Julie R. Neidlinger: Lone Prairie Blog

Blogathon 2006.

written by Julie R. Neidlinger 0 comments link this post

This year's Blogathon got off to a bit of a late start here at Lone Prairie, but I hope to remedy that by encouraging sponsorship for a fine charity, the Abused Adult Resource Center, out of Bismarck, North Dakota. You can read the press release the AARC has sent out here.

I have participated in Blogathon 2003 and 2005 (there wasn't a Blogathon in 2004). Though it is a challenge to blog every 30 minutes for 24 hours, it was also a great way to help a good cause doing something I really love to do.

Past Blogathons here at Lone Prairie
In 2003, I created a new drawing for each blog post. As the evening wore on, the drawings got a bit more frenetic and loopy. The character that seemed to emerge most often from my drawings was a cartoon cat I called "Zombie Cat." I used to sell T-shirts and other items with him on it, and when I took those items off of my site, I began getting requests for him. I am in the process of including him more on this website.

In 2005, I blogged a story with a character named Bob. Using little dolls and furniture I've had since I was a child, I set up scenes using small sets and props I'd made, telling the story on the fly. I let the images I managed to compose on the spot tell the story, and I, along with the readers, had no idea how it would end. Bob ended up being fairly well-liked, even winning this blog an award (!), and so, with the help of my friend Corrine, I put the Blogathon entries into a book form as well as gave Bob a permanent place on my web site. Yep. If you go to www.officialbob.com, you can check the little guy out, buy the book, download free stuff, and see what I'm talking about.

This year's Blogathon here at Lone Prairie
This year, I'm taking suggestions on what my readers want to see, although I will make the final decision. I encourage you to vote and let me know what you think. I admit to leaning towards Bob and another story because, frankly, I like the little guy. He's even been with me to Nicaragua. Though I don't plan or even think about the story until the Blogathon starts, I have an idea on the genre and know what small sets and props I will need to make beforehand.

As always, I intend to give those who sponsor me a little something to say thanks. Sponsors who want to remain anonymous don't take me up on the offer and that's just fine. It's just an option, if you're a sponsor and are interested. Last year I sent out color prints of scenes and story according to what each sponsor wanted. The first year I sent out the actual drawings as requested by sponsors. Rest assured that you won't be empty-handed if you are a sponsor, even though I know that you are sponsoring for the benefit of the charity and not to get stuff. It's just my way of saying thank you for taking the Blogathon ride with me this year.