A to Z Reflections: What Participants Say

       Since this is my sixth Challenge that means I've already done 5 years worth of Reflections and in some years those Reflections were broken down into a multi-part series of analytical posts about the Challenge.  Anything I would say this year would only be repetition of what I've said in the past.  If you're really interested in some of my A to Z thoughts then please go back to the Reflections of previous years.

       As with every year there have been the detractors and naysayers about A to Z.  Some of their issues I am empathetic with while some are decidedly silly in my opinion.  I'm always willing to discuss these negatives but mostly these are something to do with the complaining blogger and not to any inherent deficiency of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge.  This Challenge remains a mighty event that many love, some accept, and more that a few benefit from.

      Also I would be remiss in failing to thank the extraordinary efforts put forth by our dedicated A to Z Team of co-hosts as well as my own Ambassadors and all of the rest of the Minions, Muffins, and other volunteer helpers who put hours into trying to make this Challenge of 2015 run smoothly.  It's still not perfect, but it's still pretty excellent.

       So instead of me saying the same things I usually say, I'm going to let some you in the A to Z Community speak.   Here are some quotes gathered from comments and other sources:

I started blogging again because of this challenge. I abandoned my blog for far too long, but I had not previously connected with other bloggers. I only shared each new post with my friends, so I hope I didn't disappoint too many visitors. Participating in this has reminded me how much I enjoy writing and it has also given many great ideas about posting more regularly.Thanks for being such an excellent host, Arlee!

         Elizabeth @ Liz's Random Ponderings

I write what I know most about. That would be me and my life’s experiences. During this challenge, however, I wrote fictional pieces and it was fun.

Now, especially having finished the challenge, (yay!) I am thinking about new directions my blog may be taking.

This is the way I feel about my blog. There are two people who I know will faithfully read my posts, no matter what. That would be me and my greatest supporter, my husband. I have a feeling that there isn’t any other single person who is waiting with bated breath for my next bit of pearls of wisdom or that it will change their life in any way if I am not expounding that day.

WAIT! Don’t stop reading yet.

What I love about this challenge is that I re-discover how much I like to write. What I love about writing is the journey. This challenge puts me back on track to do something that I love.

I can’t tell you how much writing changes my outlook on life. Well I can tell you, or write about it. :) Thanks for this challenge!

Lynda Grace at Lynda Grace An Hour Away

Having the feeling of victory over something that is a little bit harder than we thought is like a crowning jewel and would be cherished for quite a long time.
When I joined this A-Z Challenge I never knew that I could come up with such topics and express my feelings I don't usually do.
I guess I would that I'm victorious in this challenge and thank you for letting me in.. 'til next year! ♥

Teresa Dosado at Whatever Makes You Happy

Some haven't finished but haven't given up!

Not only will i participate again next year, but it’s inspired me to blog using the A to Z concept but with specific themes – e.g. travel, food, jobs, etc. It might take me more than 26 days to get through each theme, but it’s given me the motivation I’ve needed for a long time to start writing more, and more consistently. thanks!    IsItReally2015

Oh, Arlee,...You’re so kind, thank you for your continued support. I know I am eons behind, but this challenge has taught me a lot. Even if it closes and I’m not done, I am determined to address my topics, still. They are all very important to me personally and professionally, and I have A-to-Z to thank for getting me back into the groove of writing articles again. Thanks again for everything!

Rhetorical Redhead

Jeffrey Scott  used Ranting as his A to Z theme but no rant about his feelings for the A to Z Challenge:

What a great month. I've had a lot of fun participating. I'll definitely be back next year. Met a lot of great blogs and bloggers. Looking forward to reading continually their updates.
Hopefully, I'll be one of those others have been glad to get to know.
Keep up your great work here! Enjoyed your thoughts this month.

J.A. Scott

There were those who kept their thoughts short and sweet:

D.G. Hudson said:
Nice badge. I'll post it in my sidebar! This was my most fun challenge.
Rainforest Writing



Karen Mortensen said
This was a good challenge for me. I am glad I did it. Can't wait till next year. 

I Made It Through the Day

bookworm said: 

This was my first A to Z but it won't be my last - I will be reflecting on Monday about just how much I enjoyed doing this I haven't felt this energized about blogging in a long time. 
Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com




Dixie@dcrelief
Truly a positive experience! Thank you A-Z Team!!

Remove the Rose Colored Glasses

Then we heard such encouraging thoughts as these:  

Mee Magnum said
Lee, thank you for your very kind words! It was a blast to be a part of and so much fun to come up with subjects for some letters. Definitely helped stretch my noggin’
I’m so glad I discovered this. GREAT work in putting it together and keeping it running year after year.
Mee Magnum at The Chinese Quest

I am both sad and relieved that the blogging challenge came to its end. It’s been an amazing month. I feel I’ve grown as a blogger and as a person in the short space of time.

My fear around blogging has decreased dramatically. Every time I published a blog post in the past, I felt there would be nothing to write about the next time I decide to blog. I am pleased to say, the challenge proved me wrong.

Dr Gulara Vincent

I think this simple statement sums up things nicely:

Another successful year. I can't imagine an April without the challenge.

Delores at Under the Porch Light

Find other Reflections Here:
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ON Wednesday May 6th

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