Last year, I took part in the 2017 Discussion Challenge. The aim was to build up the courage to write more than reviews, to start expressing my opinion beyond my thoughts on what I had read, even if only just a little bit. I’m not going to lie, it was hard. There is something about writing a discussion post, the putting myself out there that had me thinking twice more than once.
In the end, I wrote six posts that I classed as discussions (including one on what made a discussion a discussion, a question I still haven’t quite answered for myself). This made me a “discussion dabbler” but it was kind of where I thought I would end up. This year, I want to do more, in fact it’s one of my new year blogging resolutions. How much better I’m not sure but I’m aiming to at least double my discussion posts to 12 – one a month. Hopefully, I’ll succeed!
To help me, I’m once again joining in with Nicole at Feed Your Fiction Addiction and Shannon at It Start’s at Midnight for their 2018 Book Blog Discussion Challenge. Here’s how it works…
The 2018 Book Blog Discussion Challenge runs from January 1st until December 31st, 2018 and you can sign up until the very last minute if you are interested.
There has already been a kick-off post so I’m behind signing up, but that’s nothing unusual for me. It also means I’m behind on having to come up with a post (any ideas?).
The challenge is to help get us discussing books and book blogging, so you can talk about whatever you want as long as it’s relevant to book blogging.
Discussions can be book related or book blogging related (or generally blogging related—no discussions about things that are completely off-topic like travel or fashion, etc). Discussions can also be about you personally if it’s a get-to-know-you type post.
There are a number of different levels depending on how much you feel you can accomplish:
1-10 – Discussion Dabbler
11-20 – Creative Conversationalist
21-30 – Chatty Kathy
31-40 – Terrifically Talkative
41+ – Gift of the Gab
Given my goal of 12, that would make me a creative conversationalist. I’m already nervous. Still, a bit of nerves never did anyone any harm right? So, please wish me look and feel free to comment, comment, comment on the posts I publish 🙂
Emma x
One Readers Thoughts 
Good luck, Emma! I used to write a lot more discussion posts – but I find them far harder to write than book reviews, so I applaud your resolution. And I’ll do my best to comment when you post them. Good luck!
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They are harder I think but I want some more variety. I wonder if they will be easier now I have another blog that talks about other things as well as books?
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That may well be the case:). I’m considering widening my blog and discussing my own writing more. I’ll see whether people are at all interested…
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I’d keep reading.
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This sounds exciting!! Can’t wait to see what you come up with! Best wishes to your success! 🙂
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It’s a good one. I like how much I get to find out about other bloggers.
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Enjoy this challenge! I do love discussion posts and try to occasionally write one. LOL. Thanks for sharing.
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I just need to be braver and more creative than last year!
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I’m so glad you’re joining us again! Discussions can be daunting sometimes, but they’re so rewarding.
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I agree on the daunting and rewarding. I need to get my thinking cap on 🤔
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Good luck, Emma! look forward to the posts and joining the discussion.
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Thank you! Now I just need an idea x
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They seem harder to do. Maybe getting an topic or getting a Question is what a good start of a Disscussion Post. Well you got me an idea when reading and signed up and started with my first post today- Take a look https://nrcbooks.blogspot.com/2018/04/2018-discussion-challenge-how-to-start.html and I will follow you as well
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