nicole's Mighty Minion for the A-Z!

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