Signups for the 2016 A to Z Blogging Challenge open on January 25th. If you are not familiar with the A to Z Blogging Challenge, you’re in for a treat — either as a reader or a blogger. You blog your way through the alphabet during the month of April, taking Sunday’s off from blogging.  You can choose a theme or just wing it. Both ways are fun. I highly recommend planning ahead, but if you like the stress of seat of the pants blogging on a deadline, go for it!

I’ve done it both ways, but I find it more relaxing to plan ahead. I already have my theme and topics for this year laid out. I need to begin writing my episodes and scheduling them.

What would I talk about for 26 days? I’ve talked about our Grand Tour. I’ve blogged segments of my fiction. Some people blog their businesses. In the past, I’ve been looking for readers. This year, I’m going to be looking for something different, and oh so much more important, but you’ll need to wait and see.

This post’s purpose is to entice you to participate, especially if you have not participated before. It’s fun, and it’s a definite challenge. You meet interesting and sometimes like-minded people who pay you a visit. You will visit other blogs and may meet interesting and like-minded people. Or you’ll meet people who will stretch your thoughts and expand your mind in ways you hadn’t anticipated. One lady blogs about being Amish (obviously, a former Amish), but it was fascinating. One lady blogged about what it means to be Mormon. Lots of fiction writers prepare treats for their readers. Some people blog about technology. One blogged about beading. There is truly something for everyone, but finding the treasures? The fun is in the hunt and what you find unexpectedly along the way.

Even if you don’t check back here, check the A to Z Challenge Blog on the 25th for the signup link. Be prepared with your blog URL and name. If you don’t have a blog yet, you have time to get one set up. Don’t make anyone jump through hoops to leave a comment — use the spam filters that come with all major blogging software instead.