Every year I try and post a few ideas for the upcoming
A to Z Challenge which begins in April. (The sign-up list is not open yet, so follow the link and keep an eye on the page.) With thousands now joining from all over the world, it's become quite an event. Some write each of their posts on a daily basis (I've done that) while others plan and write posts ahead of time (I've done that too). Whichever route you choose, now might be a good time to at least think about it. Not everyone uses a theme, by the way. But it can make things a little easier for some of us.
This year I'm planning to write about half of my posts ahead of time. There will probably be a "theme reveal" closer to the contest; but just to get it out there, I've settled on the topic of poison; posts will probably be a combination of flash fiction and informative type articles.
I reserve the right to change my mind a hundred times before April, of course.
One year I wrote a piece of flash fiction or poetry every single morning. That was rough! Last year I tried to choose a topic no one else had done, and settled on "Psychological Tests and How You Can Use Them To Construct Characters". (Not as boring as it sounds.) Since a lot of research was required, posts had to be either fully written or at least blocked out ahead of time.
Anyway, here's a short list of possible topics to get you thinking. I've even supplied one tough letter for each. There are also links to a previous list and posts I've done in the past.
1. Unsolved murders/crimes A to Z (Z is for Zodiac killer)
2. Disasters, natural or man made (K is for Krakatoa)
3. Minerals (Z is for zinc or zenzenite)
4. Breakthroughs in science, recent or all time (T is for
teixobactin)
5. Mythological creatures and beings (K is for kraken)
6. Superfoods (Q is for quinoa)
7. Famous artists (Z is for Zaganelli)
8. Quotes from movies (Z is for Zero Dark Thirty: "Facilitators
come and go. One thing you can count on in life is that everyone wants
money."
9. Poetic forms, terms, examples (V is for villanelle)
10. Terms or glossary of words from a particular place or time (Q is for quintain or quim)
11. Best links to sites for writers (Q is for QueryLink or QueryShark)
12. Dumbest misjudgements ever made (W is for Western Union memo:
This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered
as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no
value to us.
13. Dumbest quotes (Q is for Dan Quayle, of course: "What a waste it is to lose one's mind. Or not to have a mind is being very wasteful. How true that is." Actually, you could probably do a full A to Z just on him.
14. With a new Jurassic movie coming, how about dinosaurs? (Z is for Zuniceratops)
15. Architects (Z is for Peter Zumthor) or architectural terms (J is for jacal)or even famous structures
16. World historical sites, national historical sites, odd or quirky museums
17. New words added to the dictionary (V is for vato)
18. New "words" used by young people we wish would go away (T is for thot)
19. Fashions that never should have happened (W is for wedge sneakers)
20. It's the new year! Time to get fit, A to Z (K is for kettlebells)
21. Conspiracy theories
22. Evidence of aliens on earth (U is for Ubaid Lizard Men Figures)
23. Notable (and/or magical) weapons from history, mythology, legend (X is for Xiuhcoatl)
24. Quotes/lessons from your favorite book, maybe one that changed your life. (K is for Key: "The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best."-Epictetus)
25. YouTube video a day (This is a pretty easy one, as there are SO many to choose from.)
Have you done the challenge in the past? Chosen a topic for this year? Waiting till the last minute? Did you spot the vulgarities? Are you offended? Have I asked too many questions?
A to Z Topics to use
Compendium: My 2012 A to Z Flash Fiction
Interaction Styles: 2014 A to Z Crafting Characters Sample