Wednesday, March 23, 2011

A to Z Challenge: How to Blog Like It's Not a Chore

One very important bit of information before I launch into my post: tomorrow is my BIRTHDAY! Yes, I'll be turning the big 3-7. Yes, I'm getting old(er). No, I don't care!

As much as I love blogging, sometimes it can be a bit of a chore. I'm not in the mood; I've got nothing to say; I just want to have that glass of wine at the end of the day (although let's be honest -- I'm going to have it anyway, blogging or not).

With the A to Z Challenge coming up starting April 1, here are some of my tips to lighten the blogging load.

1. Keep it short, keep it short, keep it short! You don't need to write an essay.

2. Stick to one point. Blog posts that address one issue are easiest for people to read and comment.

3. If you can't think of anything to say - just have fun! You don't always need to be serious, and your readers will likely appreciate a little bit of levity.

3. Don't over think it. It's a blog post, not a peace treaty.

4. Drink some wine. Or eat some chocolate. That will make anything fun!

5. If you really don't feel like blogging - don't. No kittens will die. The world won't end. Take a break if you need it and get recharged.

There you have it! Want to sign up for the A-Z Challenge and have some fun? Visit Arlee's blog to give it a go - we're over 550 people now, I do believe.

I'm off to start the birthday festivities! See you on the other side.
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82 comments:

  1. Cherie Reich23 March 2011 at 14:02

    Phew! I was worried about kittens dying if I didn't post. ;)

    I hope you have a fantastic birthday!

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  2. Michael Di Gesu23 March 2011 at 14:08

    HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY, TALLI!

    Wow, there are some amazing Aries people in our blogging world. Mine is next month... At the end, I'm a bull.... that's why I'm a writer.lol.

    HERE'S TOASTING YOU, TALLI! I wish I could clink glasses with you in person.

    ENJOY!

    Michael

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  3. LindyLouMac23 March 2011 at 14:08

    Some great tips Talli. I will not be joining the challenge as although it sounds fun it really does not fit with the theme behind either of my blogs.
    Bruge looked lovely, somewhere I fancy taking a trip to sometime. Happy Birthday for tomorrow, I hope you are having a day off. xx

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  4. Jhon Baker23 March 2011 at 14:10

    On the other hand - if you put too much time into your blogging - your kittens may die.
    Always sound advice, thank you Talli.

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  5. Anonymous23 March 2011 at 14:16

    Happy Birthday! Hope you start celebrating today. Great tips on over-all blogging. And I love #3! So true!

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  6. Alexandra Shostak23 March 2011 at 14:18

    Happy early birthday, Talli! :)

    Great advice for blog posts; I am guilty of having left blogs before because the posts were all too long and I didn't have time/energy/desire to read what would amount to a four page essay to be able to leave a thoughtful comment.

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  7. Gabriela Lessa23 March 2011 at 14:22

    So, it's a thing then? Writers and bloggers are supposed to be born in March or something? Huh. You live you learn.

    Now, what about puppies? Do puppies die if I don't blog? And is there anything sugar-free, fat-free, alcohol-free that makes blogging fun? (Ok, scratch that.)

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  8. Nicole Zoltack23 March 2011 at 14:29

    Happy early Birthday!!!

    And I'm a huge fan of short blog posts. :)

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  9. Summer Ross23 March 2011 at 14:33

    Happy Birthday Talli! I'm already signed up for the challenge.

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  10. Bossy Betty23 March 2011 at 14:38

    Happy Birthday Talli!!!!!! Hope you have a great one!

    (Are you SURE no kittens will die? Promise?)

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  11. Angela23 March 2011 at 14:43

    I like number 1 the best.

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  12. RHYTHM AND RHYME23 March 2011 at 14:44

    Have a wonderful birthday Talli, you still got along way to catch up to me....lol

    Have a good day.
    Yvonne,

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  13. Anne23 March 2011 at 14:44

    I loved your post. Your words are so very true, keep it short, keep it short and yes, blogging should be fun while drinking wine and eating chocolate. Now that is my kind of blogging. lol
    Happy Birthday. Have a great day celebrating!
    Smiles.

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  14. Angelina Rain23 March 2011 at 15:00

    Happy Birthday girl.

    Thanks for all the advice on the A-Z Challenge. I signed up a while ago but I have no idea what I’ll blog about.

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  15. Bish Denham23 March 2011 at 15:05

    Happy Birthday! Have a wonderful day. Great tips by the way.

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  16. Neurotic Workaholic23 March 2011 at 15:18

    Happy Birthday! Take the day to do something fun. By the way, I ordered the paperback of your book The Hating Game and it just arrived a few days ago; I finished reading it in two days! I loved it!

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  17. Unknown23 March 2011 at 15:34

    Happy Birthday. I've found that we too are like wine. I think we get better with age. Trust me, I have pictures from back in the day. You do not want to see those.

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  18. Glynis Peters 23 March 2011 at 15:35

    Oh to be 37 again, it would give me more writing years! ;0

    Enjoy your day. I have learned to ease up on my blog writing. It started to frazzle my brain every day. I am enjoying the relaxed style I have adopted.

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  19. Candyland23 March 2011 at 16:10

    Oh geez. I'm glad no kittens have died in the 3 weeks I've taken off blogging!!!

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  20. Matthew MacNish23 March 2011 at 16:11

    Happy Birthday tomorrow Talli! I just turned 34, so I'm not far behind ya.

    I love the idea of being a little drunk. That's how I would write all my posts if I could.

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  21. Unknown23 March 2011 at 16:16

    Happy Birthday, Talli! No matter how old you get, there's always someone older than you! (In this case, me :)

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  22. Arlee Bird23 March 2011 at 16:27

    I do believe we are now nearly at 600!

    Great tips here. I used to blog like it was a job, until I realized I can have fun on the job. I'll take brandy with some amoretto, thank you.

    Happy Birthday! You're still just a kid.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out
    Twitter hashtag: #atozchallenge

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  23. Joanna St. James23 March 2011 at 16:38

    you do the red I'll have a glass of champers for you. Happy birthday and I really like the last rule.

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  24. Deborah Carr (Debs)23 March 2011 at 16:42

    This looks like fun.

    Hope you have a fabulous birthday tomorrow.x

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  25. Cat Lavoie23 March 2011 at 16:45

    Thanks for the tips! :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Hope you have an amazing day!! *birthday hug*

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  26. Heather23 March 2011 at 16:55

    Happy birthday Talli! I hope you have an excellent day surounded by the people you love.

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  27. Karen Jones Gowen23 March 2011 at 17:00

    Happy birthday! I hope you indulge in 37 cupcakes, maybe not all today but soon! Tomorrow is my husband's birthday, we are going to party like it's 1999.

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  28. Karen Lange23 March 2011 at 17:04

    Great advice! Happy Birthday! :)

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  29. PK HREZO23 March 2011 at 17:07

    I love it. Short and to the point. Thanks for bringing it up. WIth all those blogs to read, long posts just ain't gonna cut it.

    Have a fantastic birthday!! I turn 38 later this year, so for a few moths we will be the same age. Cheers!

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  30. Cynthia23 March 2011 at 17:49

    Happy Birthday! Cool list.

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  31. Brigid O'Connor23 March 2011 at 18:20

    Happy Birthday, Talli!!
    Good luck to everyone doing the blog challenge, I admire you all.

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  32. Stephanie23 March 2011 at 18:43

    Happy Birthday!!!! My hubby turns 36 on Monday!! I am doing the A-Z Challenge too....my approach is to write about whatever word pops into my head first that starts with the designated letter!!

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  33. girl daydreaming23 March 2011 at 19:17

    Ooooo happy birthday!!

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  34. Jane Lovering23 March 2011 at 19:25

    Happy birthday Talli - prepare yourself for the Flannel of a Lifetime (although it may need to wait until we can afford it, times is hard...)

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  35. Janice23 March 2011 at 19:25

    Happy birthday Talli - you are still soooo young!

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  36. Myne23 March 2011 at 19:52

    Thanks for the tips, and the comments about my book. I need more help, please check my blog. Thanks!

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  37. Pat Tillett23 March 2011 at 19:57

    Great tips!
    Happy Birthday!!! (in advance)

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  38. Jules23 March 2011 at 20:05

    Happy birthday Oh young one. And thank you for okaying my wine consumption but I think for the A-Z I am switching to martini's :)
    Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

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  39. Jai Joshi23 March 2011 at 20:08

    Great tips, Talli!

    Jai

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  40. Li23 March 2011 at 20:35

    Happy birthday! 37, you're just hitting the prime years.

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  41. Suzie F.23 March 2011 at 20:57

    Happy birthday, Talli! Have fun celebrating!

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  42. Unknown23 March 2011 at 21:10

    Happy birthday, Talli! :)

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  43. Brigita23 March 2011 at 21:21

    I agree on all the points, particularly number 4.

    By the way, you're not getting older, only wiser. ;)

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  44. M Pax23 March 2011 at 21:26

    I'd hate for kittens to die. I got up to J done and X. I need to get cracking on the rest. Took me until this past weekend to come up with a theme.

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  45. M Pax23 March 2011 at 21:26

    Oh, and Happy Birthday!

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  46. Michelle in a shell23 March 2011 at 21:34

    Happy birthday! And thanks for the tips!

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  47. Carol Riggs23 March 2011 at 21:37

    Happy, happy HAPPEEEE Birthday tomorrow, Talli! Have a great one, and may this year be the best ever (and how could it not, with your book doing so well??)

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  48. Anonymous23 March 2011 at 21:37

    Happy birthday! 37 years young!

    I love taking time off from blogging to get other things done but I always feel guilty about it, like it's my absolute duty to blog. But I get over it.

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  49. Bob Sanchez23 March 2011 at 21:45

    Happy birthday! You're on my A-Z list, so I guess I'm practicing now. Thanks for the good blogging tips.

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  50. Unknown23 March 2011 at 21:52

    Best advice ever.
    No kittens will die, how true. Your advice is really refreshing for a change.
    Oh, and have a wonderful birthday celebrations. You earned it.
    Nahno ∗ McLein ™

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  51. Alleged Author23 March 2011 at 22:42

    But the kittens WILL die! Won't someone think of the kittens??

    I totes agree with you. When I don't feel like blogging at all, I try to reward myself for doing it. Wine usually plays a part. :P

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  52. Alleged Author23 March 2011 at 22:43

    AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY EARLY!

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  53. Old Kitty23 March 2011 at 22:44

    Happy birthday for tomorrow!
    You are cute as a marshmallow!
    You make such lovely points here!
    Happy birthday for tomorrow!!

    Hip hip hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Take care
    x

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  54. Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy23 March 2011 at 22:51

    #4 and #1 in that order are my favourites. My A-Z posts will be mega short. And some are a little silly ;) I'm looking forward to it :)

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  55. Nas23 March 2011 at 23:11

    Happy Birthday! Thanks for the tips regarding the challenge. Or take it as blogging in general.

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  56. Lydia Kang23 March 2011 at 23:29

    Happy birthday, and I love your pointers. Totally agree!

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  57. The Words Crafter23 March 2011 at 23:35

    Whew. I'm glad no kitties will be at risk!

    Mine are going to be short, light, and hopefully fun.

    Happy Birthday :)

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  58. notesfromnadir23 March 2011 at 23:41

    Happy Birthday from 1 Aries to another! :)

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  59. Jemi Fraser24 March 2011 at 00:01

    Yay for the kittens & yay for your birthday! Enjoy and have fun!! :)

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  60. Meredith24 March 2011 at 02:05

    "It's a blog post, not a peace treaty." SO true. And Happy Birthday! Hope you get to celebrate all day. :)

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  61. Kari Marie24 March 2011 at 02:16

    Oooo...I need to practice #3. Actually I should practice all of them more. Thanks! Good tips.

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  62. India Drummond24 March 2011 at 07:23

    You say that about the kittens, but you don't have the best record when it comes to protecting our furry friends. In fact, I know you've set some of them up to be punched in the face.

    !!!!!

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  63. Laura24 March 2011 at 08:24

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! have an amazing day. Great tips too!
    Lx

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  64. Hilary Melton-Butcher24 March 2011 at 08:59

    Happy Birthday .. as it is today .. hope you're being right royally treated - have lots of levity and joy .. and yes - A:Z will be fun ..

    Cheers Hilary

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  65. Susan Fields24 March 2011 at 10:59

    Since it's already Thursday, I can say this now...happy birthday!

    I really love your tips, Talli. There are definitely times when my brain just won't come up with a topic. Have fun with the A-Z Challenge!

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  66. Manzanita24 March 2011 at 11:53

    Happy Birthday you Gorgeous Aries Writer,
    Great tips. Writers often get too verbose, long after their point is made and readers will be scurrying around trying to read as many posts as possible.
    Enyoy that glass (or perhaps more on your B/D) of wine.

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  67. Kristine Asselin24 March 2011 at 12:14

    Great tips. I'm in! And Happy Birthday!

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  68. Anonymous24 March 2011 at 12:31

    Happy Birthday!!!!!! happy A-Z!

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  69. Carol Kilgore24 March 2011 at 13:26

    Happy Birthday!
    Have a wonderful year :)

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  70. Hart Johnson24 March 2011 at 15:38

    Great reminders, Talli, and...

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I hope it's fabulous! This means Astrologically, you're a Tiger, eh? I have two Tigers in my family and am very fond of them.

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  71. Anonymous24 March 2011 at 18:48

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Talli!

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  72. Angela Ackerman25 March 2011 at 00:10

    Woot, glad I caught your birthday--hope you have a wonderful one! :)

    Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

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  73. Unknown25 March 2011 at 00:58

    Thanks for the advice and HAPPY B-DAY!!!! BTW as someone who hit the big 37 about four months ago...it isn't all that bad LMAO! Hope you are living it up :)

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  74. D.J.Kirkby25 March 2011 at 06:39

    I don't have a problem with writing the blog posts but I do struggle to fit in time to go around and read other people's blogs which is a shame because I enjoy reading what other people have to say. I wished you happy bithday on the day on Facebook and Twitter but happy belated birthday from me on here :)

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  75. Sand Castles and Snow Forts25 March 2011 at 08:36

    Since I haven't been asleep yet........ Happy Birthday!!

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  76. Rosalind Adam25 March 2011 at 09:43

    Hope you had a fabulous birthday and looking forward to the A to Z challenge ;-)

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  77. Flowerpot25 March 2011 at 09:52

    hope you had a great day - I'm sure you did!

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  78. Rebecca Bradley26 March 2011 at 14:40

    Thanks for this Talli. As an A-Z hopeful it's good to read these things. I'm happy that no kittens will die should I fail to blog and also to read the reiterated -Keep it short!

    See you there :)

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  79. Jamie Gibbs27 March 2011 at 18:39

    Good tips :D I'm looking forward to the A-Z challenge this year :D It's gonna be awesome!

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  80. William Kendall27 March 2011 at 20:39

    A belated happy birthday!

    I've decided to cut back my blogging to three or four times a week.

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  81. Brianna28 March 2011 at 15:53

    These are great tips!
    I especially need reminding that it's a blog post and not a peace treaty as I tend to overthink!

    Happy belated birthday!

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  82. Soooz Burke1 April 2011 at 06:27

    Hi, It's already April 1st here in OZ and I'm stopping by as part of the A-Z challenge! I didn't know quite where to leave a comment so I do hope you have a chance to see this one. I love the look of your blog and am now following.

    My day 1 post is here;
    http://sooozsaysstuff.blogspot.com/2011/04/az-challengeday-1april-1st-2011-for.html

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Coffee and wine for all!

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