I can’t say I’m feeling ‘stuck’ exactly, but I *am* feeling a little like… I don’t even know… about next month.
For those of you who have been reading for a while, this will not come as a surprise to you, but in case you’ve forgotten (or in case you’re new enough to this space that you haven’t been through an April with me before): The A-to-Z Challenge is coming up.
And I have no idea what I’m going to write about.
Like, no idea.
For the past few years I’ve had a theme (WOOT! — Go me!) and for the years before that I just wrote/posted whatever. And while either approach is fine, one must first have an idea before they can develop an approach.
So far my ideas are:
- Participate in the A-to-Z Challenge.
*laugh*
So I thought I’d put it to you. (Yes, YOU, dear reader.)
Because probably you (yes, YOU) have some ideas about what you’d like to read. And maybe you have some questions about what I write (or have written in the past).
Therefore, maybe if we put our heads together, we could come up with something that works. 🙂
I started making a list of things that *might* be do-able in terms of re-examining previously-written-about topics or doing a Then versus Now type thing. But my alphabetical list started to look a bit daunting in the anatomical department:
- Assholes
- Breasts
- Cunts
- Dicks
*laugh*
I considered doing a theme along the lines of Things You Don’t Know About Me. But I got as far as…
- Allergies
…and stopped.
So I dunno.
See that giant I dunno shrug at the top?
I. Dunno.
I don’t know quite what I’m going to do. But I’m hoping you’ll be willing to chime in with your thoughts on the matter.
Are there topics I’ve touched on here that you’d like to read more about? Do you have an idea for a theme that you think would make sense for this blog and its audience? Are you curious about anything that I might be able to expound upon? I could always attempt to answer reader questions in alphabetical format.
I have thought of revisiting topics, I have considered incorporating memory/memoir in some way (though I built a summer project around that concept a few years ago and I’m not sure I want to repeat myself in that way), I have pondered the theme of relationships. I thought using quotes as a jumping-off point might be fun but it would be challenging to maintain that approach alphabetically. Writing prompts came to mind — like, writing in answer to a prompt of some sort (they have them daily right now on my blog reader app) and making it fit a letter — as did writing/creating prompts myself, to post for others to use if they’d like. I briefly considered tackling short pieces of fiction. Music always works well for me as a theme/muse, but I do that every September and I’ve done it once for an A-to-Z in the past. Advice? Anecdotes? Books? Entertainment, maybe?
SO.
I have a lot of “I could __________, BUT…” happening in my head right now, as you can see. As well as a bit of “maybe __________?”
I have time still. Kind of. (I normally start prepping for this writing event in January and have completed half my posts by now. So I have time on the calendar, yes. But I don’t really have time. If you see what I mean.)
So I have time(ish).
But I also have readers!
Which is where YOU (yes, YOU!) come in.
Because, no idea.
So if you have a moment, I’d love to hear from you.
What would you like to see for the 2023 A-to-Z?
What if you did what you already suggested?
“Advice? Anecdotes? Books? Entertainment, maybe?”
For A you pick Advice or Anecdotes and then post about that.
B can be books.
C can be conundrums.
Etc.
jumping all over the place, but just keeping that days’ subject to the alphabetical.
Just an idea. Good luck!
Marla could be on to something. I’m sure your brain is chock full of “random alphabetical things” that could run from A to Z and even if it’s something you might have mentioned years ago. I might think, “Okay, today’s letter is H…” and write the first “H” thing that pops into my head.
I like the idea of random word posts. I suspect that would make it much easier for you, and I both enjoy your writing and am interested in whatever you choose to write about. I definitely vote for whatever is less stressful and more enjoyable! But if you strictly want a “contained” theme, I like the idea of books. It seems I’m bound and determined to add to my never-ending list of TBRs.
I’m glad you’ll be playing along again this year. I’ve been struggling with can-I-do-it as well, and it definitely feels like this is more of a stretch than it’s ever been. But I’m going to give it a whirl anyway.
I’m looking forward to reading yours! (And I’m glad I’m not the only one feeling like it’s a stretch this time around!)
There’s no crime in skipping a year. I was never much for long themed prompts myself, but occasionally found one or two singular prompts interesting enough to use. Mostly however, I found things like this, (especially alphabetized themes) to be somewhat arbitrary and forced. Even as a reader, I can’t say the A-Z April thing did much for me. I much prefer a writer put something out there that’s poignant, topical, and witty, and fuck what letter it starts with.
But…………….. if you want to do it, I like your body part list but I suggest twisting it a bit. Just change “breasts” to “boobs” and your list could easily go from an anatomical review to a kind of people review: ” A-Zs I have known” 😉
Other possibilities? Emotions ( anger, boredom, coyness……etc. ) or obscure historical figures, or elements/chemicals and how each has affected your life. (“I’d be lost without aluminum foil”)
Maybe the snarkier or stranger the theme, the more fun you’ll have with it?
Maybe disregard these “prompts” entirely. I think they weaken the writers who use them. Write what is going on, what you’re feeling both north and south of your belly button. 🙂
I’ve totally forgotten about the A-Z. I want to play along. But I’m afraid of commitment! LOL. I’m sure whatever you choose to write about will be informative and entertaining! looking forward to reading.
How about your take on “Monogamish” relationships? What do you do when your sexual appetite is not matched by your spouse/partner?
Good Luck!
Chazz
Whatever you will come up with, your readers will follow, as everything you write is witty and funny, in a tongue in a cheek kind of way.
Thank you for the inspiration, Mrs Fever! Since it will be my first year, the subject is easy, all about spanking. I just posted it and back linked to you, https://soreismore.blogspot.com/2023/03/a-to-z.html
Sore is more recently posted…A to Z
Hello old friend. I’ve been long gone for some time, but I’m coming back. As yu may or may not have noticed, I’ve begun reading and following your posts again, and since this fine month of April, in the A-Z writing challenge, I would like to suggest, maybe even propose, (funny word, eh?) that since you are really immersing yourself in READING, that you might enjoy my first self-published work (on Amazon entitled: ‘(Once in a) Blue Agave Moon’, which is an e-book; all I could afford at this time.
It is ~ 348 pages or so, depending upon your reader, etc., and is ONLY $1.99!!!
It would truly give me pleasure to receive you feedback (even if it’s not complementary) because over the years, I have come to value your opinion, even to the point of ‘borrowing’ your term “monogamish’…
I hope that you find it to be an interesting read, and even if you’re not willing to cough up $1.99, I would be more than happy to e-mail you a copy of the gallery proofs. I believe that I have your e-mail addresses (or at least one that you said you rarely ever even check anymore).
And if you could find it in your heart to write a review, I will be forever in your gratitude!
Sincerely,
Chazz Vincent
Nice to see you, Chazz. I would be happy to check out your e-book; I’ll look it up.