Blogger Spotlight: And Another Ten Things

This week, we have Suzanne from And Another Ten Things taking part in the Blogger Spotlight interview.

If you would like to take part, and your blog is under six months old, or has been re-launched in the last six months, please email me randommusings29@gmail.com

1 Firstly, tell us a little bit about yourself

I’m Suzanne and I live in Liverpool with my husband, two year old daughter, our dog and cat.

2 What is your blog’s name and what is it about?

My blog’s called ‘And Another Ten Things’ and I use it to highlight the funnier side of parenting and life (or attempt to make the more difficult parts funny) in lists of ten.

3 Why did you decide to start a blog?

I’ve always written stories and scripts since I was a kid (my first story was about a 10 year old who became an alcoholic – what a hoot!) and went on to study creative writing at university. However, when I graduated life took over and I fell out of the habit of writing. I spent my twenties thinking about all the things I’d write if I had the time and when I turned 30 I decided it was up to me make the time! Last year my New Year’s Resolution was to read more and this year it was to write more. A blog seemed like a good way to encourage myself to write regularly – little did I know how much I’d enjoy it. Two months in and I’m completely hooked!

4 Do you have any goals for your blog?

I’ve been thinking over the last couple of weeks that I should set some goals, so maybe that’s the first goal. I’d also like to be self-hosted by the end of the year and increase my Facebook numbers. I don’t have any numbers in mind – just the more the better!

My general writing goal is to one day make a living from it, whether that’s from blogging or other things. I’m still a long way off from that and it may never happen but at least I can try! Any tips (or bags of cash in return for words) would be gratefully received!

5 Tell us one random fact about you

I can get both legs behind my head and walk on my hands. It’s a skill that isn’t particularly useful but maybe one day when we’re taken over by the Crab People from Outer Space it will help me blend in.

6 What is the best piece of blog related advice you have received so far?

It was actual something I read in your Blogger Spotlight on Simply Marina. She said blogging is a conversation not a monologue – I didn’t appreciate that before I started but it’s so true. Also I read somewhere that the posts that make you pause before you hit publish are your best ones. I recently wrote a post that did make me hesitate and actually it’s the one I’m most proud of (and my most read).

7 What is your favourite thing about blogging?

That I can have a good rant – it really helps clear my head. I always struggled when I was younger to keep a diary and I realise now it’s because I didn’t see the point of something no one was going to read (what can I say, I crave attention). Blogging helps me pour out the craziness in my head (within reason) and engage with other people. It still blows my mind that people I’ve never met read what I’ve written and seem to enjoy it.

8 Is there anything you would do differently if you were starting over knowing what you know now?

I would get my social media buttons and accounts in order before hitting publish for the first time. I was so worried I was going to chicken out that I didn’t give as much attention to that side of things as I should have and I’m sure I missed out on making some good connections.

9 Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I really want to get better at connecting with other blogs on Facebook so please send me any recommendations or your own page details and I’ll check them out.

10 Where can we find you? (blog link and links to any social media)

https://andanothertenthings.wordpress.com/

https://twitter.com/Another10things

https://www.instagram.com/aa10things/