Showing posts with label a to z challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label a to z challenge. Show all posts

Monday, May 7, 2012

A to Z Reflections

Oh my, I thought I was done!

I mean, I wrote 26 posts about my thoughts about blogging, one for each letter of the alphabet.

Wasn't that good enough?
{Obviously not!}

Now they want me to write my thoughts about me writing 26 posts about my thoughts about blogging in the A to Z Challenge.  Whew, that was a mouth full!  But, not only do they want my thoughts about me blogging in the challenge, they also want to know how I felt about visiting other bloggers, commenting, if I enjoyed the challenge, and if I would participate again!

 So here goes my A to Z Challenge Reflections:
  • I really enjoyed the challenge.  I did get a little behind, especially at the end because I went on vacation.  So, on Monday night, April 30th, I ended up writing 6 posts for the last 6 letters, but I did finish!  And, I do plan on participating in the challenge again next year!
  • I enjoyed visiting other the other bloggers.  I was not able to visit all of the participants through the month of April, but as long as the participant list is up, I do plan on continuing to visit the other blogs.
  • For every blog that I did visit, I did try to comment, although sometimes it was a pain.  I hate the word verification, although I did find a way to make it more interesting through a blog that I follow and read regularly {although she did not participate in the challenge!}. You can find the post here.
  • I loved receiving all the readers, new followers, and comments on my posts throughout the challenge.  I tried my best to respond to all comments that I received either by e-mail (my preferred way to respond to comments), or by visiting the blog of the individual that commented and returning the favor!
 Here are some great blogs that I found to read and follow somehow because of the challenge {either they were participants or they were reading and commenting on posts or they found me or something}:
  
Now, you may have noticed I didn't post descriptions of these blogs.  Well, that is because they are all great, and I want you to go read them for yourself!  I really do think you will like them!
And, if you missed any of my A to Z Challenge blog posts, here they are:
 
{Don't forget to swing by my About Me post, and ask me some questions.}
Posted by Kayla Yow at 4 comments
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Monday, April 30, 2012

Blogging: Z = Zealous

 Zealous = Eager, Enthusiastic, and Passionate


Be zealous when you are writing blog posts.  Be eager to read what others have written.  Be enthusiastic when commenting on a blog or blog posts that you really like and enjoy.  Be passionate about replying to your readers who comment.


{Don't forget to swing by my About Me post, and ask me some questions.}

Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Blogging:  I is for Images
Blogging:  J = Journal 
Blogging:  K is for Keep
Blogging:  L = Link-ups {Blog hops} 
Blogging:  M is for Money 
Blogging:  N = New 
Blogging:  O is for Organized
Blogging:  P = Public or Private
Blogging:  Q is for Quest
Blogging:  R = Reading 
Blogging:  S is for Search {labels}
Blogging:  T = Time 
Blogging:  U is for Unique  
Blogging:  V = Vlog
Blogging:  W is for When & Where
Blogging:  X = Xtreme
Blogging:  Y is for You 
Posted by Kayla Yow at 0 comments
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Blogging: Y is for You

Yea, you reading this.  And, you writing those blog posts.

If you are reading this, I adore you!  I really do.  I appreciate all of my followers and readers.

If you are a blogger, you are awesome!  Blogging is hard work, and it is intimidating sometimes, but it is also fun and exciting.

Worry about you every now and then.  Write what you want to write.  Read what you want to read.  Don't worry about anybody else but yourself.  Enjoy it.


{Don't forget to swing by my About Me post, and ask me some questions.}

Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Blogging:  I is for Images
Blogging:  J = Journal 
Blogging:  K is for Keep
Blogging:  L = Link-ups {Blog hops} 
Blogging:  M is for Money 
Blogging:  N = New 
Blogging:  O is for Organized
Blogging:  P = Public or Private
Blogging:  Q is for Quest
Blogging:  R = Reading 
Blogging:  S is for Search {labels}
Blogging:  T = Time 
Blogging:  U is for Unique  
Blogging:  V = Vlog
Blogging:  W is for When & Where
Blogging:  X = Xtreme
Posted by Kayla Yow at 0 comments
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Blogging: X = Xtreme

Yes, Xtreme is a type of Chevy S-10.  I know.  I owned one!


And, yes, I am technically cheating, but who gives a hoot!  I am tired, I am hurting {I got a little sunburn today}, I am sitting on the balcony of my hotel room overlooking the ocean, and I am drinking wine!  Xtreme is as good as it gets right now!  {And, technically, I have written something similar to Xtreme in my B = Bold post, but oh well!}


Be Xtreme.  Go for the gold.  Pour your heart out into your blog posts.  But, most of all, love every minute of it.  If you don't love it, your readers probably won't either!

{Don't forget to swing by my About Me post, and ask me some questions.}

Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Blogging:  I is for Images
Blogging:  J = Journal 
Blogging:  K is for Keep
Blogging:  L = Link-ups {Blog hops} 
Blogging:  M is for Money 
Blogging:  N = New 
Blogging:  O is for Organized
Blogging:  P = Public or Private
Blogging:  Q is for Quest
Blogging:  R = Reading
Blogging:  S is for Search {labels}
Blogging:  T = Time 
Blogging:  U is for Unique  
Blogging:  V = Vlog
Blogging:  W is for When & Where 
Posted by Kayla Yow at 0 comments
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Blogging: W is for When & Where

When I thought about W, I thought about writing, of course.  Bloggers are writers.  But, I was thought long and hard about this letter W because I had already wrote about writing in a couple of my other posts.


So, I thought some more.  And, I came up with why.  But, as I thought on that, I figured out I had already wrote about why.  And, I have also wrote about who.  What does that leave me with for the letter "W."  Which led me to when.  When do you blog?  When do you publish your blog posts?  Is there a reason you blog at a certain time, or do you schedule blog posts to be published at a certain time?  In addition, where do you blog?  Do you have a special place you have to be to write, or can you write out a blog post anywhere?




{Don't forget to swing by my About Me post, and ask me some questions.}

Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Blogging:  I is for Images
Blogging:  J = Journal 
Blogging:  K is for Keep
Blogging:  L = Link-ups {Blog hops} 
Blogging:  M is for Money 
Blogging:  N = New 
Blogging:  O is for Organized
Blogging:  P = Public or Private
Blogging:  Q is for Quest
Blogging:  R = Reading 
Blogging:  S is for Search {labels}
Blogging:  T = Time 
Blogging:  U is for Unique
Blogging:  V = Vlog 
Posted by Kayla Yow at 0 comments
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Blogging: V = Vlog

Vlog = "V"ideo B"log"

Several bloggers like to vlog every now and then.  It can save time, and it can be considered more personal than just writing.

Other bloggers do not like to vlog, ever.  I personally have never created a vlog.  I may one day, but not today. :)

What are your reasons for creating a vlog or not creating one?

{Don't forget to swing by my About Me post, and ask me some questions.}

Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Blogging:  I is for Images
Blogging:  J = Journal 
Blogging:  K is for Keep
Blogging:  L = Link-ups {Blog hops} 
Blogging:  M is for Money 
Blogging:  N = New 
Blogging:  O is for Organized
Blogging:  P = Public or Private
Blogging:  Q is for Quest
Blogging:  R = Reading 
Blogging:  S is for Search {labels}
Blogging:  T = Time 
Blogging:  U is for Unique 
Posted by Kayla Yow at 0 comments
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Blogging: U is for Unique

Be unique.  Be creative.  Be inspiring.  Be yourself.

When you write a blog post, do your best to inspire your readers in a positive manner.

Always, always, always be yourself.  Your readers will love you more if you are completely you when you are writing your posts.

{Don't forget to swing by my About Me post, and ask me some questions.}

Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Blogging:  I is for Images
Blogging:  J = Journal 
Blogging:  K is for Keep
Blogging:  L = Link-ups {Blog hops} 
Blogging:  M is for Money 
Blogging:  N = New 
Blogging:  O is for Organized
Blogging:  P = Public or Private
Blogging:  Q is for Quest
Blogging:  R = Reading 
Blogging:  S is for Search {labels}
Blogging:  T = Time
Posted by Kayla Yow at 0 comments
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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Blogging: T = Time

 Blogging takes time.  A lot of time.

But, that time can be well spent if you know how {and are not a procrastinator - like me}!

You see, I have every intention getting things done early, and usually I have a great start, but it goes down hill from there.

Take this challenge for example.  In the beginning, I was writing my posts early and scheduling them so that they would post at midnight the day they were supposed to be posted.  Then, I slacked off a little, and other things took priority {like family and school}!  Now, I am three days late on my post {I think}! Ha ha!

Not only in this challenge have I been late though with my posts.  I have quite a few Day Zero posts I need to do, and I haven't.  I also have a couple of rough drafts that are just sitting there that I have not finished writing {one happens to be what happened to me on Friday the 13th - yep, almost 2 weeks ago!}.

So, if you are like me, you know what I am going through.

But, if you are not like me, you can {and probably do} write posts early {and not just one post, but plenty of posts}, and schedule these posts to publish like every other day or every couple of days {so that you are publishing frequently}.  If you can do this, I say go for it.  I try to, but I do not always succeed!

[By the way, I wanted to let you know that it took me about 3 hours - if not more - to write this post.  Not because I couldn't think of what to write, or that I was writing the whole 3 hours, but because I stopped several times to go read some great blogs, get on Facebook and Twitter, and to eat!  Yep, I am also easily distracted!]

{Don't forget to swing by my About Me post, and ask me some questions.}

Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Blogging:  I is for Images
Blogging:  J = Journal 
Blogging:  K is for Keep
Blogging:  L = Link-ups {Blog hops} 
Blogging:  M is for Money 
Blogging:  N = New 
Blogging:  O is for Organized
Blogging:  P = Public or Private  
Blogging:  Q is for Quest
Blogging:  R = Reading
Blogging:  S is for Search {labels}
Posted by Kayla Yow at 2 comments
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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Blogging: S is for Search {labels}

It is important for your readers to be able to find your blog posts fairly easily.

Labels help in this situation.

By creating labels for your blog posts, you are making it easier for your blog to be found through search engines {and if you have labels visible on your blog, your readers can search for posts with that label}.
 

{Don't forget to swing by my About Me post, and ask me some questions.}

Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Blogging:  I is for Images
Blogging:  J = Journal 
Blogging:  K is for Keep
Blogging:  L = Link-ups {Blog hops} 
Blogging:  M is for Money 
Blogging:  N = New 
Blogging:  O is for Organized
Blogging:  P = Public or Private  
Blogging:  Q is for Quest
Blogging:  R = Reading 
Posted by Kayla Yow at 3 comments
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Monday, April 23, 2012

Blogging: R = Reading

If you are a blogger, you are also most likely a reader.

You don't blog just for other individuals to read your posts, but you also enjoy reading what other bloggers have written.

I often scour the internet looking for new and interesting blogs to read.  And, if I especially like a blogger/blog that I have found, I will go through the old posts in that blog and read them as well.


Here are a couple of great blogs that I love reading:


>Good Youngman Brown - If you have never checked out his blog, he is absolutely hilarious.  I have went through most of his old posts because I am that in love {serious stalker status} with his blog.  I cannot wait for him to post something new because it usually means I am in for a laugh! {Kidding about the stalking [sorta], but really he is funny, so go check out his blog!}

>Mrs. Monologues - Another great blogger where you can usually find a laugh {you know, in case you lost yours!}.  Not only is she funny, but she's snarky {her words, not mine} and she has some great tips as well for bloggers! 

>Keeping up with the Pickles - [I mean, really, does this need an explanation?!]  I found Mrs. Pickles during this blog hop {A to Z Challenge}, and oh, how glad I am that I did!  I mean I loved the name before I ever got to the blog, and now I thoroughly enjoy reading her blog.

So, if you need some new blogs to read, and you have not checked out these three, please go do so now, and show them some love!
 
{Don't forget to swing by my About Me post, and ask me some questions.}

Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Blogging:  I is for Images
Blogging:  J = Journal 
Blogging:  K is for Keep
Blogging:  L = Link-ups {Blog hops} 
Blogging:  M is for Money 
Blogging:  N = New 
Blogging:  O is for Organized
Blogging:  P = Public or Private
Blogging:  Q is for Quest 
Posted by Kayla Yow at 1 comments
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Blogging: Q is for Quest

What is your quest for your blog?

What mission did you set out on, and did you accomplish what you wanted?

Are you done with your journey or just getting started?

Everyone who writes a blog has a reason they are blogging.  Whether you blog to help others {such as a health/fitness blog} or blog for yourself, you are on a quest.

Tell me about your blogging quest!

{Don't forget to swing by my About Me post, and ask me some questions.}

Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Blogging:  I is for Images
Blogging:  J = Journal 
Blogging:  K is for Keep
Blogging:  L = Link-ups {Blog hops} 
Blogging:  M is for Money 
Blogging:  N = New 
Blogging:  O is for Organized
Blogging:  P = Public or Private
Posted by Kayla Yow at 1 comments
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Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Blogging: P = Public or Private

Is your blog public or private?

Public blogs can be viewed and read by anyone on the internet, anywhere in the world.

{There are two types of private blogs.}
You can set your blog to private and allow selected readers access to the blog.  By doing this, only the readers you have selected will be able to read the blog.
You can also set your blog to private so that you are the only one who is able to view it.  By doing this, you can write whatever {just as in a diary or journal} and no one will be able to see it.

Many individuals have their blogs set to public so that anyone can read what they have posted, but sometimes it may be necessary to set your blog to private.  If an individual is posting personal information, they may only want close friends or family to read their blog.  Other individuals may need to set their blog to private because of their career. 

Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Blogging:  I is for Images
Blogging:  J = Journal 
Blogging:  K is for Keep
Blogging:  L = Link-ups {Blog hops} 
Blogging:  M is for Money 
Blogging:  N = New 
Blogging:  O is for Organized

{Don't forget to swing by my About Me post, and ask me some questions.}
Posted by Kayla Yow at 5 comments
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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Blogging: O is for Organized

Among many other things, your blog should be organized.

An organized blog will make it easier for you, your readers, and your followers to find information.

Organizing your blog is very simple.  Make sure your layout is user friendly.  Important information should be in the top of the sidebars, such as a way that your blog can be followed.  In addition, your blog archive should be easy to locate.
 {You can also have labels posted on your blog, so that your readers can search through your blog posts that way!}

Another easy way to organize the information on your blog is the top tab {page} bar.  You can create different pages for the different types of content on your blog {home - blog posts, about me, contact, etc.}.

Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Blogging:  I is for Images
Blogging:  J = Journal 
Blogging:  K is for Keep
Blogging:  L = Link-ups {Blog hops} 
Blogging:  M is for Money   
Blogging:  N = New
Posted by Kayla Yow at 0 comments
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Blogging: N = New

New as in fresh, original, different!

 When you write a blog post, it needs to be something new.  Something that no one has written about {your life, perhaps}, or something that has been written about, but with a new perspective and outlook.

Not only does your content need to be new and different, your whole blog needs to be original.  Your personal style needs to shine through your blog posts, your blog layout, template, design, and blog name.

So, next time you write a blog post, redesign your template or layout, or change your blog name, remember - your readers want something original and different {as I am sure you do too}!



Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Blogging:  I is for Images
Blogging:  J = Journal 
Blogging:  K is for Keep
Blogging:  L = Link-ups {Blog hops} 
Blogging:  M is for Money 

Posted by Kayla Yow at 191 comments
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Sunday, April 15, 2012

Blogging: M is for Money

Can you make money blogging?

Well, I have heard that you can, but personally, I have not tried.

I know you can have ads on your blog, which generate money every time they are clicked, and you can have sponsors, which pay for ad space.  Other than these two options, I do not know much about making money blogging, so I did some research, and I found this great article Make Money Blogging.


Not only are there plenty of tips in the article, but there are links to other articles and posts about different methods that you can use to generate income from your blog.

 Do you make money blogging?  What are some tips you have or you have found that will help bloggers make money?


Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Blogging:  I is for Images
Blogging:  J = Journal 
Blogging:  K is for Keep
Blogging:  L = Link-ups {Blog hops} 
Posted by Kayla Yow at 0 comments
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Saturday, April 14, 2012

Blogging: L = Link-ups {Blog hops}

Link-ups and blog hops are very popular.


One of the main reasons to have a link-up is to find new blogs to read {that may or may not be similar to yours}!

When hosting link-ups, you have to have plenty of followers and readers, otherwise no one will participate.

Link-ups can be held one day a week {such as on a Friday}, one day a month {such as the first/last day}, or even for a whole month {like the A to Z Challenge}!

When participating in link-ups, it is always nice to visit the other blogs who link-up and comment on their post.  In addition, you could read some of their other posts, and you may even find a new blog that you enjoy reading and want to follow.

Have you ever hosted a link-up?  What are some tips for hosting a successful link-up?

{P.S. - Sorry this post is late - Blame it on Friday the 13th!  I will be posting about my experiences that did happen yesterday.  It was a crazy and busy day for me!}

Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Blogging:  I is for Images 
Blogging:  J = Journal 
Blogging:  K is for Keep
Posted by Kayla Yow at 2 comments
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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Blogging: K is for Keep

{Keep Up & Upkeep}

As bloggers, one of our main focuses is to write great posts for our followers and readers, but we have other responsibilities.
  1. Keep up with your followers - Visit them every now and then {if not every week or every day!} and thank your readers and followers often for their support.
  2. Keep up with the blogs that you follow - read them regularly and leave comments {show them your support}!
  3. Upkeep - check on the blogs that you follow and ensure they are still active and posting frequently.
  4. Upkeep - Perform regular maintenance on your own blog {layout, template, design, etc.}.




 
Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways 
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Blogging:  I is for Images
Blogging:  J = Journal 
Posted by Kayla Yow at 4 comments
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Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Blogging: J = Journal

When you look at the synonyms for journal on Microsoft Word, it gives you several options, including paper, bulletin, and newsletter.

So, blogs are like a public journal because no matter how you write or what you write, each blog post is like a journal entry into the very impersonal world of the internet.

Some bloggers pour out their hearts and souls into their blogs, while others only share some details of their private/personal life.  Whether you are blogging about intense personal details of your life, such as weight loss, marriage, and/or children, or you blog about general topics such as books, music, or current news, some part of you goes into your blog, which I believe therefore turns your blog into a journal.





Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways 
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Blogging:  I is for Images
Posted by Kayla Yow at 3 comments
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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Blogging: I is for Images

Images can be photos, drawings, or clip art, or most any picture found online {don't forget to link back to the source}.

Images can give your blog post a boost.  They can be used to break up lengthy blocks of text or to emphasize what your blog post is about.

Overall, images can be a great asset to most any blog post, as long as there isn't an overload of images all the time {unless that is the main point of the blog}.


Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Blogging:  G is for Giveaways 
Blogging:  H = Headline 
Posted by Kayla Yow at 2 comments
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Monday, April 9, 2012

Blogging: H = Headline

Headlines are extremely important.
{source}
They draw your readers in.

The headline for a blog {or any other piece of writing} is normally the first thing a reader sees, so it is important for the headline to be catchy and exciting if you want to lure in new readers and followers.
{source}
Your headline should be a sentence or couple of words that reflect what your blog post is about.   It should be short, appealing, and memorable.  It should make your readers want to see more.

For some tips on writing great headlines, check out this article.  It lists some good techniques for developing headlines that will generate more readers.

{This is my 100th post!  Yay! - I know it may sound silly to some of you, but I made it to 100 posts, and recently, I have been receiving more views and more individuals are following my blog now!  I am super stoked about all of it!}

Check out my previous A to Z Challenge blog posts:
Posted by Kayla Yow at 3 comments
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