I began rewriting my old Writers Block series and editing was a key factor. While doing research for my article, I found fellow blogger Chrys, who had some great tips on writing and editing. As I started to follow her blog, I got interested in the blog hop A-Z. So in April I started to blog a new r.a.n.t. ever day, each day starting with a new letter of the alphabet. I met more great bloggers and soon became involved in FAE & Stephen's Battle of the Blog. Back in the day, music was a big part of this blog, and so it was again.
Most recently, I realized I needed to get back (once again) to my creative writing. So I joined the Insecure Writers Support Group, founded by Alex. I've really just gotten started in this and still trying to find my footing, but I'm hoping the continual support will motivate me in 2016 to get even more of my creative writing done. What will I accomplish this next year? You'll have to stay tuned to find out. In the meanwhile, please peruse this blog post. It'll give you a sampling of what you'll find at this site on a regular basis.
Thanks to all of you! Every single one of you who have come to read, and decided to stick around. I appreciate those who continually support me, my blog and all of my writings. Did you have a favourite blog post of mine this past year? Why not share.
As always, leave a comment, share on your social media page, "like" it or just email me with your thoughts. I'm always looking for input, always looking for people who are willing to guest blog and always willing to post run on sentences. Thanks for reading. I truly hope you enjoy what you find here.
January
Photography
Out for a Drive - Took photos on a trip to Chicago and a Dinosaur exhibit.
Poetry
Into the Future - Poem based on a popular film.
R.A.N.T.
Your Video is Overdue - When borrowed items are not returned.
Guest Blogger
(Jennifer Long) Guess Who's Coming to Dinner - I chat with an old friend about RSVP etiquette.
February
R.A.N.T.
R.A.N.T. About A Lot of Very Bad Words That I Kind Of Just Really Hate When Editing - Starting to get serious about my writing, I blog about editing.
Poetry
Chicago Parking - A fun poem showcasing how mad I become looking for a parking spot.
March
R.A.N.T.
Mad as a Hatter - My erroneous picks for March Madness (Second Annual)
Jeffrey Scott's Day Off - I ask others what they hate about being sick.
Poetry
A Day Off - Humorous poem on being sick.
April
A-Z R.A.N.T.
Week One
C is for Coffee Mugs - I showcase a few of my favourite coffee mugs.
Week Two
H is for High Pressure Sales - I describe what happens when I try to sing up for a FREE 2 WEEK MEMBERSHIP at a local gym.
Week Three
M is for Music - An A-Z themed showcase of some of my music I own.
Week Four
S is for Spatula City - This is a joke. I can't believe such a store could ever exist. I describe my first and only visit to the store.
Week Five
Y is for Youtube Ads - Nothing is so annoying as having to watch a 30 second commercial before a 10 second video.
May
R.A.N.T.
Reflections from A to Z - I recap the previous month and give thanks to a few visitors.
Poetry
Pizza Crazy - A poem I wrote for my friend who loves pizza.
Guest Bloggers
(Muriel) Where is Everybody in France - Why is it impossible to do business in France in May?
June
R.A.N.T.
Writer's Block - Ranting about my short story series which I'm struggling to find time for.
Photography
Egg Harbour Part One - The first of three photography blog posts. This one is heavily focused on flora.
Battle of the Bands
Giving It All Up For Love - My first musical battle. It becomes a regular feature. (Featuring Huey Lewis)
Award
Creative Blogger Award - Someone nominates my blog for it's creativity.
July
R.A.N.T.
A Special Anniversary R.a.n.t. - Guest bloggers stop in to help with an anniversary r.a.n.t.
Photography
Lambeau Field - I visit the stadium of the Green Bay Packers
Battle of the Bands
Kashmir - This battle is between two electric string groups; Bond & Escala
August
Cover Release
Piper Morgan Joins the Circus - I do a cover release for a blogger and author, Stephanie Faris. I also have a chance to ask her a few questions about her book and her inspiration.
Battle of the Bands
Summertime Blues - Another battle in the series. This one features Alan Jackson and Olivia Newton-John
September
Insecure Writer's Support Group
Am I really a writer? - Another new feature. In my first article, I ponder if I can really be called a writer.
Battle of the Bands
Wallflower - My favourite jazz artist Diana Krall is up against Doug Sahm
R.A.N.T.
Rotten Fruit - How I hate purchasing rotten fruit at the store.
October
Listing Hop
Top Five Favourite Songs - What are my favourite songs and why? I joined one-off list hop, hosted by Bish Denham
Battle of the Bands
The Lazy Song - A lazy written poem featuring Bruno Mars & Kimmi Smiles
Photography
It's 2015, Do You Know Where Your Hydrator Is? - Doc & Marty arrive. What technology is missing?
R.A.N.T.
Random Rants III - For the third year, I turn to twitter to find out what others are ranting about.
I.W.S.G.
Writing vs. Blogging - I wonder if my blogging is interfering with my writing.
November
Battle of the Bands
Super Hero Theme Songs - Which was your faovurite growing up? Batman? Spiderman? I list 6 total to vote on.
R.A.N.T.
Jumping is Fun For Some People - People jumping to the wrong conclusion, not a good thing.
Photography
Time Travel Museum - A few of my favourite Time Machines.
I.W.S.G.
Creative Characters - How my dialogue has changed in the past 30 years.
Top 25
Favourite Films - I list my top 25 favourite movies. How many of these would be on your list?
December
Battle of the Bands
Mandolin Rain - Pam Tillis battles Bruce Hornsby. Can you guess who wins?
R.A.N.T.
Jumping the Shark - When a good television show goes bad. Has this happened to one of your favourites?
I.W.S.G.
Making A List - A need to make a list for things to improve on. But will I?
Creative Writing
Writer's Block - A story about High School student Erick, his friend Kenny and Erick's literary rival Jenni.
Most Read Blog Posts of 2015
Top 10 Blog Articles of 2015: January - June (According to Web Hits)
1.) 201 Blog Hits - Reflections from A to Z (05/03/2015)
2.) 167 - Celebrating Anniversaries (05/31/2015)
3.) 140 - Battle of the Bands - Giving It All Up For Love (06/15/2015)
4.) 134 - Egg Harbor (Part One) - Harbor View Park (06/12/2015)
5.) 122 - Where Is Everybody In France (05/17/2015)
6.) 121 - P is for Paris (04/18/2015)
7.) 119 - The Creative Blogger Award (06/17/2015)
8.) 109 - N is for Naysayers (04/16/2015)
9.) 108 - M is for Music (04/15/2015)
10.) 107 - Q is for Quantum Physics (4/20/2015)
Raspberry Award (The least popular blog post)
62.) 18 - Into the Future - (01/13/2015)
Top 10 Blog Articles of 2015: July - December (According to Web Hits)
1.) 325 Blog Hits - Battle of the Bands - Mandolin Rain (12/1/2015)
2.) 240 - Battle of the Bands - Somebody That I Used To Know (08/15/2015)
3.) 239 - Battle of the Super Hero Theme Songs (11/15/2015)
4.) 226 - It's 2015, Do You Know Where Your Hydrator Is? (10/21/2015)
5.) 215 - Battle of the Bands - The Lazy Song (10/15/2015)
6.) 215 - Battle of the Bands - Summertime Blues 08/1/2015)
7.) 211 - Battle of the Bands - It's A Long Way to the Top (07/15/2015)
8.) 201 - The Listing Hop - Top Five Favourite Songs (10/26/2015)
9.) 201 - Battle of the Bands - Don't You (Forget About Me) (09/15/2015)
10.) 197 - Battle of the Bands - Fame (12/15/2015)
Raspberry Award (The least popular blog post)
39.) 68 - Rotten Fruit (09/14/2015)
After the A to Z Challenge, your visitor count sure went up.
ReplyDeleteI hope the IWSG can keep you motivated through 2016. Write on!
I'm hoping it will too. Still trying to get my footing in it all.
DeleteHi Jeffrey - I came across you in the A-Z .. it's such a fun way to meet new blogging friends. Gosh you keep stats ... that must help - and I bet the A-Z got you really started up again.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the IWSG - I comment, but don't participate ... but I shall be around in 2016 - have a wonderful year ahead ... cheers Hilary
Fortunately, blogger keeps most of the stats for me. I like to keep the stats because it helps me see what works and what doesn't.
DeleteYes, the A-Z lit a fire under me, but it also took some of the fun out of ranting. I'll be doing the A-Z again this year, but I've been planning on doing something completely different. Something which I've started outlining from May already. Something I think is going to be fun for everyone. Have a great 2016 yourself.
Woot! Can't wait to see what that might be! I'm all for fun and participation!
DeleteHappy New Year Jeff, Rock long and Prosper!
ReplyDeleteMay the Trek be with you.
DeleteHappy New Year, Jeffrey! Looking good here, as usual.
ReplyDeleteThanks for saying so. Looking forward to another great year. :)
DeleteWow, what a great year! I think this was the year we met each other? I've made so many great blogging friends this year. It's awesome. :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, this was the year we met. During the A-Z challenge if I remember right.
DeleteLove all the year in review posts around the blogosphere. Looks like you had a great year! Wishing you a happy and healthy 2016. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Much thanks. I find it a good idea to recap the year. It helps me focus on areas I might need work on. Like low post months. I hate those at the end of the year. It encourages me to be more dedicated to my blogging. Plus a recap helps new readers see what they might have missed in the year, and perhaps find something interesting to read.
DeleteGreat Year in Review post! I'm glad to have met you through Battle of the Bands and I look forward to reading more of your posts, especially your writing ones. I've often considered joining the Insecure Writers Group but have always found myself to be too insecure to join! Maybe you've inspired me to do it finally... :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you Jeffrey! May it be your best ever. Although your 2015 looks like it was pretty darn good, according to your year end review. You've definitely inspired me. 2016 is going to be a good year, I can feel it!
Michele at Angels Bark
Don't be insecure about joining. Do it! We all help and encourage each other. Yes, I'm always encouraged when I look back at the previous year and see how much I've actually done. I'm hoping for a bit more diversity this year. We'll see how that goes.
DeleteHappy New Year, I look forward to see what makes your list in 2016
ReplyDeleteSo am I! LOL
DeleteLove all the stats. I need to get better at keeping track of stats. We met late in 2015, but I hope we get to know each other more this year. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure we will know each other more by the end of 2016.
DeleteI love keeping stats. something about checking my blog stats is thrilling to me.
Thanks for mentioning me. I'm glad I introduced you to A-Z.
ReplyDeleteGosh, I like all of your R.A.N.Ts and Battle of the Band posts. They are so entertaining that I can't pick just one.
I hope you get a lot of creative writing done the year!
I felt there were a few who needed to be mentioned.
DeleteWow Chrys, thanks for saying so. It's a big compliment. I'm glad I'm able to write a few things people enjoy and are entertaining.
Glad you became a part of the Battle of the Bands. More diversity means more fun.
ReplyDeleteGet better! I've been feeling kind of crappy for a week or so now which put a bit of a damper on my holiday season.
Have a great 2016.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I already commented on this on your site. Yea, it sucks when you are under the weather and everyone else is out having fun. Well, hope we all have a better 2016.
DeleteI think we met because of the BOTB's, but whatever reason it's nice that we did. Wishing a most creative 2016! Love the review of your year. Congratulations on finding your inspiration via the blogosphere!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Thanks for the well wishes. Looking forward to reading more from you in this new year.
DeleteHappy New Year, Jeffrey. Sorry I missed this post earlier, but I was offline for a couple of weeks. You certainly have been busy! Isn't the A-Z Challenge fun? Not to mention good exposure for one's blog! Exhausting too, but in a good way. ☺
ReplyDeleteLove the R.A.N.T. idea and of course, BOTB.
I'm so glad we met. Here's to another prolific year. Cheers!
I agree, A-Z can be exhausting, but for blogging it's one of my favourite months now. I'm excited for this next challenge.
DeleteYes, BOTB is awesome too because we have so many cool battles the entire year.
Hi, Jeffrey!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a very impressive year, good buddy! You achieved a lot in the way of creative writing, participated in groups and hops and made some new friends along the way including me. I remember taking part in all of your band battles and discovering many exciting new artists and pieces of music. You introduced me to Diana Krall and for that I am grateful. (Too bad she's such a plain Jane! :)
I am very happy to have added you to my circle of friends, Jeffrey, and I wish you even greater accomplishments and successes in the coming year. Happy New Year, good buddy!
Careful what you say about Krall. ;)
DeletePlain Jane or not, she's my girl. :)
Looking forward to the next year.
Wow! Unless I counted wrong, it looks like 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS' accounted for 7 of your Top 10 most popular blog bits during the year.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you've found a groove, a niche, a beautiful thang, JEFFREY! Happy New Year, Bro!
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
Yes, BOTB played a big part this year. It's such a shame I missed the first on in January. But, I'll be back on the 15th.
DeleteOh my, what a comprehensive list! You have really found a place to shine in the area of music! Everyone is a self-appointed music critic and I've also enjoyed putting my two-cents of musical expertise into the mix! Much luck to you in 2016! It's been fun meeting you!
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started my blog, I was doing music review. I used to do the same for American Idol. And those articles were actually very popular. I wish I had saved some of those articles. But now I'm really enjoying he musical battles. Seems music is a big part of my life.
Delete