Ten Questions with Hannah of Blairs Boys.

1. Describe your blog in five sentences or less.
The subtitle of my blog is “my life, in a nutshell”, and this pretty much sums things up. I love to write about the things in my life that are meaningful to me, and that includes my sons, my husband, my passion for scrapbooking and art, my faith in God, and my personal opinions on anything and everything. For me, one of the best things about having a blog is the ability to preserve memories, like recording those cute & funny things my boys say or do. I don’t want to forget those when I’m old and doddery, so writing them here is a way to ensure they are not lost.

2. Link us to one post from your blog that best defines who you are.
Grateful

3. What sets you apart from other bloggers?
I try really hard to keep my blog a happy, positive place. I have my bad days just like everybody else, but I firmly believe that the rest of the world does not want to hear me moaning and complaining! Yes, I do share about those things that have saddened or angered or upset me, but I always try to put a positive spin on it. I’ve been told that this is inspiring to other people, which makes me feel good!

4. When and how did you first discover blogging?
A few years ago, a couple of my online friends (who I met on a parenting message board) started their own blogs. I’d never heard of blogging before, but I began to read theirs. After a year or so of just reading (and commenting) on their blogs, I decided to jump on the bandwagon and start my own. The rest is history! I was hooked from the very start, and I have made so many new online friends through blogging.

5. What is your biggest pet peeve related to blogging or the internet?
I struggle with not knowing exactly WHO is reading my blog. I trust all my loyal readers & commenters 100%, but my blog stats clearly show that I have many more readers who never comment on my posts. Who ARE these people? Why don’t they come out of hiding? I would gladly welcome them if they introduced themselves, but the silent “lurkers” scare me a little. I worry that some of them are reading for the wrong reasons. I wish for a blogworld without lurkers! I wish for every reader to leave a comment! Not on every post, of course, but every now and then so that I know they are there.

6. Name one plugin, blogging widget, or service that you can’t live without.
Bloglines, without a doubt! I currently have 89 blogs on my feed list, so you can imagine how time-consuming it would be to check all those blogs everyday. Bloglines makes my life so much easier, I don’t know what I’d do without it.

7. If you could choose anyone, living or dead, to write a guest post for your blog, who would it be and why?
The only person would be my husband (and he’s alive, by the way). My hubby is a man of few words, so the ones he does say are totally worth listening to. My readers know an awful lot about his life because they read my blog, and I’m sure they would enjoy reading something of his. His take on things would be a refreshing change from mine. We live with the same 2 boys, but I’m sure he would write about a particular episode or story in a different way to me. It would take him a whole day to type it out, but that’s okay!

8. How has blogging made you a better person?
I have made so many friends through blogging, and I’m sure this has helped me to BE a better friend. Since I started blogging, I have made some very special friends. I have had the joy of meeting several of those friends in real life, and some of them have become very close “offline” friends as well. And that’s changed my life for the better.

9. What are your tips for becoming a better blogger?
1) If you want more people to read your blog and comment on your posts, you need to do the same. I have increased my blog traffic and comments by 80% simply by doing those things.

2) Write about things that mean something to you. Don’t be afraid of saying how you feel. People don’t have to agree with your viewpoint, but it’s YOUR blog and you are entitled to share your opinions. Just do it tactfully, and be prepared for others to disagree with you sometimes.

3) Don’t feel compelled to blog every. single. day. Unless you actually have something to say, that is! There is no “rule” that says you must blog daily. You should blog regularly, so that your readers don’t lose interest, but if you have nothing to say or if you don’t have time, then just don’t blog that day!

10. Name one great blog that you read on a regular basis. What makes it unique?
Angella at Dutch Blitz She’s a fabulous writer, a great photographer, and a really NICE person. I love her blog, she always has something worthwhile to say, and an awesome sense of humour! Her kids are cute as well! ;-)

Categories: Personal, Ten Questions