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Thursday, May 9, 2013

Reflections & Inflections

Originally I wasn't going to write a post summarizing my experience with this year's A to Z Blogging Challenge. But, after reading a few reflection posts, I had a change of heart. It's not that I didn't want to reflect. I'm just so backed up with reviews and interviews promised to authors and publishers, I didn't think I had the time.


I'll be taking my summer break in July and August, so I have to fulfill these promises before then. Increasing my blogging days anymore than one isn't an option either. I'm working on my sequel and need to get the first draft completed before my summer break. Plus, I've written a few new picture books, etc... I won't bore you with anymore details. Movin' on...

I'm so glad I chose the theme of Pinterest. My posts ended up being playful and stress-free, which was an amazing change for me. Posting reviews, interviews, and promotions for authors, publishers, and illustrators inspires me be more cautious, deliberate, concise, and creative with what I share. I really do take pains in developing a post for these folks that will move readers to seek them out as well as their work. I'm also thankful that I was accepted as one of Matt's minions. It was fun seeing the challenge from another vantage point. (Thanks, Matt & my minion-mates!)

This moves me to think about next year. What fun can I come up with. Maybe I'll focus on cartoon characters from the past, or maybe I should share parenting incidents I've had over the years; trust me, those would be hilarious.

SPLAT! Don't forget to ENTER Dianne's CAGED GRAVES Giveaway!!

 What is your favorite stress-free subject to share on your blog or website?
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16 comments:

  1. Natalie AguirreMay 9, 2013 at 6:52 AM

    I so know what you mean about being backed up with reviews and author promotion and reading for them. So I don't have any easy, fun posts. Though I love that I'm promoting authors. I'm not taking off this summer, but I am taking some weeks off and trying to post once a week. I'm glad to slow down for the summer. Awesome you take the summer off.

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    1. S.A. LarsenッMay 9, 2013 at 8:45 AM

      Yeah, I was reluctant to take that break last summer. But it ended up being the best thing ever. It totally recharged my batteries, plus gave me invaluable time with my growing kids; time is dwindling where they are concerned. This summer break won't be as relaxing. I'll be editing my draft of MB's sequel - that's if I finish the first draft by summer. LOL

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  2. shellyMay 9, 2013 at 7:12 AM

    I feel your pain. I've got 177 books right now to read and review. I feel like I've been slugging along with it. Plus, I'm working on the next draft on Lila's journey and some short stories going to publication this summer.

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

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    1. S.A. LarsenッMay 9, 2013 at 8:47 AM

      Holy Moly, Shelly!! I hope you have loads of ice around for those eyeballs. :) It is hard to work it all in at times.

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  3. Alex J. CavanaughMay 9, 2013 at 7:41 AM

    Low-stress is good! My theme was just bit more stressful.
    Either of those themes sound good for next year.
    It's not low-stress, but my favorite thing is my Ninja News. It requires a lot of links and images, bu I enjoy doing it.

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    1. S.A. LarsenッMay 9, 2013 at 8:42 AM

      And your Ninja News is very much appreciated, too! I love reading that stuff. I don't comment on a lot of NN info, because it always feels redundant to what others have always commented. I try and focus on a different aspect of your posts. lol

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  4. DaniMay 9, 2013 at 9:57 AM

    I loved your AtoZ posts! They were creative and different. I like variety and Pinterest has it! Can't wait to see what you on for next year.

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  5. Deanie Humphrys-DunneMay 9, 2013 at 11:17 AM

    Good morning, S. A. I nominated you for another award. Please visit www.dhdunne.blogspot.com to find out more.

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  6. DL HammonsMay 9, 2013 at 1:23 PM

    From the few times I was able to visit, I really enjoyed your theme. Pinterest is just coming into its own and you demonstrated perfectly how it could be leveraged! :)

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    1. S.A. LarsenッMay 9, 2013 at 4:51 PM

      Aw, thanks! It was fun. I really enjoyed sharing what I found. And honestly, I found more than I had already noticed. Not sure that's a good thing.

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  7. S.A. LarsenッMay 9, 2013 at 4:52 PM

    Dani - That is so sweet of you to say! I really appreciate your visits. I'll have to come up with something funky and fun, like this year. It made me want to write the posts!

    DHD - Aw...hopping over now!

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  8. UnknownMay 10, 2013 at 7:12 AM

    You sound like you have a full plate. It was good you were able to make time and share. Hope all goes well this summer. I am also looking forward to working on a sequel. There's always more words!

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  9. Mart RamirezMay 10, 2013 at 12:22 PM

    So MUCH to do! So little time. My TBR pile is getting high with so many great books I am eager to read.

    I know you'll come up with lots of fun. You always have great posts :-) X

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  10. SuzanneMay 11, 2013 at 6:55 PM

    Hi, popping by from the reflections list :) Excellent theme, I intentionally haven't got a Pinterest account - otherwise I know it would suck me in big time! - but I do enjoy browsing friends pins :)
    Suzanne @ Suzannes Tribe

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  11. BethMay 14, 2013 at 12:27 AM

    Excerpts...they`re easy to post and good for the author.

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    1. S.A. LarsenッMay 14, 2013 at 7:14 PM

      That is a good point, Beth!! So true. I'll have to seek some of those boards out.

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