Monday 7 May 2012

#AtoZChallenge Reflection Post - plus other news...Another #AtoZ Challenge, Andy David, Glynis Smy


Hi my friends!

Monday, May 7, we have been asked to write a post reflecting on the A-Z Challenge.

I thoroughly enjoyed posting my BLOGGERS WERE CHILDREN TOO! posts during the challenge, getting to know my blogger friends better, and showcasing blogs to my readers/visitors. Overall, my commenters were generous in their praise for the theme and judging from the frequent returns I believe they meant it. So, thanks for visiting me during the challenge. I hope I returned all visits. During the madness of April it is too easy to miss someone.

My complaint is that I didn't get the time to visit as many new people as I'd hoped. As the links will be up for awhile, I hope to still visit more entries to the challenge. I didn't go out to get a heap of new followers, and I didn't. I visited/commented on far too many blogs. Some were good, some were nonsense just written to get something on the page and that happens, but some were blatantly self-promotional material.

But can we as writers really afford to tap out that many words in comments that really don't mean a lot? I'm jealous of my writing friends who took the month off to work on their WIPs or just to enjoy a blogging break. This might be the way to go next April, I'm thinking, unless someone can give me a good argument otherwise.

Now, life goes on after and even during, the challenge, so...moving on.

CHALLENGE NO 36 - FRIDAY MAY 18 - APPRECIATING THE ZEALOTRYNEWSFLASH NO 1: RomanticFridayWriters' next challenge (on May 18) is to re-post your favourite A-Z post in April. It's called APPRECIATING THE ZEALOTRY. Maybe a post you'd like more people to see, maybe a post that you think is great enough to expose to a larger audience, maybe a post you're especially proud of. The brainchild of Donna Hole, this is an easy challenge for those exhaused A-Zers, or those not participating in the challenge who wrote posts which had few comments due to the April challenge taking up most people's time. RFW will post a linky on their blog on Thursday May 17 so you can link your post. http://romanticfridaywriters.blogspot.com

NEWSFLASH NO 2: My dear poetic friend, Andy David, ex-Trinidad, now the US, is hosting a BLOG HOP the first Saturday of each month. All you have to do is link up your blog, OR a favourite blog OR a favourite post. The idea is like a continuation of the challenge, except you don't have to write anything specific, just post your link and during the month, visit some/all bloggers. If you want to extend your network, gain more followers, this is for you. Click on BLOG HOP above to sign up. 


NEWSFLASH NO 3: Last, but not least, today writer/poet, Glynis Smy adds author/novelist to her name. Her debut novel; Ripper, My Love, is launched in ebook format and paperback. The genre for this love story falls into the one of Historical Romance Suspense.



Growing up in late nineteenth century East London,
Kitty Harper’s life is filled with danger and death – from her mother, her
beloved 
neighbour and the working women
of the streets.

With her ever-watchful father and living surrogate
family though, Kitty feels protected from harm. In fact, she feels so safe that
while Whitechapel cowers under the cloud of a fearsome murderer, she strikes
out on her own, moving into new premises to accommodate her sewing business.

But danger is closer than she thinks. In truth, it
has burrowed itself right into her heart in the form of a handsome yet troubled
bachelor, threatening everything she holds dear. Will Kitty fall prey to lust –
and death – herself, or can she find the strength inside to fight for her
business, sanity and her future? And who is the man terrifying the streets of
East London?


Who is Glynis Smy?

Glynis was born and raised in England, in the coastal town of Dovercourt, near the port of Harwich (where the captain of the Mayflower lived). After qualifying as a nurse, she married her school friend, and they produced three children. During her rare quiet moments, she wrote poetry and articles for magazines. In 2005 she and her husband emigrated to Cyprus for a new life in the sun. It was here that Glynis lay down her cross stitch and started making writing friends on the Internet. With their support and encouragement she shared her poetry, and was successful in a few contests. She shared a short story with a friend, who wrote back telling her it was worthy of becoming a novel, and not to waste the premise upon a brief plot. The story is the one being launched today. Glynis found her love of writing 19th Century, historical romances and her second novel, Maggie's Child, will be published at the end of 2012.

Aside from writing and Cross stitch, Glynis enjoys creating greetings cards, and sells them to raise funds for a small hospice in Cyprus. One of her pleasures is to sit on the back porch with a glass of wine, and reflect upon her good life. She can often be heard chatting to new characters urging her forward.

Her desire to pay back those who had supported her is realised in a blog designed specifically to promote the books of others: New Book Bloggerhttp://newbookblogger.blogspot.com/. You can find her personal writing blog at http://www.glynissmy.com/. Glynis finds the community spirit of writers on Facebook a valuable one.

Want to purchase a copy?  Launch day price for the Kindle is 99c/77p!






I hope you enjoyed my post.

  • Did you participate in the A-Z Challenge?
  • If not, did you reach your writing goals you'd set for yourself, or any other goals for April?
  • What are your goals for May? 




56 comments:

J.L. Campbell said...

Lots of info here, Denise. You lot are smart. That next challenge I can do. Just need to stock up on some Ginko for my memory. Andy's blog hop sounds easy too.

Hoping Glynis' book does well. Historical Romantic Suspense is an interesting and intriguing label.

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

First up I didn't do the A to Z challenge why well I'm lazy or unmotavated or something like that.........lol Secondly the book sounds interesting......

Trisha said...

Nice reflection post! I'm going to write up my post today as well, but probably in the evening when I'm at home :)

Unknown said...

I really enjoyed your posts, but I think I've told you that many times during the last month. I went and bought Glynis' book. Can't wait to read and review it.

Charmaine Clancy said...

I like the repost idea, it can sometimes feel like posts go to waste when they're only up for one day.

It's been great seeing Glynis post about her progress, great premise, look forward to reading it.

My goals for May are to ease up the pressure a little, I've taken on a challenge to spend at least 5 mins every day meditating and I plan to get the first 10,000 words down for my teen YA novel (as long as I don't change my mind about which one I'm writing... again). Oh, and of course to see my Vannguard writing buddies at our toolbox for writers course! ;)

dolorah said...

Great announcements Denise. And Glyns' book cover and book concept look awesome.

.......dhole

Kyra Lennon said...

I absolutely loved your A-Z theme - it was so unique, and really cool to learn about other bloggers!

Unknown said...

RFW sounds interesting, don't write romance but shall eventually, so shall take a look. :0)

Glynis Peters said...

Hi Denise, thank you so much for sharing my launch day on your reflection post! A great post by the way. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Very excited for Glynis! She's been working forever to bring this book into the world.
I didn't get to visit as many new blogs as I'd hoped because I was so busy visiting my blogger buddies, many of whom also participated in the Challenge.

Denise Covey said...

Yes I know how you feel Alex. D.

Denise Covey said...

Hope you can join us next challenge Joy. An easy one! D.

Denise Covey said...

I'll be interested to hear what you think Clarissa. I've got to finish yours first. D.

Denise Covey said...

I hope you'll join us for the repost Charmaine. Trouble is choosing which one to repost. Glad to hear Vannguard is a priority! And the Toolkit! D.

Denise Covey said...

Thanks for being such an enthusiastic visitor Kyra. I so appreciated it! D.

Denise Covey said...

How lovely Carole. It's not romance, but romantic, a little. D.

Denise Covey said...

No worries Glynis! D.

baygirl32 said...

It was a great challenge, really enjoyed you theme, just wish I could have made it here every day

Theresa Milstein said...

I enjoyed your A to Z theme.

Nice to see Glynis here too!

alexia said...

I've never done A to Z because I know I'll get overwhelmed trying to keep up with it.

Glynis' book sounds cool - good luck to her!

eigroj said...

Your blog is awesome and the A-Z challenge is great and does Glynis she's a reat writer... keep it up...^^__^^

Botanist said...

I thought yours was an inspired approach to the A to Z, and I was pleased to see a few bloggers I know featured.

My writing goals for April went right out the window with all the visiting and commenting. Still trying to catch my breath and get back on track.

Denise Covey said...

Yes Botanist,sadly that's what happens. Thanks for visiting through the challenge. D.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

H Denise .. yes - I agree with the others - so clever to post about bloggers' childhoods - and it was so interesting .. but I have to go back as I'm sure I missed one or two.

Glynis's book - I'm looking forward to reading it .. sounds morbidly fascinating ...

I can understand your comment re not getting any writing done .. it's the devil and the deep blue sea isn't it - choices.

I'll be around to go back .. see you soon .. cheers Hilary

Southpaw said...

I didn't do the challenge and I took the month off from blogging. It was AWESOME!

Kittie Howard said...

I bought Glynis' book yesterday. Saving it for the beach this summer. I didn't get many new followers either, wasn't really trolling for any, pretty much had a completion goal. That done, I'm taking the month off next year to work on my WIP if the challenge is in April. Might do so if it's not. There were so many commercial blogs listed (and those private blogs-duh?) I found myself wasting time clicking around and gave up. I'm trying to get back into the routine and re-connect with my base. About the reporter - his pitch was front and center with the research he'd already done. I added verrrrrry little. Outside of feeling stalked, what ticked me off was, if he could call me for info he could've had the simple decency to call me prior to indexing material. I've decided to plough ahead. Many, many thanks, Denise, for your comment, Denise.

Talli Roland said...

Congrats on finishing the challenge! I didn't do it this year; last year wiped me out and it took me ages to recover my blogging mojo. As fun as it was, I just couldn't face doing it again.

Yay for Glynis!

Denise Covey said...

Clever you Talli. No fun losing your blogging mojo. D.

Denise Covey said...

Glad to hear it Southpaw. I'm looking forward to that next year. D.

Denise Covey said...

Sounds like we had similar experiences in April Kittie. We can't afford the time. D.

Deniz Bevan said...

I loved your A-Z theme, Denise! It'd be great if you could feature a new set of bloggers next year :-)

Denise Covey said...

Hmm....

Barbara said...

Hi Denise! Nice post, I'm still blog-hopping after the challenge, and I see what you mean about producing all those meaningful/less comments.
See you around - nice to meet you.

English Speaking Zone

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I didn't visit as many blogs as I should've during the A to Z. I stopped blogging daily two years ago and now I remember why. But I did enjoy it.

Denise Covey said...

I hope to continue meeting more new bloggers. Nice to meet you.
D.

Denise Covey said...

Way to go Evalina! D.

Denise Covey said...

I used your olde-world ones. They were amazing. Thank you. D.

The Poet said...

My dear Denise,
I'm visiting from Blog Hop Saturday! (LOL)
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for the huge plug! I'm overwhelmed with your kindness and generosity.
I've not yet had a chance to do my reflective post...I might just go over & add a few lines in the comments. I did find it hard going near the end. If I participate again next year, I think I'll schedule all my posts in advance. It was tough visiting while trying to keep up with my regular readers/visits too. May is going to be busy for me what with the hop and my new blog, Lover's Cove, which I'm turning into a collaboration blog.

Congratulations to Glynis! I've never been to Cyprus. It all sounds so romantic. I wish her all the very best...with a beautiful smile like that, she'll go far!

Thanks for everything, Denise. You're truly one of a kind! Hope you don't mind if I blow you a few kisses...muah, muah, muah (smile)

The Poet said...
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The Poet said...
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Denise Covey said...

Andy you're a sweet guy. We can all do with a few kisses occasionally mwhhahaha. D.

I must do a bit of Blog Hop Saturday visiting too. D.

Nas said...

Hi Deniz,

I loved your A-Z theme and loved reading all the posts! Thanks.

Congrats to Glynis, her Ripper My Love sounds an awesome story!

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Nas. D.

Glynis Peters said...

Thank you, J L!

Glynis Peters said...

Thank you, Clarissa!

Glynis Peters said...

Thanks, Charmaine!

Glynis Peters said...

Alex, four years! Four years! Thanks. :)

Glynis Peters said...

:) Theresa x

Glynis Peters said...

Thanks, Alexia!

Glynis Peters said...

Thank you, Eigroj!

Glynis Peters said...

Thank you so much, Kittie! I do hope you enjoy it.

Glynis Peters said...

You needed your mojo for Construct a Couple, T. x

Glynis Peters said...

Thanks, Andy! Big smiles for you. Cyprus is a good place for me to write. As Denise is sending kisses, I will send you one from The Island of Love. Mwah!

Glynis Peters said...

Thanks, Nas. Very nice of you to say so!

Glynis Peters said...

Denise, a big hug for your support! Sorry it has taken me a week to get here and respond. So many blogs and so few hours as I have visitors.

Denise Covey said...

Difficult to find the time I know. Was lovely of you to come by and reply. D.