To theme or not to theme?
I am not even sure if that is the question at this point. But I am very excited about the April A to Z Challenge 2015 and thought I’d be crazy not to join the theme reveal Blogfest party! I confess though, there was a point in the past two weeks when I actually contemplated not participating. Stupid, I know. I got over it.
This is my third year with the A to Z Challenge and I know I am going to love it as much as I did in 2013 and 2014
Over the past week, I’ve had friends proudly announce that their Theme Reveal post was ready to go. Some, like me, are participating with more than one blog and I stood up and cheered for them. I admire them for their planning. I also enjoyed brainstorming themes with some participants to help them get over their “I’ve signed up but have no clue what to do” and it was fun!
I, on the other hand, am not entirely theme-less. I just have the problem of plenty. Like last year, I’ve been writing down ideas. I love the process of planning. Even if I don’t end up with a theme, I know my idea book is brimming over, ensuring I am never stuck with “what to write?”
Okay, so I have never had that particular problem so far but you know what I mean! Between the fabulous communities I am part of, my wonderful blogging mates and the internet – and life – there are always loads of thought starters to get me going. My photo album alone is enough to keep me buzzing for years.
Have I distracted you from wondering what my theme is going to be?
No?
Sigh.
So – I am not decided yet. I am leveraging my procrastination. My excuse is too many choices. Why, I might even create a little ebook along the lines of “Stuck for what to write about? Here are (insert number) ideas to fuel your creativity”. Do you think I should? Let me know.
I’ve certainly been thinking about it. Leaning towards having a theme, I mean. The last two years I stuck to “variety” as a theme. I remember my son looking at me and saying “Really?” Thing is – I like the freedom it implies. Most days, my posts get composed in my head when I walk on my terrace.
I do know, however, that a theme can be a great way to go – as many of you must have found out by now.
Some of the ideas I am looking at are:
- A series on Incredible India around her places, traditions, people, culture, art
- An A to Z of book reviews
- An A to Z of inspiring quotes
- Letters to my son
The first two need a lot of preparation that I am not at all sure I can handle at this particular time. The third one is too easy.
So – I just might go with the Letters to my son – the idea was born as I am secretly getting worked up over what the future holds for him. He’s in Grade 12, which is a defining moment in his life. When I mentioned it to him, he smiled and said, “Sounds good”. I asked him if it might sound preachy – and he paid me the best compliment ever – he said “No. Not the way you write”
Now that I am done wiping the tears, maybe I’ll go ahead with that theme – unless I change my mind.
There’s a whole week left to decide! One thing I can promise you though, and that is – everything you read here will be filled with positivity, be straight from the heart, and I’ll always strive to put a smile on your face.
So April A to Z Challenge 2015 will see me participating with three blogs.
Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles – you are here.
If you are sitting on the fence about participating in the A to Z Challenge, I’d say you should sign up for the sheer fun of it!
Theme Reveal Blogfest see below – linky is open for a few hours more
I am looking forward to connecting!
So let’s party, eh?
Have you decided on a theme?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
21 comments
I think the idea of letters to your son is a wonderfully warm idea for a theme, Vidya 🙂 I know Vidur will love them and I will too. Maybe I can bookmark some to read out to Gy when the time comes. I hope you go with that theme. I really do. Much love and hugs to you as you do the A-Z the third time around. I have no doubt that you will rock it, as always <3
Shailaja recently posted…#AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z- Theme Reveal- The Moving Quill
I just might, Shailaja! I am still sitting on the fence until it is too painful and I jump off! 😀
I am just all set to have a lot of fun!
Vidya Sury recently posted…My Happiness Checklist #InternationalDayofHappiness
Hiya !
It’s a letter a day, then ?
That’s so lovely, and you can make an e-book. Letters from a Mom to a Son 🙂
Hugssssss 🙂
Sreeja Praveen recently posted…April, here we come !! ( A-To-Z Theme Reveal Post)
🙂 I was just going through last year’s A-Z reflections post Sreeja – and fondly remembering what fun it was. I was thinking of you and here you are! ♥
Vidya Sury recently posted…My Happiness Checklist #InternationalDayofHappiness
I’m also wiping away a tear Vidya at your son’s comment. What a lovely idea from Sreeja re ebook! I so look forward to your posts, no more procrastination …
Susan Scott recently posted…A-Z Blog Challenge Theme Reveal
I love the letters to your son idea, Vidya! 🙂 Sure to be poignant, amusing, loving, etc. How you manage with three different blogs amazes me no end. We should call you Super Blogger! Have fun in April.
Debbie D. recently posted…THE GREAT THEME REVEAL OF 2015! #AtoZChallenge #AtoZReveal
I think letters to your son is a wonderful idea! I also think an e-book on writing prompts is worthwhile too! I collect writing prompts on my Pinterest page for those moments where I just feel the urge to write freely and need a starting point. Happy decision-making!
I think the letters to son would be some thing to cherish and shared a lot because your advice, thoughts and views would strike a cord with many. I think go with it.
Yes, I agree with Vidur that when you write you never sound preachy, even your videos were so cool!!
all the best for the challenge.
Inderpreet Kaur Uppal recently posted…Theme Reveal #AtoZChallenge
Hey Variety is a theme and it’s better to have ideas than get writer’s block, so it looks like you have it all covered in any route you decide on. I like the India theme as well as the one about Letters to Your Son. The latter idea is a one-of-a-kind thing that only you could do, which is nice!
Also I like how you put your planning of the topics you will blog about…as leveraging procrastination. Ha! I’m going to have to try that.
Cheers!
~Nicole
Nicole recently posted…Every day I’m Shufflin’ – An A-to-Z Challenge Theme Reveal
My vote goes to Incredible India!
It will be so joyous whatever you write and to write to your son….that made my heart swell. It is exciting isn’t it:)
Birgit recently posted…The A to Z Challenge Reveal
I love them all Vidya, as I love you, but I think I love the idea of “letters to your son” the best. I have to agree with Cselke on this one. You do have such a rich and full life and it is easy to procrastinate — I’ve procrastinated with far less on my plate! 🙂 It was easy for me this year, as 2014 was the year, I picked up my viola and started playing in earnest and won an audition and started playing symphonic music again; my first love. “The Music In My Life” will be about the music that informed my youth, brought me to my passion and has been with me all these years! But, great subjects all, that you’re contemplating; I can never hear too much about India! I still love the idea of letters to your son, though. You are a dear and special woman!
Wow,
what fabulous themes.
Can’t wait to read all of yours, darling.
Luv you more than lemon pudding w/ whip cream. xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted…10 Lies Abusers Will Tell You
Hugs Kim! Love you more!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Banana Ragi Chocolate Cake #Video #CreateFearlessly
Hi Vidya. It’s fine to not have a theme for the challenge. Variety can be a lot of fun too. If you do decide to go with a theme, I think letters to your son would be very sweet. Good luck with your posts!
Lanise Brown recently posted…The A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal Is Here!
your themes are fabulous.
Personally, I have been thinking about not participating in the challenge this year. But your this post is a good nudge.
let me see what happens 🙂 ..
Sign up! I know you’ll enjoy it! The whole point is to have fun writing, visiting, connecting! 😀
Vidya Sury recently posted…To Theme Or Not To Theme #atozchallenge
You surely are ambitious to do 3 blogs for the challenge 🙂 I’m sure what you decide to do for your theme here will be perfect for you, even if it is no theme and you write from your heart 🙂
good luck with the challenge!
betty
Betty recently posted…A to Z, Theme Reveal
Vidya! Pep talk needed from you and I am in two minds considering that I wanna take part but work been hectic. Figuring how to work it out. Help!!!!!
Dear Vishal! First, do sign up. You know you’ll enjoy it! Work will always be hectic. 🙂 But April, once gone, won’t come back. I am in the same situation with travel also on the cards for April. I almost opted out of the A to Z – but then, I stood back for a moment and paused. I highly recommend you do the same. Why not write short posts as a relaxation activity at the end of the day? If you are worried about what to write about – you have a thriving blog – just go through your oldest posts – and you’ll find that you have more to say about those topics. Mix it up with photo posts, book reviews, an experience, something you saw and how it made you feel, your take on a quote – the list goes on eh? If you need more information, go visit one of your favorite blogs and dig into its archives. I am sure it will trigger thoughts.
So – my friend – sign up for the A to Z and have fun. There will be days when you think you don’t have the time…truth is, we can always find 10 minutes. You can do it!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Topping Up My Thank You Tank With Gratitude
I hope you go with ‘Letters to my Son’. I would love to read those. I secretly wish someone had written something like that for me. Also, your son is right. I have been following your blog for sometime. The way you write- it is not going to sound preachy. Looking forward to your posts. Will be following along in April.
Shantala recently posted…#ATOZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z | Theme Reveal