RayRay and Lucy
For those of you who are interested in reading the novel excerpts that were revealed during the A-Z, you can find a handy list on The Essence of Memory Series page.
First off, many thanks to those who helped host this challenge, I wish I could send all of you bottles of celebratory wine!
I started this WP site at the tail end of February, without the slightest idea about blogging. I simply wanted a central location for my writing and novel updates. I never imagined I’d enter a month-long posting challenge. But, I have to say, it was an awesome experience! The best part of the whole crazy mess was meeting tons of new bloggers, many of whom are extremely talented, unique, hilarious and inspiring *you know who you are*. I will be following many of you beyond the finish line and for those on the list I didn’t get to visit, I’ll be stopping by whenever time allows.
Aside from consuming well beyond the daily recommended allowance of coffee and scrambling for spare time, the month of April was a success. The ancient Greek serial I posted for the challenge became a strong foundation for my YA novel series! Looking back, however, I should of planned the posts beforehand and saved myself a great deal of procrastinating-induced stress *shakes head at lack of forethought*. Writing new scenes daily, mere moments before they were due, may not have been the best approach. Not to mention linking a soundtrack and seeking out cover art that reflected the emotion of each tale, again, at the last minute. And somehow, during the chaos that ensued, I was able to visit those who commented and those patiently waiting on the linky list.
I plan on planning ahead for next year. This being my first A to Z Challenge , I’ve learned a few things that might come in handy for the next go around. First, coffee does not replace sleep *sleep deprivation can lead to zombie-like symptoms* Second, locking oneself in the bathroom to avoid offspring interruptions is not a sure-fire way to make progress *must leave the house* Third, under no circumstances should you get a puppy in the middle of the challenge when you’re barely treading water *shakes fist at the impenetrable cuteness puppies possess* That would be my youngest offspring picking out her border collie puppy from a local farm. Now that we have a farm dog, I’m guessing we need a farm *keeps looking for sheep under the couch*
Now that I’ve grown accustomed to this crazy schedule of writing nightly till the crack a$$ of dawn, I’m going to stick with it *well, maybe every other night* and finish my novel before the puppy eats my power cord!
Cheers! Sam
WriterlySam 
Hi Sam, visiting from the reflections list 🙂 It was also my first year and I plan to try again in 2014. I love the theme of your posts and adding the music too 🙂
Suzanne @ Suzannes Tribe
LikeLike
Thanks Suzanne! It was a great experience:)
LikeLike
Wow. You didn’t write those ahead of time? You need to get your writing out there. It’s awesome.
LikeLike
That means a lot to me M! They were all written on the fly, as it were:) I had a good outline of what I wanted from my manuscript, but fleshed it out during the challenge. I even added new characters that weren’t part of the original cast! It’s been an interesting journey:)
LikeLike
Congratulations on completing the challenge, also your very good detailed Reflections post.
Yvonne
A TO Z AMBASSADOR
LikeLike
Thanks Yvonne, I appreciate that:)
LikeLike
Hi Sam! Congrats on finishing the A to Z challenge!
I’m only sorry that I couldn’t get to visit more blogs… and you had a great theme! Different and interesting too!
Thanks for popping in and leaving a comment on my reflections post… oh, and also for taking the time to vote! I really appreciate it! 🙂
LikeLike
That was an excellent reflection post, I found the challenge last minute and played catch up too, I feel your chaos!
Yes you must get on with that novel, I’ll see you soon.
LikeLike
Hi Sam
Congratulations on surviving your first A to Z Challenge!
A big thank you for liking Damyanti’s post showcasing my upcoming book, ‘Visions’, during the Challenge! I visited your blog and have nominated you for the Best Moment Award – I hope you don’t mind! Details can be found here: http://lauraanile.com/blog/blog/2013/05/08/the-best-moment-award-and-the-nominations-go-to-envelope-please/
Hope you get some much needed sleep ☺
LikeLike
Sam, it’s been a pleasure meeting you through the Challenge and I’ve really enjoyed your work (though I do need to catch up, as I haven’t read through all of your A to Z posts yet, but I hope to do so soon). You did a great job and I look forward to keeping up with you in the coming months.
LikeLike
ALSO – YAY, NEW PUPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lucky!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
LikeLike
Good luck with your novel writing! And what a cute puppy!
LikeLike
We are all powerless against puppies, it’s understood.
And, although you’re being inundated with awards, I couldn’t resist adding another by giving you the Liebster award!
http://bev-thebevelededge.blogspot.com/2013/05/liebsters-2-and-3.html
If you do accept (which I hope you will) please drop me a line and link me to the post as I’d love to read your answers!
LikeLike
Every other night until dawn is fine if it works for you, Sam! Especially if it helps crank out new novels and refine the craft. Good luck!
LikeLike
HA! Sounds like a great experience! Sorry I missed you during the challenge, but welcome to the blogging world, in any case! I find it’s a fabulous way to build relationships with other writers and to ‘steady’ your voice as a writer.
LikeLike
The first A to Z in 2010 taught me not to wing it and to plan and write posts ahead of time. Glad you enjoyed it though and hope you’ll be back next year.
LikeLike