The Blogger Interviews: Country Mouse Claire
We’re kicking off our Blogger Interviews again and what better way to get started with new LBM’er Claire, who joined us at the last two meetups this year.
Claire writes a personal blog all about her life as a country expat living in the city. What I really like about Claire’s blog is how she uses images, lots and lots of them, to tell her story. With images comes other social networks too, e.g. Pinterest and Instagram, which Claire has integrated clearly into her blog – a great way of building fans and followers around your writing.
Well, enough from me time to hear what Claire has to say about her blogging life…
What’s your blog called and what’s the URL?
My blog is called ‘Country Mouse Claire’ and the URL is www.countrymouseclaire.com. I hail from the Scottish countryside originally, hence the moniker!
What’s your blog all about (in 20 words or less)?
Oooooh, all sorts! My friends, travel, books, cooking, music, movies, homemaking, theatre, London, teaching, learning, and my many madcap adventures!
When and why did you start blogging?
I started blogging in 2005. At first it was really a way to keep friends and family up to date with what I was getting up to, but as the years have gone by its grown into a real place to write and share, with a whole range of people reading.
Which blog platform do you use?
I use blogger. It’s a great platform, and I keep learning new and nifty tricks with it!
Can you give an example of how blogging has enriched your life?
It really has enriched my life is so many ways.
Blogging has introduced me to some marvellous people and opportunities, and has improved my writing and how I view communication immeasurably!
It’s also made me more confident and able to express myself, I think. When you’re writing about your thoughts and your life, being measured and more self-confident is a part of the package, for sure.
Are there any blogs you recommend reading and why?
There’s a whole page on my blog (http://www.countrymouseclaire.com/p/blogs-i-enjoy.html) devoted to the blogs and websites I enjoy, and it keeps on growing. There are so many great writers out there and such inspiration to be found, whether it’s a blogger who makes me think, a cook who shares great recipes, a writer who moves me…
What three tips would you give to someone just starting out in blogging?
1. Enjoy it!
Write for you, your friends, people like you. I have a small and loyal band of readers, and they read me because (at least some of the time ;)) I share interesting/funny/real/silly things (delete as appropriate).
2. Stay on brand.
Should you be lucky enough to be offered reviews/sponsors, by all means do so, but make sure they fit with what you’re writing about and that they don’t overwhelm the entirety of your blog! I’ve seen more than one blogger catch sponsor-it is, where a really great blog drowns under post after post of shilling products that don’t fit with the focus of their blog. Making money from writing’s the dream, but sponsor posts should be part of the blog, not the whole darn thing. Naturally, there are many people who might disagree with this!
3. Get into the habit of posting.
I’ve been doing a thing in 2012 where I try to write a post for every day of the year (I’m currently sitting at 342/366!), and while at times it has been trying, it’s really nice to look back and see the content I’ve created. I’ve also gained more followers and readers in this time, which is a lovely side bonus of being more regular about posting. I’ve learned to love the scheduled post for times when work and life get very busy!
If you could change one thing about your blog what would it be?
I’d love to have a little more time to read other blogs and write posts. I fight to find opportunities for this and am fairly successful most of the time, but I enjoy the whole process so much, I’d just love to have a little more time for it in my week!
What is the key to getting readers to your blog?
To paraphrase Field of Dreams “If you write it, they will come.” It, in this case, being interesting and fun content.
Chances are if you write something you would enjoy reading, other readers will find you and enjoy your work. And even if they don’t at least you will have created something you can enjoy and be proud of. I’m sure there are many others with far more readers than me who would have other tips too!
And finally, why do you come to the London Bloggers Meetups?
I’ve started to come to the meetups to meet other bloggers, share ideas, learn new things, and discuss the key issues of the day. We’re so lucky to be writing at such a busy and vivid time, and it’s fun to meet people to share the journey with!
