Changing Focus

I recently took some time to think about the direction of Ellie's Writing Desk. Although I originally started this blog to promote my Associated Content articles, I realized that I wanted to do much more with it than that. I had a lot of ideas; the problem was figuring out which ones would work.

I finally came up with a plan, and I think it works. I hope it works.

1. Post writing prompts. I've already come up with some interesting ones, so be on the lookout for them. You'll be able to fulfill the prompts in the comments, on your own blog, or privately--or you can just ignore them. It's up to you. The idea is to get the creative juices flowing and just have fun.

2. Find and post information about writing contests.

3. Provide tips about writing and grammar.

4. Continue to promote my own articles, but more regularly. It still won't be very often, since I don't write that many.

5. Promote articles by other writers.

6. Spotlight different writers, including occasionally branching out into some interviews.

I haven't finalized a schedule, and that's probably not even possible. However, I do intend to update this blog much more often than in the past.

I also started a new blog, Ellie's Blank Book. It will be for most of the blog hops and blogging challenges, although any that are devoted to the act of writing will be here at Ellie's Writing Desk.

Wrapping Up the A-Z Challenge

The A-Z blogging challenge wrapped up over the weekend, and now it's time to reflect on how it went. When I first learned about the challenge, I had to stop and think about whether I could participate. Eventually, I signed up all five of my blogs. From the beginning, my intention was to spread the challenge over all of them, posting on anywhere from one to five for any given letter. I also made three rules for myself.

My Rules, Meant Just for Me

1. Post at Help Michigan Pets for every letter.

2. Write and post them on the day they're due. In other words, no writing ahead or doing a pre-scheduled post.

3. Make-up posts are not allowed. If I miss a letter, I won't be going back and filling it in.

So, how did I do?

I followed my rules. I even kicked off the challenge by posting at every blog. I did let myself brainstorm ahead of time, and I made a master list of potential topics. I also allowed myself to start researching animals a few days ahead of schedule.

I had a bit of serendipity twice on my entertainment blog. The first instance of perfect timing occurred along with the bad news about ABC's cancellation of two soap operas, which gave me an L for Loss. Later, on S night, the next day's topic fell into my lap when I saw a new commercial advertising a web series based in my area. The title of that series begins with a T.

The timing of this challenge was also serendipitous. I had been neglecting my blogs and wanted to start them up again. The neglect began (and lasted) mostly due to circumstances beyond my control, but as time went on, it became increasingly difficult to make myself get back to them. The challenge gave me the push I needed.

The Tally

Since I already said that I followed my rules, you know that my pets blog got a new post for every letter. As for my other blogs, some received more new posts than others.

Help Michigan Pets: 26 new posts
Ellie's Couch: 17 new posts
Diary of a Non-Person: 12 new posts
Ellie's Attic: 6 new posts
Ellie's Writing Desk: 4 new posts

New Connections

I've gained quite a few followers and started following even more blogs than ever. Not all of them were participating in the challenge; I found some of them on other participants' reading lists. Here are just a few of the interesting blogs I've been following, thanks to this challenge:

Content for Foodies
Jeffrey Beesler's World of the Scribe
La fotografía efectista abstracta
Langley Writes
My Literary Jam & Toast
¡Palabras interesantes, raras, hermosas y divertidas!
Pirate Knitting
Tossing It Out

Plans

As a result of the A-Z Challenge, I've determined to come up with a schedule and stick to it. I'm also thinking about the future of this blog. Originally, it was meant to promote some of my articles, and I have another one reserved for blogging about writing in general. Now I'm trying to come up with a better plan for each of them.

Wrapping It Up

I'm glad I had the opportunity to get back to my blogs, especially my pets blog. If it helped even one pet find a forever home, it was well worth my time.

I enjoyed participating in the A-Z Challenge, and I definitely accomplished what I set out to do. I would like to do this again in the future if time permits, but with fewer blogs and with the intention to post all 26 letters on each one.

I'd like to thank the hosts for coming up with this challenge. Special thanks go to Elizabeth Mueller for the cool badge she provided for us, as well as to Deirdra Eden-Coppel for the beautiful awards she gave my blogs.

Ordering Your Own Lab Tests Online

I found out a few months ago that it's possible for people to order their own lab tests online. Although the law requires a doctor to actually do the requisition, consumers can go to one of several websites, place their order, and wait for it to be approved.

This practice isn't legal everywhere, but most states do allow it. To get the specifics, check this article.

There are quite a few things to consider before taking such a step, so be sure to read the pros and cons of ordering your own lab tests online.

Road Food: Where to Eat in the Baltimore-Washington Corridor

Some restaurants look great on the outside but don't have anything on the menu that you'd want to eat. Others don't look so great but have fantastic food. If you live in the area, you're more likely to know whether dining there is a good idea or not, but what if you're unfamiliar with the area?

The Baltimore-Washington Corridor is a popular area for visitors, and there's certainly no shortage of places to eat. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, check out these five great local restaurants in the Baltimore-Washington Corridor; they all have fantastic food at reasonable prices.

Celebrity Couples Who Met on TV

Celebrities get together all the time. They also break up all the time.

When actors are interested in each other after meeting on the set of a television show, it can get tricky. Should they go ahead and start dating? Should they wait until they're not working together anymore?

Some couples who meet on a TV show eventually get married. This is a look at five such celebrity couples who seem to be in it for the long haul. In fact, one of these couples got married more than thirty-five years ago.

Read more

Being Erica

Being Erica is about to end its third season on SOAPnet. In this series, Erica Strange travels back in time to fix her biggest regrets--at least that's what the viewers are supposed to believe. Is that what's really happening, or is something else going on?

As someone who has never missed an episode of Being Erica, I have put together my top ten theories about what's really happening in this series. Although some of these theories are more plausible than others, they all have merit based on what the viewers have been allowed to see.

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Arthurian Shows: Merlin Versus Camelot

Anyone who's into the tales of King Arthur and Camelot knows that there are many different versions of the legends. In fact, the two current television series depicting Arthur and Merlin have very different takes on life in Camelot.

While both shows are enjoyable, they don't necessarily attract the same audience. Which one is right for you?

Read more

Blogging From A to Z April Challenge

After having to neglect all my blogs for several months, I've joined the Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2011.

On Mondays through Saturdays in April, I'll be posting on anywhere from one blog to all five of them.

I'm hoping this will help me get back in the swing of things.