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A to Z Theme Reveal: Things that go BUMP in the night

The A to Z Challenge is almost upon us, which–quite frankly–terrifies me, because I haven’t begun writing my posts yet. I don’t even have a schedule!

(For those of you not familiar with the Challenge: during the month of April, participating bloggers write 26 posts, usually centered around a theme. We take Sundays off. The first post of the month begins with “A is for…” and ends with “Z is for…” The letter X is always a good time!)

What I can tell you is my theme, which is Things that Go BUMP in the Night. Once again, it’ll be Halloween in April on my blog, with 26 posts about unsolved mysteries, the supernatural, creepy places in the world, and scary true stories. I will even try my best to craft an Insecure Writers’ Support Group post that fits this theme, which is always a challenge.

I’ll definitely have a lot to be insecure about, considering I won’t be in town for part of April, which means I’m somehow going to have to write at least part of the month’s posts in advance. I planned to start in January. Yeah, that worked out well.

I was thrilled by how many people loved this topic last year, so it’s worth revisiting. To see some of 2015’s most popular A to Z posts, here’s the unsolved mystery of Dyatlov Pass, the creepy phenomenon of the Black-Eyed Kids, and the true story of the Phantom of the Opera.

Are you taking part in the A to Z Challenge? Why do you participate? What’s your theme this year? What made you choose it?

 

atoz-theme-reveal-2016 v2

 

1 part newsletter, 1 part unnerving updates,
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69 Comments

  1. Randee Dawn

    I’m dumb: The A to Z challenge is 26 posts in 26 days and the subjects begin with A and proceed to Z? Help a newcomer!

    Reply
    • JH

      Hi Randee,

      Not dumb at all! Thanks for asking. The A to Z Challenge is 26 posts in 30 days…bloggers take Sundays off. You begin with “A is for…” and end with “Z is for…”

      Most bloggers in the challenge have a theme, which we’re revealing today, but it’s not required.

      If you’d like to see an example, you can click the links I provided, or just search this blog for “A to Z Challenge.” It is most definitely a challenge! 🙂

      Reply
      • Randee Dawn

        Yay! Thank you for explaining. I’m less dumb now.

        Reply
        • JH

          Any time! I should have realized not all my readers would be familiar with the Challenge.

          Will rectify that.

          Reply
  2. Alex J. Cavanaugh

    I knew your theme would rock! You are the master of creepy stuff.

    Reply
    • JH

      Aw, thanks Alex! I consider that a HUGE compliment. I’ll try my best to dig up even creepier stuff this year.

      Reply
  3. Madeline Mora-Summonte

    So glad you’re doing this again! Loved those posts! Looking forward to more. (Not sure what that says about me but whatever.) 🙂

    Reply
    • JH

      It says you have very good taste, Madeline! 🙂

      Looking forward to seeing your theme.

      Reply
    • JH

      Thanks so much, Tasha, and thanks for introducing yourself. I’ll definitely check out your blog.

      If I can find bloggers who write about things that interest me, the month is less of a hard slog. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Heather M. Gardner

    Always enjoy your posts!

    You will get them done! I believe in you!

    Heather

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks so much, Heather. I will carry your positive mojo into battle with me. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Mary Aalgaard

    Great theme. I loved your posts, then and now. Looking forward to reading more creeepy tales. I did not participate in the Great Theme Reveal, because I have a lame theme. I’m simply going to write a post for every letter of the alphabet in April, some family stories, some reviews, so other stuff, TBD.

    Reply
    • JH

      That’s a lack of theme, not a lame theme, Mary! 🙂 Whatever you write, I’m sure it will be great.

      I’ll be there as always, cheering you on.

      Reply
  6. Patricia Lynne

    Yay! I love this topic and always learn something or am reminded of a mystery I had seen on one of the reality TV shows I watch. LOL

    Reply
    • JH

      Awesome! I’ll strive for the former rather than the latter.

      Reply
    • JH

      Thank you! It’ll be great to see you around these parts again.

      Reply
  7. Chrys Fey

    I loved your theme last year and am so happy you’re doing it again. I won’t be doing the Challenge and will be taking a blog break, but I’ll try to visit when I can. 🙂

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks, Chrys, but I’m sorry you won’t be coming along for the ride. I’ll really miss your posts.

      Good for you for taking a break, though.

      Reply
    • JH

      Oh, thanks so much, Tami! Consider it mutual.

      Reply
  8. Birgit

    This will be excellent for sure and can’t wait to read the posts

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks Birgit! I always look forward to your comments.

      Reply
  9. Lisa S.

    Looking forward to it, lady! 🙂

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks, Lise!

      Reply
  10. Chris Chelser

    Ooooh, looking forward to this! I’d participate if I wasn’t scheduling posts for my own little real life horror story in May, but there is always next year and now I get so see how it’s done first. By you. Go for it! 🙂

    Reply
    • JH

      Real-life horror story? I’m intrigued. Hopefully it’s nothing terrible.

      I will try my best to lead by example. 😛

      Reply
  11. Keebles

    Oh yea! Can’t wait!

    Reply
    • JH

      Welcome to my blog, Keebles! Looking forward to getting to know you during the challenge.

      Reply
    • JH

      Thanks! People seem to like creepy. Lucky for me!

      Reply
  12. Deborah Weber

    Loofing forward to this! But I’ll be sure to read your posts with the lights on.

    Reply
    • JH

      Hard to read in the dark. 😉 LOL.

      Thanks Deborah. I look forward to yours as well. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
    • JH

      But of course. 🙂

      Reply
  13. mandy springer

    Awesome! Can’t wait. Mine should appeal to you too!

    Cheering you on from the peanut gallery! you can do it!

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks, Mandy. I’m looking forward to seeing your theme…you’ve peaked my interest.

      Heading over there now…

      Reply
  14. Roland Yeomans

    A “fun” theme for sure. All the monsters out there in the internet world will tune in to see if they are mentioned … expect some angry visitors in the night if they are not!! Brrr.

    I am doing three days at a Sci Fi/Fantasy Convention in the first part of April … and like you, I do not have one post written.

    HELP!!! 🙂 We both will do well I know. Roland

    Reply
    • JH

      I feel your pain, Roland, believe me. For me, the answer seems to be cutting out the non-essentials…like sleep. 😛

      I’m not afraid of monsters. I have Edgar.

      Reply
  15. Denise D Hammond

    I’d be all finished with my posts if I didn’t keep changing them, lol. I look forward to yours.

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks, Denise. At least you have first drafts! And second…and third, by the sounds of it.

      Reply
  16. Ula

    I look forward to reading your posts this year. I enjoyed them so much last year.

    I’m in the same boat as you. I had excellent plans and then life happened, so I’m winging it.

    Combining IWSG and A to Z? You are my hero!

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks, Ula. Girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.

      At least I won’t be the only one pantsing the Challenge…AGAIN.

      Sigh.

      Reply
  17. Michelle Wallace

    A creepy theme? Mmm. *shivers* 🙂
    Well it seems like I’m “acquiring a taste” for creepy/horror stories. I did enjoy your story, Lost.
    In case you don’t know, I’m the original scaredy-cat, the person who blocks her eyes while everybody else is watching a scary movie. LOL

    My A to Z theme is all about book bloggers and book reviews.
    I sent you a mail. Did you receive it?

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks so much, Michelle. That’s a huge compliment, and I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed Lost. You’re the first person who’s told me they actually read the free ebook.

      I didn’t receive an email from you, which is odd. 🙁

      And I love your theme! Looking forward to it.

      Reply
  18. Samantha Bryant

    Looking forward to being scared again this year 🙂

    Reply
    • JH

      I’ll do my best to give you nightmares, Samantha, and I mean that in a nice way, of course.

      Reply
    • JH

      Thanks so much! It’s been a while…I look forward to getting reacquainted. 🙂

      Reply
  19. Haneen Ibrahim

    Hey J.H! nice to hear we will all be spooked again this year 🙂 can’t wait to see what you got to offer this time.

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks, Haneen! Good to see you again. It will be nice to get reacquainted. 🙂

      Reply
  20. Nilanjana Bose

    Creepy is unputdownable! Your theme is a success already, look forward to being thoroughly spooked.

    Best
    Nilanjana.

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks so much! It’s definitely earned me an appreciative audience, which is awesome.

      Good luck with the Challenge!

      Reply
  21. Andrea

    I’m prepared to get scared here in April! ? great topic, I’ll enjoy my visits for sure!

    Andrea, volunteer in co-host Damyanti’s D Company

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks so much, Andrea! I hope you get some nice story fodder from them.

      Reply
    • JH

      Thanks, Ahmed. Good luck to you!

      Reply
  22. Random Musings

    I remember loving reading your posts on last year’s challenge, and I’ll definitely be following your posts for this year too 🙂 Your black eyed kids post had me spooked for weeks!
    Debbie

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks so much, Debbie. That one really had me spooked too. Before I started with the Challenge, I’d never heard of the BEK.

      Reply
  23. Gail A Park

    How can you come up with so many spooky unsolved mysteries?! Love it! Can’t wait to read each one.

    Gail at Making Life An Art

    Reply
    • JH

      Research, Gail.

      Lots and lots of research.

      Reply
  24. Michele Truhlik

    Oh wow, I can’t wait to read your A-Z posts! I’m so glad I found your blog!!! I LOVE all things creepy and scary! Murder and mayhem — I’m there! Definitely bookmarking your blog so I can come back time and time again!

    Michele at Angels Bark

    Reply
    • JH

      That’s so awesome, Michele! Thanks for stopping by.

      I really hope you enjoy my posts.

      Reply
  25. Stuart Lennon

    Sounds scary! I have managed to write ONE whole post in advance. 🙁 Time to get writing I think! Good luck.

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks, Stuart. You’re one ahead of me. 🙂

      Good luck to you too! We’ll muddle through, don’t worry.

      Reply
  26. Arlee Bird

    Fun and interesting theme. It’s always a bigger Challenge to not have posts prepared. Some might think that’s the best way to do it. You’ll manage–you’ve got the experience!

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks Arlee, and thanks for coming up with this torture…er, I mean great idea!

      This is my third year, and I’ve always written my posts the night before. However, with Italy on the horizon, I will have to plan ahead at some point. The night before I leave will probably find me frantically writing post after post…

      Reply
  27. Sara C. Snider

    Woohoo! The party’s about to start! 😀 Best of luck to you with the challenge. Things that go bump in the night sounds wonderfully creepy!

    Reply

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