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Monday, March 23, 2015

Theme Reveal: Epics from A to Z!

Roll out the red carpet, ready the cameras. The A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal is here!

Those of you who have visited my blog before will not be terribly surprised. For the past two years I have done themes related to folktales, fairy tales, and other traditional stories. Since, you know. I'm a storyteller.
(Last year's theme was Tales with Colors, and the year before it was Weird Princesses)

This year's theme was brought to you by a very special occasion: I have received the J.J. Reneaux Mentorship Grant from the National Storytelling Network. This grant allows me to work with a master storyteller in order to develop my skills further in a specific field of storytelling. I am honored and excited to be the mentoree of Cathryn Fairlee, and learn about telling epics and other long-form traditional tales.
In the spirit of making the most of this opportunity, my theme lines up with my mentorship project. It shouldn't be a complete shock...

DRUMROLL

This year's theme will be: Epics from A to Z!
I have been scheduling posts since January. I have read all the 26 epics that I will post about, one for each letter (okay, almost all of them. You'll see). The posts will tell you a little bit about where each epic came from (time, culture, geographical place), introduce you to the hero(es) and heroines, and then provide a witty and whimsical (*cough*) list of highlights to show you how awesome epics can be, and give you an idea of why you should read them.

I hope you will find these old stories as intriguing, fascinating, and all-around... epic, as I did. I also hope that you will find some that you have not heard about before - I purposefully picked less well-known stories whenever I could. Many of them were new for me too. I am excited to invite you along on this adventure!
Happy A to Z!

(Click here to read my other theme reveal today on MopDog: 26 Ways to Die in Medieval Hungary)
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94 comments:

  1. Sophie DuncanMarch 23, 2015 at 7:21 AM

    Congrats on the grant and mentorship opportunity!

    I am sure, just like last year, your theme is going to introduce me to some new angles on stories I know and to stories I don't know :)

    ttfn,
    Sophie
    Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles
    Fantasy Boys XXX
    Wittegen Press

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  2. Rhonda AlbomMarch 23, 2015 at 10:57 AM

    Congratulations! And it sounds like a great theme. I revealed today too.

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  3. Tasha Duncan-DrakeMarch 23, 2015 at 10:58 AM

    That is fantastic news about the grant, I hope it is a wonderful experience being mentored.

    Wow, 26 epics - sounds like a fabulous theme. I look forward to coming back during April and seeing all your posts.

    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)

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  4. Barbara In CaneyheadMarch 23, 2015 at 12:47 PM

    What a perfect match your theme is for you!! Sounds like it will be both interesting and educational. I look forward to it.
    Life & Faith in Caneyhead
    I am Ensign B ~ One of Tremp's Troops with the
    A to Z Challenge

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  5. UnknownMarch 23, 2015 at 12:54 PM

    I am always looking for new and interesting reads. Can't wait to read your posts.
    Jen www.laceandlunges.com

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  6. J.L. CampbellMarch 23, 2015 at 1:00 PM

    Sounds great. I look forward to learnin about the origin of some of these epic tales!

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  7. bettyMarch 23, 2015 at 2:45 PM

    Thanks for visiting my blog (A bench with a View) and your comment :) Wow, what an interesting theme you have! Lots of preparation with it too!! Good luck with it!

    betty

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  8. Jeremy [Retro]March 23, 2015 at 2:47 PM

    All cool things, I am intrigued!

    Jeremy [Retro]
    AtoZ Challenge Co-Host [2015]

    There's no earthly way of knowing.
    Which direction we are going!
    HOLLYWOOD NUTS!

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  9. Corinne RodriguesMarch 23, 2015 at 2:54 PM

    Congratulations, Csenge! That's huge.
    Looking forward to reading your posts.

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  10. Susan Gourley/KelleyMarch 23, 2015 at 3:03 PM

    Congrats on the mentorship. I know I'll love your theme. Your posts are always interesting.

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  11. Sara C. SniderMarch 23, 2015 at 3:13 PM

    A great theme, and congratulations on the grant! Your posts were among my favorites last year, so I know it's going to be (wait for it...) epic this year! Woohoo!

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  12. Tyrean MartinsonMarch 23, 2015 at 3:13 PM

    Congratulations on the mentorship - it sounds wonderful! And great A to Z theme!
    http://tyreanswritingspot.blogspot.com/

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  13. AnonymousMarch 23, 2015 at 3:16 PM

    Congrats on receiving the grant! As someone who loves stories, I'm looking forward to your theme posts. I'll be checking out your previous years' posts, too. "Weird Princesses" sounds intriguing.

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  14. Debbie D. March 23, 2015 at 3:49 PM

    Congratulations on your grant. This is a fascinating subject. Should be epic! ☺ Looking forward to your posts.

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  15. Alex HurstMarch 23, 2015 at 4:15 PM

    This is a fantastic theme, and I am really looking forward to seeing which epics were chosen for your theme!

    Congrats on the grant. That's amazing!

    Alex Hurst, A Fantasy Author in Kyoto
    Out of Print, Fiction authors and their shorts

    A-Z Blogging in April Participant

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  16. Jay NoelMarch 23, 2015 at 4:15 PM

    Your theme sounds so...EPIC. Hahaha. Sorry, bad joke. I'm looking forward to reading your posts, and I'm now following your blog.

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  17. NicoleMarch 23, 2015 at 4:37 PM

    Nothing beats a good story! Your theme about old epic tales sounds it will be fun to read and I also like how you chose to combine your offline project with your online blogging activities. That makes it easier to get through both without exhausting your energies toward one or the other. Congrats on your mentorship grant!

    ~Nicole
    #atozchallenge Co-Host
    The Madlab Post

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  18. LeoviMarch 23, 2015 at 4:45 PM

    Delicious idea their epics from A to Z! will be very interesting!

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  19. Arlee BirdMarch 23, 2015 at 5:28 PM

    If something has been working you might as well stick with it. Your theme sounds like a good one.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Wrote By Rote

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  20. Nadine_FeldmanMarch 23, 2015 at 6:11 PM

    Congrats on the grant! I've been reading themes all morning, and I am so impressed with what people are coming up with. Yours sounds really interesting. I'm going to learn a lot this month, I see!

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  21. Stephanie FarisMarch 23, 2015 at 6:40 PM

    Did I read that correctly--you've been reading epics since January in preparation? Or had you already read some and you've been supplementing it with reading those you haven't read yet? Either way, I'm in awe!

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  22. A Tarkabarka HölgyMarch 23, 2015 at 6:55 PM

    There are a few that I read before, but most of these I either read for the first time, or re-read in full for the first time. There are still some I need to do, but it has been quite the reading binge :)

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  23. djinniaMarch 23, 2015 at 7:44 PM

    Sweet! This will be exciting! I haven't done much epic readings, but you may inspire me to give these a whirl!

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  24. BirgitMarch 23, 2015 at 7:56 PM

    Congrats on the mentorship! I am in awe that you read 26 epics! All that went through my head was The Nieberlungenlied" which i read many years ago. So can't wait to see what you will write

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  25. cleemckenzieMarch 23, 2015 at 8:42 PM

    Mentorship! That's wonderful. Congrats to you. And congrats on choosing such an interesting theme. I look forward to it.

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  26. AnonymousMarch 23, 2015 at 8:54 PM

    Sounds like a cool theme. Congratulations on the mentorship too!

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  27. JazzFeathersMarch 23, 2015 at 9:08 PM

    I love this theme. I've been into myths and legends since I was a kid and I'm fascinated with the oral tradition of all culture. I'm fascinated by storytellers in general, I should say.

    No way that I'm missing your posts! ^_^

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  28. It's Kelley!March 23, 2015 at 9:32 PM

    Oh, wow. I'm bookmarking this one. Can't wait!

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  29. BushmanMarch 23, 2015 at 10:08 PM

    Congratulations on the grant. That sounds so exciting. If it's a story I'm all in!
    Look forward to your epics.

    Bushman
    2015 A to Z Challenge Ambassador
    @jwb81074

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  30. Sue McPeakMarch 23, 2015 at 10:19 PM

    What a fantastic theme and opportunity. Congratulations on the grant and mentorship! I have added you to my AtoZ Blog Roll so I don't miss a single one of your Epic AtoZ posts. Thanks for stopping by today for my reveal. Let the Epics begin!!!
    Sue at CollectInTexas Gal
    AtoZ 2015 Challenge
    AJ's wHooligans

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  31. EliseMarch 23, 2015 at 10:29 PM

    Wow, that's great Congrats on your grant! That's so exciting :) Looking forward to your AtoZ sounds like a great theme!
    Gladiator's Pen

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  32. JeanMarch 23, 2015 at 10:31 PM

    Awesome! Jean visiting from Rantings and Ravings of an Insane Writer for your theme reveal.

    You are so right about Americans not riding trains more, because, as you say, the country grew on train travel.

    I highly recommend Amtrak's flagship train, the Coast Starlight (LA-Portland or Seattle) and the Empire Builder (Portland or Seattle to Chicago).

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  33. UnknownMarch 23, 2015 at 10:55 PM

    What a great theme! I subscribed to your blog and I'm really looking forward to reading all of your epics!

    This is our, http://www.thechinesequest.com first #AtoZchallenge and we are excited to participate!

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  34. AnonymousMarch 23, 2015 at 11:20 PM

    Wow. You've been prepping all year. That's great. Look forward to reading your posts.

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  35. J E OneilMarch 23, 2015 at 11:38 PM

    I'm glad I'm not the only one who plans her posts far in advance. I can't wait to learn about the epics :)

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  36. FilMarch 23, 2015 at 11:48 PM

    Sounds like a fabulous theme ... looking forward to reading them. And congratulations on getting such a fantastic grant.

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  37. AJ LauerMarch 24, 2015 at 12:02 AM

    Ooh that's fun! Will G be Gilgamesh? That is one of my favorites :)
    Enjoy!
    ~AJ @ ajlauer.net
    An A-Z co-Host

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  38. AnonymousMarch 24, 2015 at 12:21 AM

    That's great news about the grant! Thanks for stopping by my blog today. I love your theme - I'm a fan of epics myself, so I can't wait to see what you come up with!

    Sue Archer
    Doorway Between Worlds

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  39. Stephen TrempMarch 24, 2015 at 1:10 AM

    Very cool theme! I'll include yours as a place to visit during the event.

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  40. ErraticElleMarch 24, 2015 at 1:16 AM

    This theme should be fantastic!! I'm looking forward to seeing what you have come up with. So excited for A to Z to begin!

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  41. AnonymousMarch 24, 2015 at 1:22 AM

    Look that sounds like a great theme!

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  42. Deborah WeberMarch 24, 2015 at 1:47 AM

    Fabulous! I so look forward to reading your posts.

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  43. Heather M. GardnerMarch 24, 2015 at 2:06 AM

    Amazing news!

    This theme sounds fantastic.
    Can't wait to see more!
    Heather

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  44. AnonymousMarch 24, 2015 at 2:35 AM

    I haven't popped by in a while and am excited at all the things you've been doing! Looking forward to your stories.

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  45. AnonymousMarch 24, 2015 at 3:25 AM

    Congrats on the grant. That's huge news! And I'm going to look forward to your epic posts! Great theme.
    Michele at Angels Bark

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  46. Vidya SuryMarch 24, 2015 at 5:47 AM

    Wow, Congratulations Csenge! This is so exciting. First thing, I am bookmarking your blog for my son (which means I put a shortcut on my son's desktop). He's crazy about stories/folklore/folktales and we're going to enjoy it together! :) Looking forward to a fabulous A to Z. Hugs!

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  47. Nick WilfordMarch 24, 2015 at 7:21 AM

    Sounds like a fascinating theme, I can't wait!

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  48. Susan ScottMarch 24, 2015 at 7:25 AM

    So looking forward to your posts Tarkabarka, of such great interest to me.
    And MANY congratulations on your award, in recognition of story telling!

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  49. Anabel MarshMarch 24, 2015 at 8:44 AM

    Congratulations on the grant - Ilook forward to reading your epics!

    Anabel at Anabel's Travel Blog

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  50. Sundari VenkatramanMarch 24, 2015 at 10:55 AM

    I so look forward to this one. It sounds so interesting :D

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  51. Nilanjana BoseMarch 24, 2015 at 12:03 PM

    Congratulations on the grant and mentorship, sounds like a wonderful opportunity. And the theme is way cool!

    Best wishes for a great A-Z,
    Nilanjana.
    Madly-in-Verse

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  52. Melissa Barker-SimpsonMarch 24, 2015 at 4:02 PM

    This is such a cool theme. I will definitely be back to read the epics you share with us :-)

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  53. PratikshyaMarch 24, 2015 at 5:22 PM

    wow....its really interesting.. awaiting your posts...

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  54. AnonymousMarch 24, 2015 at 6:08 PM

    Awesome idea! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

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  55. Robyn Proctor March 24, 2015 at 7:31 PM

    Awesome idea, good luck this month! :)

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  56. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comMarch 24, 2015 at 8:06 PM

    Zalka, congratulations on the grant! That's inspiring and very exciting to be supported in honing your craft. It's also great that you'll be sharing your passions with us throughout April. Have fun with the Challenge.

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  57. CindyMarch 24, 2015 at 9:04 PM

    What an awesome theme.

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  58. CourtneyMarch 24, 2015 at 9:40 PM

    Phew! Sounds pretty intense! Congrats on your storytelling grant!
    Maui Jungalow

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  59. Leetah BegallieMarch 24, 2015 at 9:56 PM

    Congrats on the grant!
    Your theme sounds great. I'll be back April 1st ;)

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  60. AnonymousMarch 24, 2015 at 10:30 PM

    so cool! and what a commitment! can't wait to read about your experiences with these epics

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  61. Wendy of the RockMarch 24, 2015 at 10:35 PM

    OMG You are not only fabulously clever, you're a crazy woman! Two a-Z challenges! This is my first,and something tells me I lack your organisation and discipline ...my sense of panic tells me that!
    have an awesome month, and thanks for stopping by The Rock.
    Wendy at Wendy of The Rock

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  62. Melissa SugarMarch 25, 2015 at 1:12 AM

    What a fabulous and interesting theme. I am so excited and look forward to reading all of your posts. Congratulations on your grant. That is quite an honor. Thank you for co-hosting this awesome challenge.

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  63. iluvfictionMarch 25, 2015 at 4:20 AM

    Cool idea! Looking forward the read!!

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  64. Beverly Stowe McClureMarch 25, 2015 at 1:45 PM

    Epics sounds fascinating. It should be educational too. Looking forward to learning more.
    Congratulations on your good news too.

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  65. UnknownMarch 25, 2015 at 4:11 PM

    I am excited for this! Looking forward to some Epic reading

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  66. Stephanie BirdMarch 25, 2015 at 4:21 PM

    Congratulations on your award! It is wonderful when you gain support of that nature and are able to pursue your dream. I can't wait to visit this space and read your interpretations of epic tales during the A to Z challenge. I'm quite partial to folklore, fairy tales and mythology.

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  67. Liz BrownleeMarch 25, 2015 at 5:33 PM

    Sounds like fun, will look on in!
    Liz http://www.lizbrownleepoet.com

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  68. Zannie RoseMarch 25, 2015 at 6:49 PM

    ho from A-Z challenge- you have the most comments I have ever seen- cant wait for April

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  69. AnonymousMarch 25, 2015 at 7:37 PM

    Epics - a brilliant theme! I look forward to read about heroes and heroines. 26 posts of culture and history - love it!

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  70. ChrisMarch 25, 2015 at 7:50 PM

    Wow, congrats!!

    And epics, whoo hoo, I can't wait to hear about them all!!

    --Chris

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  71. Michelle WallaceMarch 25, 2015 at 8:54 PM

    Hi Csenge!
    Congratulations on the grant and mentorship opportunity. Awesome news!

    I can remember your color-filled theme from last year!
    Epics sounds like another GREAT theme!
    See you around on the A to Z circuit.

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  72. Morgan DragonwillowMarch 25, 2015 at 9:37 PM

    How wonderful that you have such an opportunity with the mentorship program! I look forward to reading your A to Z posts!

    Peace,
    Morgan
    Playing with Words
    StoryDam
    A Poet's Kitchen

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  73. UnknownMarch 25, 2015 at 10:50 PM

    Wow, this is one theme that is very unique. Great theme and l look forward to reading more about the great epics in April. All the best :)

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  74. UnknownMarch 26, 2015 at 12:36 AM

    Valka, your theme is - well - it's epic, that's what it is! Congratulations on your grant. I'm looking forward to reading your A to Z posts!

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  75. Carrie-AnneMarch 26, 2015 at 1:41 AM

    Congratulations on getting the grant!

    I'll be interested to see how many of your epics I've read or am otherwise familiar with. I'd love to see the Ramayana or Mahabharata profiled.

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  76. Shan Jeniah BurtonMarch 26, 2015 at 6:13 AM

    Oh, Brilliant!!!

    Definitely coming back to read!

    I would've loved to be scheduling posts in January, but....other stories. If it were at all logical to do so, I would blame the Vulcans in my head...

    I hope to have at least my first few set up before April, though, so it's less of a scramble...

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  77. AmitaMarch 26, 2015 at 7:29 AM

    Well, Lokks like you have done yur homework well!

    All the best

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  78. SylviaMarch 26, 2015 at 8:44 AM

    Wow, congratulations on your grant!!! I look forward to following your tales <3

    Sylvia @ Playful Creative

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  79. Claire AnnetteMarch 26, 2015 at 5:04 PM

    Your theme is epic! Can't wait to see what you come up with.

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  80. AnonymousMarch 26, 2015 at 6:20 PM

    I LOVE stories :D

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  81. Shell FlowerMarch 27, 2015 at 2:44 AM

    Great idea for A-Z and I hope to learn something. That's quite a project, but it sounds like you are up for it. And you should definitely check out the Pacific NW sometime. It's, yep, epic!

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  82. S.K. DuboisMarch 27, 2015 at 3:26 AM

    A wonderful way to do the challenge. See you in April.

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  83. C.D. Gallant-KingMarch 27, 2015 at 7:16 PM

    Wow. I bet this is going to be pretty... Wait for it...

    Epic.

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  84. SaraallieMarch 28, 2015 at 11:23 PM

    Great! I'll be looking forward to reading :)

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  85. ~Brandy~March 29, 2015 at 4:25 AM

    Really cool theme and a huge congrats on the grant. Grants are definitely a writer's best friend! I love fairy tales, myths, and all things historically fictional and fantastical. I look forward to your list!
    Brandy from Brandy's Bustlings

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  86. AnonymousMarch 29, 2015 at 11:32 AM

    Sounds like a fantastic theme. Will def be revisiting during the challenge. :)

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  87. Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague SikesMarch 29, 2015 at 9:23 PM

    Congratulations on the grant and the A to Z theme! Good luck!

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  88. AnonymousMarch 29, 2015 at 11:04 PM

    Congratulations on receiving that grant and mentorship! That's so awesome. You'll have to let us know how that experience goes! And I love your A to Z theme...sounds like your blog is going to be "epic" ;) Haha couldn't resist!

    -Wendy Lu Writes

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  89. Mina BurrowsMarch 30, 2015 at 5:47 PM

    You picked a great one! I can't wait to read more! :)

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  90. RajlakshmiMarch 31, 2015 at 1:03 PM

    this sounds so awesome :D Loved the theme. Congratulations on the grant :)

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  91. ArchanaMarch 31, 2015 at 4:19 PM

    Congratulations! This should be a set of posts to treasure!

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  92. AnonymousMarch 31, 2015 at 10:52 PM

    Looking forward to reading your posts.

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  93. BobbieTalesApril 4, 2015 at 2:29 AM

    WOW! from being a storyteller, your blog could be a small ebooks on Amazon for each Epic, for storyteller and those just wanting a easy way to understand the Epics. GREAT WORK! Lovely writing.

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    Replies
    1. BobbieTalesApril 4, 2015 at 2:34 AM

      Congratulation! on the grant from NSN,and I know Cathryn Fairlee; she is one great person, and knows a lot about storytelling.

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