Sunshine Blogger Award
It’s always such a lovely treat when I receive one of these blogging awards. I feel very humbled that someone takes time out of their day to recognise the work that I do.
Nilla from Image Earth Travel nominated me for this award back in December. Time flies and I have only just got round to responding, but thank you from the bottom of my heart for the nomination!
Rules
- Thank the blogger who nominated you and link their blog so everyone can visit.
- Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you.
- Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 new questions.
- Notify the nominees by commenting on their blog post.
- List the rules and display the Award logo on your blog post.
Nilla’s questions
For how long have you been blogging?
I’ve been blogging for almost 6 years. I started Talkingthailand because I wanted to share all of my travel tales up until then and a blog is a good place to digitise all your life experiences, whatever they may be. Since then, it has evolved into a place where I record all the things I’ve done, seen, thought, ate and drank in the places where I have lived and the countries I have visited. It’s a work in progress!
What do you do if/when you suffer from Writer’s Block?
First, I get annoyed and wonder what is going on because I love writing! Second, I feel guily because I am not writing/posting as much as I’d like. Third, I realise we all have off days and I leave what I am (trying) to do and go for a run which always clears my head enough to come back and start afresh.
What goals have you set for your blog in 2019?
None! I started 2019 with plans of starting a new blog dedicated to travel planning. I have the website already and have been adding content to it, but it’s kind of fallen by the wayside. I have made big changes in my life this year and I am getting used to them, so everything has been put on hold while I attempt to get some sort of plan about what to do and where to go next. I am a long way along with this plan, but everything else will just have to wait until I am more settled and know exactly what I am doing.
Where do you see your blog 2 years from now?
See my previous answer. Until I know what I am doing, job wise, life wise etc., I am not really concentrating on where my blog will be in 2 years. I am still going to continue with my blog, but, for now, it’s not a priority.
What do you love most about writing?
I love the physical act of writing, the feeling of the keys under my fingers and thoughts and ideas being written out. I also love developing as a writer and I think that my writing has improved over the years and that has come from practice.
Do you prefer to travel solo or with someone?
Definitely solo! Most of the travelling I’ve done has been alone and I prefer it because I can do what I want, go where I want and see what I want. I don’t have any one else to worry about and I do things that I wouldn’t necessarily do if I was with someone else. Having said that, in my early days of travel, it would have been nice to share the views and/or memorable sites etc. with someone, so when, for example, I reached the summit of a mountain, I could have turned to my travel buddy and said “Wow it’s so beautiful isn’t it?”, but I’ve learned to do that to myself! I just say it aloud anyway 😉 and I can really enjoy the moment alone!
Do you think Ghost blogging is unethical?
There could be many reasons why someone wants to enlist a writer as a ghost writer – not enough time, not enough skills/knowledge etc., so I don’t think that it’s unethical from that point of view. Why not get the help of someone if you need them? I’ve done ghost writing in the past and, from a writer’s perspective, I think it’s a good way to practise your writing and to get feedback, so you are developing your collaboration skills etc. Plus, as long as you are happy for the person you are ghost writing for to get the credit for what you have written (It’s still yours!) 😉 then I don’t see any problem with it.
How do you create and cultivate relationships for your blog?
Respond to people who have taken the time to comment on your work. Read and comment on other blogs, and don’t stop! By doing this, I have made some wonderful friends and, although I have never met them in person, it feels like I have and have known them for a long time. I hope to meet them in the, not too distant, future!
Is your blog self-hosted or on the free WP platform and why did you go this way?
When I started my blog back in 2013, I used the free WP platform for a while, but then I wanted to try and make money from my blog and I thought the self-hosted option, with …co.uk, looked more professional for my objectives. Plus, there are more options with a self-hosted blog such as themes etc. However, now I have gone away from wanting to make money and am just happy with blogging as a hobby, either would have been sufficient, particularly as I’m not bothered about all the extra features you get.
What social media platform gives you the most exposure for your blog?
I don’t really look at my blog analytics, but I have the most followers on Twitter!
Any travel plans for 2019?
I have just returned from a week in Portugal where I attended my friend’s wedding. I am planning on having a break away with my sister and/or friends later in the year to Ibiza or somewhere else – no firm plans as yet.
My Nominees
3CStyle – Dominque’s wonderful world of fashion and classic, contemporary and chic style
Lismore Paper – Enjoy Lisa’s fabulous art creations with a vintage look
The Wall Gallery Blog – Another very talented artist, Kirt’s creativity shows no bounds
Secret Art Expedition – Sarah shares her passions through her art
Roth Poetry – Beautiful words written by Dwight Roth
Inesemjphotography – Making life memories with Inese
Seen Along the Trail – Perfect walks and bird and wildlife spotting along the way
The Arty Plantsman – A wonderful insight into Darren’s world with plenty of art, a love of plants, and lots of humour
Utesmile – A daily dose of motivational words
Life at No.22 – Tales from New Zealand and ponderings about life
Kmihran – Travel, inspiring tunes, and motivation
My Questions for Nominees
- Why did you start your blog?
- What do you like most about blogging?
- What is your favourite time of year and why?
- What are your plans for the next year?
- What would be your dream job?
- What is your favourite childhood memory?
- What would you do if money was no object?
- What is the best place you have ever been too? Why?
- What do you think about when you are alone?
- Are you scared of anything?
- What makes you happy?
Thanks again to you, Nilla, for nominating me, your questions gave me food for thought!
For my nominees, feel free to respond, but absolutely no pressure 🙂
Gill x