10 Questions with Diane of Martinis for Two

1. Describe your blog in five sentences or less.
How many different paths can one person’s life take? Martinis for One Two chronicles my answer to this question. Twice divorced, I once blogged about my exploits as a single woman in her mid-30s. Then, I met Max and life took an unexpected turn. Today–happily married, an American expat living in the wine region of Germany– I write about life, love, and happily ever after…after… after.

2. Link us to one post from your blog that best defines who you are.
I think Keeping the Faith illustrates my personality and offers a glimpse into the kind of
relationship I have with my husband, Max.

3. What sets you apart from other bloggers?
Even though I write truthfully about my life, I tend to think about my posts as little stories. For this reason, I work hard to keep my readers in mind. I also try to maintain an upbeat tone to my posts, rarely using my blog as a space to vent or lash out. I hope people are drawn to the sense of happiness and optimism I convey.

4. When and how did you first discover blogging?
Almost out of nowhere, a couple years ago, all I heard and read about was blogs, bloggers, and the blogsphere. I had no idea what this phenomenon was and turned to Google to find out what I was missing. I’ve always kept a journal and was fascinated by the idea of keeping one in a new media. I started in May 2005 and was hooked.

5. What is your biggest pet peeve related to blogging or the internet ?
I become irritated when fellow bloggers are too vague in their posts. They feel compelled to share something, but ultimately hold back and leave the reader confused.

6. Name one plugin, blogging widget, or service that you can’t live without.
I’m a big fan of Bloglines. I couldn’t get to my 90 regular reads without the service.

7. If you could choose anyone, living or dead, to write a guest post for your blog, who would it be and why?
If I could invite anybody it would be essayist, David Sedaris. A masterful storyteller, humorist, and satirist, he uses his words to invite readers along for a quirky, often thought provoking ride. How I wish he had a blog! I relate to many of Sedaris stories from his life in Raleigh, North Carolina (also my hometown), as well as those about his life with his Greek-American family.

8. How has blogging made you a better person?
I think blogging has made me a better person. Because I am always looking for the next tale to share, I’ve become more aware and even more appreciative of this new and happy life I’m experiencing. I am also happy to have discovered a medium that has connected with me with such a diverse group of people. I may not always agree with my fellow bloggers on everything they write, but I’m always appreciative of the exposure to their ideas, experiences, and opinions.

9. What are your tips for becoming a better blogger?
Write consistently. Keep readers in mind and show them deference.

10. Name one great blog that you read on a regular basis. What makes it unique?
I am happy to have discovered It’s Like I’m Magic by Brandy. I find the creativity and writing of each post truly magnificent. Every time I stop by Brandy’s blog, I am happy that I did.

Categories: Personal, Ten Questions