Interviewing a fellow blogger
I feel the tip to being a good blogger is getting to know other bloggers. So, I took this idea and contacted fashion and lifestyle blogger Bangs and a Bun: http://www.bangsandabun.com/. So here's the profile bit: she's a long time blogger starting 7 years ago. She went from working in Magazines to travelling and ending up in Canada where she had no contacts and it wasn't the easiest place to find a job. Not that it stopped here. She figured out she could start blogging and create an online portfolio. The original plan was to land a job within a couple of months but ended up turning it into it's own thing. So I managed to get an email interview with her.
So you was originally working for magazines but turned to blogging, and your blog is full of writing, so what is it that inspires you to write?
Literally anything and everything. It could be a conversation with a friend, an exhibition I’ve been to may spark a topic idea, or just anything I feel strongly about really. Inspiration can come from anywhere.
So, some of my readers may not be familiar with you, how would you describe yourself?
I’d describe myself as funny, driven, focused, open, hardworking, creative and passionate. I really feel strongly about doing stuff that matters. I don’t want to write my blog purely for the selfish reason of ‘I’m a creative person, I need to write to get it out.’ I actually want it to be of use to people. I always start from a place of ‘how can I help people?’ I want what I’m putting out into the universe to be useful. I love when I get emails from people saying they were really inspired by a post I wrote or it really helped them - that’s what it’s all about for me.
You've been blogging for 7 years, during which have you had any accomplishments for your blog during this period?
I think honestly just that there are over 60 million blogs out there and I’ve managed to get mine to reach a point where it is recognised and has received press coverage and things like that. It took a lot of hard work to get it to stand out, so I’m really proud of that.
Wow, already your blog has achieved so much but what next? Where do you envision yourself in 5 years?
Wherever life takes me. I’m open to whatever life throws at me, so who knows what direction it’ll go in. Obviously I hope my blog keeps going from strength to strength and I’m able to help more people through that. I hope to be healthy, happy and creatively fulfilled wherever I am.
Now that all the serious stuff is done lets find some interesting information out, if you could be any celebrity writer who would you be?
I really admire the work of authors like Chuck Palaniuk and Brett Easton Ellis. I wish I had some sort of talent for fiction, I’d love to give it a go, but I’d never be as good as those guys!
When you go on holiday whats your must have item in your suitcase?
My laptop! I also always try to pick up magazines from wherever I’ve traveled to. I like to see what the trends are in that country, what inspired them, what the look is etc.
You find inspiration from other magazines, do you find any inspiration from fellow bloggers?
Earlier you said that you've been blogging for 7 years, over that period have you come up with any structure on how often you normally blog?
I aim for 3 times a week, but the past month or so have been crazy for me so I just haven’t had a chance. When I first started, I did five times a week. I think the key is to just do as much as your life will allow, but do it consistently.
Where can we stalk you? Do you have any other blogs, twitters, instagram and all that jazz?
I’m also a spin instructor and teach at BOOM Cycle in Holborn four times a week, so you can definitely find me there!
Finally, as a blogger of 7 years who has built up an amazing blog in 5 steps what advice would you give to new bloggers?
1. Be patient - the readers and recognition will not come overnight. At times it’ll feel like you’re getting nowhere. It’s all part of the process.
2. Put the work in - If you want to be really successful with your blog, you have to approach it like a full time job. You have to really push yourself. It won’t come easy.
3. Your first priority should be the content - if you’re in it for freebies and all the other fluff, you’re doing it for the wrong reasons. Your first and really only priority should be putting out the best possible content you can. Focus on that and any of the other bonuses that come from blogging will follow.
4. Build genuine relationships with your readers and other bloggers - really engage with your audience. Let them get to know you and what you’re about. Connect with other bloggers, maybe organise a meet up once a month. Share ideas, be part of the community. Your readers and other bloggers will become your biggest advocates.
5. Be polite - when you start working with PRs and brands, remember, nothing is a given. You are not entitled to anything. If you receive something for review or are invited to a cool experience, be gracious and thankful - never act as though it’s your God given right. it really isn’t. To be in the position to receive those things is a real privilege.
Thankyou so much for this interview Bangs and a Bun.
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