Ten Questions with Michael Latshaw of Henson’s Hell.

1. Describe your blog in five sentences or less.
“Henson’s Hell” is a humorous blog covering a variety of topics, mostly centering around pop culture. The blog is written by Henson Ray, the main character in the online comic-mystery “It Happened in Plainfield.” (A new chapter has been released every week since April; the final chapter being released on Monday, December 31st.) The blog is a spin-off of the story, allowing Henson’s character and humor to live on after the final chapter is released.

2. Link us to one post from your blog that best defines who you are.
The strange facial contortions of Celine Dion.

3. What sets you apart from other bloggers?
“Henson’s Hell” is unique because it brings a fictional character to life, giving him the opportunity to socialize and interact in the real world. In the online story “It Happened in Plainfield,” Henson has his own blog called “Henson’s Hell.” In fact, his blog is one of the main reasons he gets tangled up in the weird celebrity mystery in the first place. So it seemed only appropriate to bring the blog to life. It also serves as ongoing publicity for the story, as well as a way to placate fans who didn’t want the story to end.

4. When and how did you first discover blogging?
I’ve known about blogging for years. But I guess I really didn’t get interested until I was looking for ways to promote “It Happened in Plainfield.” That’s when I really started reading other people’s blogs and learning a lot of useful information.

5. What is your biggest pet peeve related to blogging or the internet?
I don’t really have many peeves. Not yet, anyway. Except maybe how to find readers. That’s always a constant struggle, I guess. I’m not really in it to make money, but that would certainly be nice as well.

6. Name one plugin, blogging widget, or service that you can’t live without.
I like the Blog Catalog widget because it shows me who has visited my site, and then I can go visit them as well. It’s a nice way to get to know the blogging community. I’ve found a lot of great websites that way.

7. If you could choose anyone, living or dead, to write a guest post for your blog, who would it be and why?
I think I would like Noel Coward. He was always so witty and clever. And blogging would be a great outlet for his talents. He could do his social commentary on a regular basis, and entertain us with his witty observations. Maybe even write a song lyric or two.

8. How has blogging made you a better person?
It’s gotten me to look at the world around me with new eyes. And of course, it disciplines me to keep writing. I get to explore topics I might never have written about before, because I don’t have to write a whole story around something. I can just write a few paragraphs.

9. What are your tips for becoming a better blogger?
Don’t get so focused on your blog that you can’t appreciate other people’s blogs as well. Blogging is about community and bringing together ideas. But if your ideas are the only ones you’re interested in, then it’s going to be very hard to establish a loyal readership.

10. Name one great blog that you read on a regular basis. What makes it unique?
Catontape.com – Well, this blog isn’t really one to read, but I definitely visit it a lot whenever I need a laugh. I admit it, it’s a pretty sad indulgence.

Categories: Humor, Pop Culture, Ten Questions, Writing & Books