And so ends my 6th year of the A to Z Challenge.
This year I decided to write short stories, mostly witty ones of around 150 words which incorporated words which have fallen out of regular use. I had enormous fun doing it and they seemed to have gone down quite well.
Whilst I’m not one for statistics, I couldn’t help but notice that in my first year over 2000 bloggers signed up to the challenge, but this year just 418 took part. I visited and commented on an average of 34 blogs each day and received an average of just 15 visits in return, two-thirds of the number I had in year one.
My biggest disappointment was the decline in quick-read flash fiction. Whilst we are told that the largest number of contributors were in the Author/Writing category, most were trying to teach me how to write!
So that’s the negative bit out of the way!
On a positive note, I found myself becoming interested in subjects I’d never considered before. I was absorbed by a few continuing stories and amused by some folk’s personal experiences.
So the question is, will I return next year? Right now the answer is probably not. But I’ve said that at the end of every reflections post I’ve written. So I guess the answer should be … we’ll see!
My stories
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Z
Keith's Ramblings 
I would love to see you participating next year too. And I really enjoyed your posts, Keith! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Shweta, I really appreciate your support.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ohh and congratulations on your 6th year of being a survivor. That’s amazing. Well done, Keith. And thank you for your entertaining stories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your comments made it worthwhile! Thanks so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I enjoyed your posts, but I usually do. Not sure how I found your blog, but it might have been during the challenge one year. Can’t remember what year I quit participating but I think it was the year they changed a bunch of the posting rules.
In the last few years I have seen many bloggers disappear in general, or like me, blog much less. Not sure why that is.
So, keep blogging. For those of us who truly enjoy your stories, challenge or no challenge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Denise. I was looking through the comments I had in the 2015 challenge, and the majority of those bloggers have disappeared. Fear not, I’m going nowhere!
LikeLike
I started in 2015, and I have also seen many blogs come and many go – I have not explored blogs this time the way I should have. I have a feeling I missed something nice with yours and will be back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Alana. Wandering around blogs is very time-consuming, and as usual, I too am wondering if I’ve missed something I might have enjoyed. Guess I’ll never know!
LikeLike
Hi Keith – ‘we’ll see’ – I think is a phrase many of us A-Zers relate to just after the A-Z. I totally agree with Denise – I’ve not enjoyed the changes made … not as friendly either … especially when I’d been participating since 2011 … and it was never acknowledged or considered. Now if I do it – I do it the way I want to … and as I’ve been around a few years both actually and A-Z wise … I just get on with it! Sadly no flash fiction from me … but I enjoy writing mine up – have a few in store … should I ever decide to jump in again.
I did enjoy your choice of words and stories from them … made the reads amusing and informative … and for an arm reach for my Brewers! Take care and see you around the pages again soon … stay safe – Hilary
LikeLiked by 1 person
One thing you said jumped out at me – never being acknowledged. I would have appreciated the odd visit from one of the team, but t wasn’t to be. I’m delighted you liked my silly tales, they were enormous fun to write. Thanks so much for your continued support, Hilary. Look after yourself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hiya – yes … I hope someone picks this up and reads it … thanks v much for agreeing with me … I’m safe – mind you about to go out – so might be blown away! Stay safe … H
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed your stories Keith. But for myself, I didn’t find the experience very satisfying. I probably wouldn’t do it next year either.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most of all I miss taking part in my regular writing challenges, Friday Fictioneers and the like. Anyway, I’m pleased you liked my tales and I can’t thank you enough for the support you offer me, not just during the challenge, but always.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel the same. AtoZ was different from JusJoJan. I enjoyed doing that.
It’s always a pleasure to visit your blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never say never ! I enjoyed your funny stories
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s what they say! I wonder. Thanks so much for your support Unishta, it was much appreciated.
LikeLike
You are not allowed to say no Keith. A to Z for me is incomplete without reading your posts. No, I’m not buttering you up for a free drink or anything! Nah! Just being honest. Thanks a bunch for all the fun this month and you know what they say –“Those who can’t, teach;)” I can make that joke for I am a teacher. Your style and 150 word limit made it a treat to visit you every day.
Keep safe and say Hi to Rosey for me:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehe! Of course, the drinks are on me – well, one drink, I’m not that generous! Thanks so much for sticking with me during April. I’ll let Rosey know you said hello!
LikeLike
Well, I enjoyed visiting you tremendously. Great fun and good learning. Though I’ll have to see how much I remember. But you’re an interesting guy!😁😁
I’d like to read you next year too.
I think I’ll give bloggers the benefit of doubt this time. With the present world scenario things kind of slumped. I’m sure it will look up again.
Congratulations Keith! And thank you for all the fun in April.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so kind of you Sonia. I’m really pleased you enjoyed it and I can’t thank you enough for your loyal support during the month. I’ve forgotten most of the words already! No doubt I’ll see you around.
LikeLike
Haha… You couldn’t Keith. Rather you wouldn’t. I’m sure! Cheers!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was going to write short fiction along with my random stuff but only manged to write a few stories for my a-z posts. April is just a rather odd month for just about everything including writing and blogging.
Congratulations on finishing the challenge.
Have a lovely day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This April was certainly more odd than usual! Thanks so much, Lissa.
LikeLike
I’m only following you for 2 years, as this is my 2nd participation on the challenge, and I love reading you! This year’s challenge was wonderful, great stories, great old words, very funny. Please, do it again ;))
LikeLiked by 1 person
You were always one of the first to comment for which I can’t thank you enough. I’m pleased I was able to keep you in stitches as well as the other way around! Next year? Who knows!
LikeLike
Keith:
You better come back next year, or else!! 🙂
I enjoyed your posts and commented when I could (blog hopping is not always pressure-free). I loved the list of words that have fallen away from basic use. Enlightening as well as fun.
Yeah, I also found a drastic drop in my statistics this year. I’ve heard that from others as well. I was talking about that this morning, taking into account the pressure of the locked-down life we have been leading. Maybe Arlee or one of the other hosts can send out a poll/questionnaire/homing pigeons to each participant. It would be interesting to see the answers.
Read you elsewhere
Stu
LikeLiked by 1 person
.. or else what? Now I’m worried! I really appreciated your visits and comments Stu and I enjoyed popping over to your place too. Thanks so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed your olden words and posts when I came by. I have never had an overwhelming number of comments. Mainly, I write for myself, although I do really like people to comment. Feel like I’m babbling.
Finding Eliza
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whilst gathering comments is not the main aim when writing, they are a useful way of gauging how effective one’s writing is. Now I’m babbling! Thanks so much for your visits Kristin, they are much appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As long as you keep posting at all, and i am able to do so, i’ll keep reading. Your blog is such fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s no way I’m stopping! And I hope you don’t either – the blogosphere would be the same without you!
LikeLike
Keith, I don’t believe I read any of your stuff during the challenge, so I read A K R and Z just now. I’m now sure that I didn’t get to any of it in the challenge as your stuff is very memorable. I liked A the best, I think the Absqatulating Artist would make a great title. Maybe not for that piece but maybe if a book or article was ever written about the diminishing numbers of professional creative types. That’s just an aside. IOf the four pieces I knew only a smattering of those words. Kopje I knew from an exhibit at the Brookfield Zoo. Speaking of Z, I really liked that story but too many z’s may have spoiled the broth a little bit. You are a fantastic writer and I strongly encourage you to stay around next year and beyond.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for diving in Dave – as they say, better late than never! Thanks also for your thoughts on those you read. I deliberately went a bit crazy with Z just to end with a bang rather than a whimper! I really appreciate your kind words.
LikeLike
This was the third year of my participation. I am surprised that people aren’t interested in flash fiction. I like it. I landed on your blog a bit late, but soon I realised that I need to visit your blog. Thanks for those lovely stories. And do participate next year also.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was great to see you here, thanks so much. Thanks too for encouraging comments, they make it all worthwhile.
LikeLike
Thoroughly enjoyed your posts Keith! Though I may not have commented on all!! Congratulations on completing your sixth attempt! Your blog stood out in the fiction category and I have mentioned so in my Reflections post! Like you, I am not sure I will participate in 2021 but who knows.. an interesting theme may present itself!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s most kind of you, thanks so much.
LikeLike