April A to Z Theme Reveal!

atoz-theme-reveal-2015Last year, on a complete whim, the WriteOnSisters signed up for the “Blogging From A to Z Challenge.” We had no plan, no theme, just a vague idea that we’d craft a post based on each letter of the alphabet and that it would have something to do with writing, because we’re a writing blog. And… go! Not only did we survive the month and post every day (except Sundays, as per the challenge rules), we made friends with other bloggers and found some great blogs to follow. That’s not to say it was easy. A post a day is a lot of work, so we decided for 2015 we needed a strategy, which is basically this:

#1 – WRITE SHORTER POSTS

Our regular blog posts run around 800 words, sometimes longer, but for the April A to Z Challenge, shorter is better. Not only because it will take us less time to write, but because it will take you less time to read. That leaves everyone with more time to visit other blogs in the challenge.

#2 – BE HELPFUL

We have all kinds of posts on WriteOnSisters, from book reviews to writing tips to inspirational messages to writer’s life advice. Especially in our initial year of blogging, when we first did the A to Z Challenge, we were still figuring out what worked for us. Now in year two we’ve seen a pattern emerge – our most popular posts cover writing craft. So that’s what we will focus on for this year’s challenge.

#3 – PICK A THEME

Sure, the A to Z thing is already a theme of sorts, but having a more specific subject helps focus our posts and let people know what to expect. Now, without further ado, our theme for 2015’s Blogging From A to Z Challenge is…

BLASTOFF to STELLAR WRITING

Get ready for writing tips, rocket ships, and deep space thoughts! Each post will consist of:

  • 3 quick tips on one aspect of writing (i.e. conflict, stakes, narrators, etc.)

  • 2 examples of good technique

  • 1 resource for more in-depth help

By the end of the month, your writing will be primed to take off!

Pack your spacesuit and freeze-dried snacks, and we’ll see you in April!

 Don’t forget to pop over to the linky list and check out the other themes.

For a list of our 2014 A to Z Challenge posts, click here.

 

Author: Heather Jackson

Heather is a freelance screenwriter, game writer, and novelist based in Toronto. For more, visit her website at heatherjacksonwrites.com or follow her on Twitter @HeatherJacksonW

58 thoughts on “April A to Z Theme Reveal!”

  1. This is my first time here, thanks to the A to Z Challenge. Your theme seems quite interesting. I am not sure I am a writer but, at least, I am an avid letter writer. My theme is going to be postcards, as my blog is about all postal things.

    Reply

    1. Hi Eva,
      This post was our reveal information for last year. We have decided not to take part in A to Z again. Good luck with the challenge.

      Reply
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    1. Hi LuAnn,
      I know! So many posts left to write and format! I saw your reveal, I think you have a great idea for your A – Z blog posts. I’ll be stopping in to see how things are going for you tomorrow. : )

      Reply

    1. Hi Diane,
      Thanks! We worked hard on coming up with something and threw out a few other ideas before landing on Blastoff! Your mystery theme is going to be fantastic, I can’t wait for Wednesday.

      Reply
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    1. Hi Sue,
      I saw your reveal the other day and it looks amazing! I don’t know about you, but I’m petty excited! I feel like it’s going to be a fun month. There are so many fantastic blogs this year. I’ve been adding to my blog list and twitter follows all week. : )

      Reply

    1. Hi Shawn,
      I think you’ll have a great time. You meet fantastic people and you learn a lot. The topics are so diverse, it’s fun to read the posts everyday.

      Reply
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  12. Sounds like a very good theme. I too am doing a theme dedicated to writer education. My these this year will be similar to mine last year, doing literary terms of the new age, discussing elements of psychology, physics, game therapy, biology, and so much more.

    I look forward to seeing what you do, and I invite you to check me out.

    http://writing.chrisvotey.com

    Reply
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  14. Hi, Heather, love the idea of the theme first of all, and I conquer that shorter posts work better. Oh and the poster is fantastic! Looking forward to reading everyone’s posts, hugs and see you on twitter!

    Reply

    1. Hi Claudia,
      My husband did the layout on the image we’re using, but I’ll pass on your kind message.

      Reply

  16. Love it, and sounds like you learned your lesson last year just as well as I did. I did not exactly jump in on a whim — my lovely sister more or less roped me into it. But I went in equally unprepared and had the same experience with the making of friends and all (obviously).

    Decided to see what A to Z might do for me if I go in prepared this year. It’s shaping up to be an awesome thing.

    Feel free to run amok with #geekpastiche on the days when you’re posting about rocket ships. Or any day, really.

    Just over here snagging a link to your reveal for a little mischief I am putting together for tomorrow, so decided to go ahead and read the post 🙂

    Write On, Sisters!

    Reply

    1. Are you taking over the world again, Gene’O? The sound of maniacal laughter fills the air…. We all love it when you get another one of your ideas! Can’t wait to see what mischief you cook up.

      Reply

  22. I am heading over to my space shuttle suited up and ready for a ride into the world of writing craft. Your theme is great and helpful for an amature writer like me.

    Reply

    1. Hi Charlotte,
      Glad you could join us. Make sure you close the airlocks. We don’t want any laptops floating away. : )

      Reply

  25. This is a great idea! Sometimes shorter posts are hard for me too, but it’s true that they’re easier/faster to read when there’s SO much to read during the A-Z Challenge.

    Reply

    1. Hi Sabina, That is so true. I’ve been reading reveal blogs for over two hours and didn’t make a dent in the list. And I’m not even commenting on most of them, just liking, tweeting, bookmarking my favorites and jumping to the next one. I don’t know how I’ll be able to see them all. Love your idea, the college years are so formative. I’m looking forward to reading. : )

      Reply

    1. Hi DL,
      Fantastic. I have Fisher Space Pens for everyone. Zero gravity is such a beast! : ) Glad to have you along for the ride.

      Reply

  28. Hey Heather,

    Since this is my first year doing A to Z, thanks for the tips! I’ve kind of already figured out the ‘write shorter posts’ one after trying to do some advance writing! It’s tough to get that much down for 26 posts, so I’m capping it around 300 words. Quicker to write, quicker to read just like you said.

    I also like your theme for 3-2-1, that makes total sense to make a formula. That way you’ve got a structure to work with. Sounds like you’ve definitely got some good advice for writers.

    I’m looking forward to learning from you guys, bring on A to Z!

    Reply

    1. Hi Heather! You’re welcome for the tips! Yes, shorter is better. And one day I aspire to have enough traveling under my belt to complete the A to Z challenge with worldly adventures just like you guys! 🙂

      Reply

  30. Having a theme is always so helpful, particularly when you’ve planned it well in advance and had time to edit your posts. I’m continuing with a theme which isn’t related so strongly to my own writing, to make my posts more interesting and accessible to the average new reader.

    Reply

  31. Dropping by from the A to Z challenge from over at Princess of Dragons! LOVE the theme and I look forward to dropping by during the month to see what interstellar writing tips and tricks you have.

    Reply

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