Now that the 2011 WordCount Blogathon is over -- as of today, I blogged for 31 days straight -- it's time to reflect on what I learned. Since I chose a theme to help me get through all 31 days, I thought I'd share with you why that's a good idea -- and why you may want to try this next year:
1) It will give you a head start with the question: What should I write about?
2) It will provide an instant list of sub-topics.
3) It will help you find focus or explore an idea more thoroughly.
4) It will help you build momentum with a continuous thread of common thoughts.
5) It will give your readers a reason to return. They will want to know: What's next?
Now, to my fellow blogathoners, congratulations. We did it! We blogged for 31 days straight. We spent time with each other. We helped encourage each other. We learned together. And we realized the value of blogging isn't really about writing. It's about building community. I can't wait to see you all again next year when Michelle organizes in 2012.
To celebrate my success this year, my plans in the next few days are to compile a few "best of" lists: favorite posts I read of yours, more favorite posts you read of mine, and the blogs I would have liked to have spent more time at but didn't. This will help remind me that we're in this together. So be sure to come back; I generally blog 3-5 days a week and would be happy to have your company.
Meanwhile, what are your plans now that the big event has ended? Will you continue blogging daily?
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