is for … handing over ….
I’m handing over the reins to the rest of the participants in the April A to Z Challenge 2016.
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When I completed my first attempt in 2014, it was hard work, because I had nothing prepared in advance. My topic was ‘writing’ and the whole idea of the month-long challenge drove me on. I completed the alphabet and, met some great people.
I didn’t attempt the challenge in 2015, mainly because I had too many projects underway.
This year once again I had work in progress, so I prepared all my posts in advance, having already chosen to write about natural history – another topic close to my heart.
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Why stop now?
As I’ve said before, I have a blog, but I’m not a blogger – I’m a writer who blogs. This site is a platform to me and, not as it is to some people; a website based journal.
I don’t give up on things, but my heart is not in this challenge. I’ve had a handful of people stopping by to ‘like’, or even comment, but if I continued I’d be doing so for the wrong reasons. I’d feel uneasy and, insincere.
I’ve been following eight other participants, and instead of enjoying the experience, my assessment is – I’m losing writing time each day. It would make no difference how many people I followed, because it feels like a task – which it should not.
If I visit a blog, I leave a meaningful comment. I cannot honestly go from one to another and write ‘Good post’ and move on. It would be the equivalent of leaving ‘Good story’ as a book review on a novel.
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This will be my final post in this challenge and, I’ll get back to my writing.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you if you’ve been one of the few who’ve paid any visits to my blog over the early part of the challenge.
I don’t harbour any negative feeling regarding the challenge, but, I believe this second attempt has proven to me it’s not for me. I did it once, enjoyed it and, I’ll leave it there.
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I apologise to you Damyanti for dropping out, but I did start out with the best of intentions.
As always, I will respond to any comments and, for now, I’ll leave you all to get on with your next posts.
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tombensoncreative.com 
Your posts were interesting, but I understand you’d want to stop participating if you aren’t having fun. If your heart is not in it, it’s a form of torture.
When you have the option to have fun or torture yourself, I prefer to have fun, too.
As an indie, you can choose how best to spend your time. You’re raising an excellent point and being a good role model here.
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Hi Val. Thank you both for the visit and, for the understanding comment. I’d be cheating myself and others to go on, which isn’t my style.
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Thank you for your honesty. You and I were in a WEP Writing Challenge last year. I believe in August. I was rooting for your book. I too am a writer and do understand what you mean. All the best for your writing career.
Visiting from the A to Z Blog Challenge.
Shalom,
Patricia @ EverythingMustChange
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Hi Pat. Yes, I remember and, thank you. Many thanks for your visit and, as I said to Val above, thank you for understanding.
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Hi Tom, I’ve enjoyed your posts and you have been an encouragement to me in my first year of the A to Z Challenge. I know that during this challenge I’ve not had as much time to write and post on FC, but at the same time it’s creating a blogging routine that I personally need because I’m new to blogging – even if you’re the only one reading my posts Tom.
No worries there. Your honesty is so refreshing and I understand why you’re stopping.
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Thank you Pam. If you’re new to blogging – don’t give up on the challenge. I know it sounds hypocritical after my post, but before you take a step back from it, the best thing to do is get established.
As an added incentive, I’ll continue to check out your posts. There are a couple of others from the IASD group I’ll be keeping tabs on. 🙂
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It takes wisdom and guts to change direction once you’ve set a course. You are definitely a completer-finisher, not a quitter, so I know this decision won’t have been a whimsical one. Good for you for recognising when it’s time to move on.
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Thank you Julia. Yes, it was a difficult call, especially since I’d made so much preparation towards the challenge. This is the hardest post I’ve had to write for some time. If I couldn’t be true to myself I couldn’t be true to anybody else.
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Well said. Sometimes, the decisions we know in are hearts are right can be the most difficult to implement. But life is too short to follow courses that aren’t right for us.
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I was surprised at the number of posts, Tom, to tell you the truth. It seemed out of keeping with your usual discipline, which has always been focused on writing. You know, that thing I wish I had…? 😀 Godspeed, my friend & let us know how you’re getting along.
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Very mannerly, this passing of the relay. I enjoyed your posts, Tom, and I’ll be on the lookout for news about the development of your writerly pursuits 🙂
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I don’t think of one as a “quitter” when one has thought something through and makes the determination that it is not the best fit at the time. I think it is a sign of my own growing up when I can be honest about committing to something or not, saying yes to something or not, or continuing with something or not.
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Hi KM and, I apologise for the late response to your welcome comments.
I posted the article above and, promptly got back to work on projects much closer to my heart.
I’ve reported on two short stories and, a novel on behalf of other authors. I’ve also completed the next draft of my primary WIP, so I feel justified in my decision to leave the challenge.
I’ve had a look at your site and what you’re doing is admirable and, obviously the right thing for you. Take care.
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