EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Kraig Furtado of Troops of Doom

Kraig Furtado authors the Ninjamatics' 2011 Canadian Weblog Awards winner Troops of Doom, which placed 1st in Best Comics Weblog.

Why blogging? Why did you start blogging, and what drives you now?

I've always wanted to create a comic since the first time I picked up a newspaper. The silly cartoons and jokes appealed to me right away. They're just fun. Garfield was the first to catch my interest. That's embarrassing to say now, but it was funny a long, long time ago. With newspapers dying out and comic strip syndication along with it, creating a webcomic was the natural route to take. It's change for the better. With a webcomic, I'm completely independent, no limits on format and content. I can do whatever I want and reach a worldwide audience. I'm having a lot of fun with Troops of Doom, and that's what keeps me going.



How did you come to the live photo style of web comic that you use in Troops of Doom?

Laziness. Photos were also a way to stand out from the millions of other webcomics, but mostly I was motivated by laziness. I thought photographing action figures would be simple compared to drawing a comic. Turns out I was horribly, horribly wrong. It's so much more work, not to mention time consuming and expensive. Whenever I want something new in the comic I have to buy or build it. Have you ever tried to build a Death Star? Even the Empire at the height of its power couldn't complete the second one, but for some reason I thought I could do it all myself.



If you could have it all, what are your dreams for Troops of Doom?

As I mentioned before, I've always wanted to be a comic creator. I started Troops of Doom in hopes that some day it could generate a large enough readership that could support turning it professional. There's nothing I'd like more than to make comics for a living and deliver a laugh to the audience on a daily basis.



If you are feeling less than inspired, where do you look for inspiration?

Troops of Doom itself provides a lot of inspiration. When I'm stuck creatively I'll go back and read previous chapters which often sparks new ideas for stories and jokes. It's not foolproof though, writer's block can be brutal. When in doubt, resort to violence. Can't go wrong with a good kick to the crotch.



Are you open about being a blogger? How do people offline react to your online writing?

Somewhat open? I know the comic isn't for everyone, so if I don't think someone would be interested, I don't waste their time. On the other hand, I've passed complete strangers a card with the web address because they were wearing a Star Wars shirt.

When Troops of Doom comes up in conversation with people that don't know about it, I get weird looks. What's an adult doing playing with toys? Once they check it out, they either love it or think I'm even more weird than they could have possibly imagined. It's hard to argue.



Which weblogs are your current favourites? Which weblogs have been most influential in the shaping of your own blogging?

My current and long time favourite is Sinfest by Tatsuya Ishida. The best comic strip since Calvin and Hobbes. I imagine it's kind of what Calvin's world would be like when he got older. Ishida has an endless imagination and the artwork is fantastic.

I generally avoid sites that are similar to my own, because I don't want to be influenced. I try to keep Troops of Doom original as possible. Since starting Troops of Doom, I discovered lots of super talented toy photographers, diorama makers, and Lego builders on JoeDios and Flickr that I look up to. It's amazing how they can suspend belief and give you a look into another universe with their creations. I've learned a lot from them and am constantly inspired to try new things and raise my own standards.



What advice do you have for new bloggers?

I have no idea what I'm doing, I'm the one that needs advice. I guess the obvious thing is always try to improve. Even if it's only in minute steps, it adds up over time. You want to be able to look back at your early work and say "Damn, that sucks."

CHEAT SHEET

Name: Location: Weblog: Social Media: 2011 CWA Winner:

Kraig Furtado Nova Scotia Troops of Doom Facebook Flickr JoeDios 1st in Best Comics Weblog

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Alana Parsons of Dream, Create

Alana Parsons authors the Ninjamatics' 2011 Canadian Weblog Awards winner Dream, Create, which placed 1st in Art & Photography and 1st in Fashion, Style & Design.

Why blogging? Why did you start blogging, and what drives you now?

As a graphic designer I had a million non-work related projects that I did on the side, which had no place in my portfolio, but I wanted to share with people. I had a previous blog called "the Functional Geek", but I soon realized that, while I like technology and sci-fi, I wasn't passionate about what I was writing. When I started "Dream, Create", I made it my creative outlet focusing on art, photography, style, random acts of creation, and I've been obsessed with it ever since! I'm driven by sharing creative, beautiful ideas, and by growing everyday in my knowledge, skill, and purpose. I want to make the world a more beautiful place!



Being that you are a primarily a professional digital creative, how has blogging impacted your creativity and professional choices?

Blogging has really made my life and career more inspiring than ever. My profession is relatively new to me, as I graduated from university a year and a half ago. In job interviews employers liked my passion and portfolio, but told me that I was lacking in experience. It's a real catch-22 when you need experience on the job, but do not have the opportunity to gain it. My blog has really drawn attention to my skills, and I currently have more projects than I can manage! Even when a project is sucking the life out of me, my blog revitalizes and inspires me to keep going. Now I have a million ideas at a time and an actual platform to showcase them!



As someone whose work ends up tying them closely to social media, how do you manage your online life to keep it balanced and constructive?

I have a love/hate relationship with social media. On one hand, it is the strongest traffic driver, specifically for my own site. It allows people to follow me through different platforms, and it can really connect and create a dialogue between people. On the other hand, it can devour time and allow people to know too much about you, which makes me a little uncomfortable. I think the balance comes from monitoring what you share with people. I like to share funny stories, pictures, sweet life moments, and updates on my work/blog, but I keep my personal life off the table. I can share enough to let my personality shine through, but to keep it balanced and constructive I don't put anything out there that would embarrass me, complicate my life, or compromise my work.



If you are feeling less than inspired, where do you look for inspiration?

I feel like inspiration comes and goes like the tide. When I really need a boost I usually get dressed up, go out with my camera, and start taking photos. A regular occurrence for me is thinking "I will never be able to top that last post, it's all downhill for me now," and then I will take a few photos that will change my whole perspective! I find inspiration from colours, people, photographs, light reflected in beautiful ways, the flow of fabric, really anything that evokes a sense of beauty. I'm also inspired by looking at old posts from my own blog, it inspires me to grow, push myself, and always be better than I was last week!



Are you open about being a blogger? How do people offline react to your online writing?

For the first month or so, the only person I told about my blog was my sister, simply because I was posting photos of her and needed her consent! I'm always very shy about my work, because I truly want people to love it and connect to it, so I usually wait until I feel 100% proud of something before showing it off. I let my friends find it naturally, through facebook or my website, and was overwhelmed with the positive feedback to my blog, which was a real confidence booster! Now, when I introduce myself to people I say I'm a graphic designer and I have a blog. I think that stating my profession before blogger gives me a little more credibility with those who don't know the true potential of bloggers! I still get excellent feedback from unlikely people (friends of my parents, team mates, co-workers), and the support really makes me feel like I'm doing something worthwhile.



Which weblogs are your current favourites? Which weblogs have been most influential in the shaping of your own blogging?

Favorites: 5 Inch and Up, The Glamourai, Cheyenne Meets Chanel, Fashiontoast, and Cupcakes and Cashmere.

All of my top blogs are fashion related, but they are helmed by these creative, beautiful, intelligent women who are out there making a name for themselves, traveling, and working on creative projects with amazing people. As for my own blog, I really tried to create a unique space, not based or influenced by anyone else. I do look to these women in terms of career aspirations, though, and blogging is their main avenue for opportunities. I hope I can be an inspiration to people, and I feel like a blog can be a pathway to success if executed well.

What advice do you have for new bloggers?

Create compelling and original content. Be genuine, don't try to be someone else. People will respond to your individuality! Post as often as possible, without sacrificing quality. And lastly, remember that success and readership doesn't happen overnight, and don't get discouraged. It takes hard work and time, but people will notice!

CHEAT SHEET

Name: Location: Weblog: Other websites: Social Media: 2011 CWA Winner:

Alana Parsons Victoria, British Columbia Dream, Create Alana Parsons Facebook 1st in Art & Photography 2nd in Fashion, Style & Design

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Seabrooke Leckie of The Marvelous in Nature

Seabrooke Leckie authors the Ninjamatics' 2011 Canadian Weblog Awards winner The Marvelous in Nature, which placed 1st in Best Written and 2nd in Nature.

Why blogging? Why did you start blogging, and what drives you now?

I've been blogging since 2002, but only started a blog intended for public consumption in 2008. At that time I felt some of my friends/family were getting a bit tired of reading my nature posts, and I wanted to reach out and share what I was discovering with a broader audience. It's definitely been my readers that have kept me going the last four years; there have been periods where I've flagged and it's been knowing there are people looking forward to my posts that have kept me going through the slow spots. But like with anything, there has to be passion for it, too — if you aren't enjoying what you're doing, it's going to feel like work, and your readers will notice.



You live on 130 acres at the edge of the Canadian Shield, which fills this urban dweller with envy. Tell me about what it's like to live in such a large, beautiful landscape.

Living with so much wild space around you gives your mind and soul room to breathe. Both my husband and I are creative types — he's an artist, I'm a writer — and we draw our inspiration and our energy from the landscape. Things speak to you on a more emotional level in natural landscapes like this: the beauty of a sunset, the purity of freshly-fallen snow, the serenity of a forest; they touch you more deeply here than in an urban setting.

I grew up in a rural landscape, and after eight years of mostly suburban living I really wanted to return to my roots. I think most people can appreciate the beauty of a rural setting, but many people wouldn't want to actually live there. There are certainly inconveniences that come with country living, but they're a trade-off I'm happy to make.

What is the relationship between your non-fiction writing and blogging? Do they help or hinder each other?

A little bit of both, I'd say. On the one hand, the blogging can definitely provide inspiration for the other writing I do. Also, all writing, no matter what form it takes, is practice. The more you write, the better you get, and I do feel that in four years of blogging the roughly 500,000 words I've written have helped me improve. But on the flip side, blogging is time-consuming, and time spent blogging is time not spent working on my other projects. So it's a balance, and one that I'm constantly reevaluating as my situations change.

If you are feeling less than inspired, where do you look for inspiration?

I can usually draw a fair bit of inspiration from nature itself — take my camera and go on the hunt for something different, unusual, new to me. But there are days where even an hour-long hike outdoors fails to turn anything inspiring up (this tends to happen more often in the winter). In such situations I often turn to my photo archives. I've got some 25,000 photos taken since I started writing the blog, and many interesting things remain un-posted.



Are you open about being a blogger? How do people offline react to your online writing?

It depends on who I'm talking to. If the other person is also a nature-lover or outdoors enthusiast I'm pretty open about my blog. But outside of that segment of the population I don't talk about it much — less because I'm embarrassed about it as because I expect they probably won't be that interested. Of the people I do tell most everyone is pretty enthusiastic; I suspect this is because, as I say, I tend to avoid mentioning it to people who I don't think will be interested.

Which weblogs are your current favourites? Which weblogs have been most influential in the shaping of your own blogging?

One of the blogs that was most influential in shaping my own, and which continues to be a favourite, is Julie Zickefoose's. She's an artist/writer in Ohio who I've long admired, and I always enjoyed the investigative style of her nature posts. Hers was the blog that gave me the creative inspiration to start one of my own.

I have a lot of blogs in my feed reader, but a few other Canadian nature ones that I really enjoy reading are The Bug Geek, The House and Other Arctic Musings, and Wanderin' Weeta.

What advice do you have for new bloggers?

1) Pick a subject you're passionate about. Blogging is a lot of work, both to think of new ideas constantly, and to create the posts; if you're not passionate about the subject, it will be hard to keep up your pace. Which brings me to

2) Try to post on a schedule. It doesn't need to be a strict schedule (eg. specific days of the week) but does need to have enough regularity that your readers know when to check back for new posts. Infrequently is fine, even, as long as it's predictable. And

3) Be yourself. You have your own strengths — whether your humour, your eye for detail, your easy way of writing, your mad photography skillz, whatever — that will set you apart from all the other blogs out there. People want to read you because it's you. You'll find it easier to blog if you're yourself, too.

CHEAT SHEET

Name: Location: Weblog: Social Media: 2011 CWA Winner:

Seabrooke Leckie Perth, Ontario The Marvelous in Nature Twitter 1st in Best Written Weblog 2nd in Nature

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Jeannette Ordas of Everybody Likes Sandwiches

Jeannette Ordas authors the Ninjamatics' 2011 Canadian Weblog Awards winner Everybody Likes Sandwiches, which placed 1st in Best Designed Weblog.

Why blogging? Why did you start blogging, and what drives you now?

I started Everybody Likes Sandwiches back in 2005 just to get back into the practice of writing again. Way back in the late 90s, I used to self-publish a zine called "Queen of the Universe", and while it was mainly a personal/music/movie zine, I also wrote a column about food. I also had a couple of online journals where I poured out my heart about stupid boyfriends and dumb jobs, and I liked the idea of making online connections. So, after stumbling upon the food blog, Chocolate and Zucchini, I thought it was a great idea to start a blog just focusing on food. I jumped in despite not having a camera or any kind of audience, but I didn't care. I loved the process of documenting my recipes and all the activity that was going on in my kitchen. I needed a creative outlet, and this blog gave me so much of what I was looking for!

Despite seven years of blogging, there's still so much to learn and try that I'm not getting bored in the kitchen. I hate to rely on the same old basket of tricks, so having a food blog keeps meals interesting, as I'm always trying to find a new way to cook up lentils (or whatever is hiding in my fridge). Plus, I also have gotten to know and meet other bloggers and readers, and many of them have become genuinely amazing friends. My small little world has grown tremendously, and I have my blog, in part, to thank.



What are your favourite recipes to share? What makes some recipes more fun to share than others?

If I make a recipe that is awesome, it's going on the blog — well, as long as I've also got a decent photo for it. Sharing the love is easy, and I think that's why people visit my blog. My recipes are usually simple without a lot of complicated ingredients or complex instructions, and I think they taste great. But I also think a good story is also worth sharing, and I like when the two are intertwined. My blog isn't just a collection of recipes, but there're stories and memories and stuff I need to get off my chest. Those are the posts that are the ones I like to share best.



Food is only one of your many talents, it turns out. Tell us about your other creative work.

My husband and I run our own web design business, Matchbox Creative. He does the web programming, and I do the design work. I also have a small greeting card company that I started back in 2005 on Etsy, and I now sell wholesale to shops around North America. While being a web designer, a greeting card maker, and a food blogger all seem so different from one another, they actually all tie in pretty well together. Having a popular blog has given me web design clients and all kinds of food writing opportunities, and it's I think how many of my etsy shop customers have come from my food blog. It's a big web of awesome, and I'm happy to have carved out my own little space for myself.



If you are feeling less than inspired, where do you look for inspiration?

It's pretty easy to feel less than inspired or burnt out from blogging. Often times, I've got so much other work and responsibilities that the blog gets put on the back burner. Or I've felt like I've got nothing left to give. I don't ever want to feel like I'm writing a post just so I can tick off an item on my "to do" list. I don't want blogging or the process of making food to feel like a chore, because when it does, it means your heart isn't into it.

I've felt that way before and I've just taken a break — order in some take out, make a few old standbys, or just give myself some time away from posting. It's okay to take a break! Everyone needs a vacation, and I don't really feel guilty when that happens. Taking time away from the computer or the kitchen is perfectly fine... you'll find your way back when you're ready.

As for inspiration, I get it from so many places — farmers' markets, cool little shops in my Chinatown neighbourhood, restaurants, blogs and magazines. I also get a lot of inspiration from my memories and my childhood. I've culled so much from thinking back to how my mom or grandmother would cook certain dishes. And I think some of my best posts and recipes have come from those remembrances.



Are you open about being a blogger? How do people offline react to your online writing?

I don't hide the fact that I blog, and it would probably come up in conversation pretty quickly. It's a hobby of mine, and most of my friends and family know about it. But the funny thing is, my husband and my family don't read my blog. And neither do most of my close friends, or at least not regularly. But I love it when my good friends have told me that they've made one of my recipes and that it's become one of their favourites. Accolades from the people you love are always good!



What advice do you have for new bloggers?

Write from your heart and use your own voice. Be honest and open and willing to share. And don't worry about your photos not being perfect or your stats — just jump in and do it!

CHEAT SHEET

Name: Location: Weblog: Social Media: 2011 CWA Winner:

Jeannette Ordas Vancouver, British Columbia Everybody Likes Sandwiches Twitter 1st in Best Designed Weblog

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Lindsey Reeder of Reeder Reads

Lindsey Reeder authors the Ninjamatics' 2011 Canadian Weblog Awards winner Reeder Reads, which placed 1st in Arts & Culture and 2nd in Pop Culture & Entertainment.

Why blogging? Why did you start blogging, and what drives you now?

I started blogging when I first moved to Toronto to capture my experience of moving to a new and exciting city. With time, I realized my first blog wasn't the right fit, so I went back to the drawing board and decided to create a blog that showcased my love of reading. The last name made it easy to come up with a title for the blog, and Reeder Reads was born.

I'm always reading, so it isn't hard to come up with new material for posts! I continue to be driven to do it because I thoroughly enjoy blogging my book reviews, it's a way to interact with a great community, and it's a great documentation of the books I've read over the past two years.

How do you decide what books to read, and how do you decide what you share on your weblog?

I think any book blogger will say the books they decide to read and share on their blog are a matter of opinion. My reading taste ranges from literary fiction to chick lit, and picking up a book to read is entirely based on a mood or a need to want to read a particular book.

The problem with having to choose one book of the many I have on my to-be-read pile is the real issue! My to-be-read pile continues to grow, and I don't have the chance to read and review all the books on my shelf, otherwise known as "first world problems".

Deciding what to share on my blog is never really that much of an issue, because if I've read it, I'll definitely review it, so I'm never stumped for finding material to add to my website.

If you are feeling less than inspired, where do you look for inspiration?

I'm very fortunate in the sense that my job gives me the opportunity to work around books all day, but also I'm lucky because part of my career involves working with book bloggers, so I always feel inspiration every time I walk in to work and when I open Google Reader. Fellow book bloggers' passion for reading is always present, and if I'm ever in a reading slump (and those do happen), I know that their love of reading and excitement over a book or books in general will help to continue to keep me inspired.

Are you open about being a blogger? How do people offline react to your online writing?

It's funny, because at first I was very quiet about being a blogger. I remember when I created the blog: I told one other person at work and made her swear not to tell anyone else. I remember feeling embarrassed about putting my thoughts and opinions out there in such a public way, and I was scared I'd feel inadequate or rejected, but the complete opposite happened. Blogging opened me up to a whole world of possibilities and a community that understands and can relate to my passion for reading.

Today, I'm not really shy about being a blogger. I sometimes even find myself mentioning it when I get to know someone new. It's a part of who I am, and it's one of my favorite things to do, so why not embrace it! Those that are offline always seem to express general curiosity about what it is I'm doing online and always responded with positive feedback.



What advice do you have for new bloggers?

Always be consistent. Blogging can seem like a committed relationship at times. It needs one on one time, you need to be loyal (and stick with it), and you need to be honest (in your posts). Like any commitment, it's not always easy, but posting as often as possible will drive more readers to your website.

Even after two years of blogging, I still get a little excited when my account notifies me I have a new comment, but comments are reciprocal, so be sure to return the love to your fellow bloggers.

Lastly, have fun with it, be yourself, and make it a website that expresses who you are, or in my case, reflects a passion (i.e. reading). The more personality you infuse in your blog, the more people will enjoy hearing what you have to say.

CHEAT SHEET

Name: Location: Weblog: Social Media: 2011 CWA Winner:

Lindsey Reeder Toronto, Ontario Reeder Reads Twitter 1st in Arts & Culture 2nd in Pop Culture & Entertainment

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Jeannine Fehr of Vancity Bride

Jeannine Fehr authors the Ninjamatics' 2011 Canadian Weblog Awards winner Vancity Bride, which placed 1st in Best New Weblog, 2nd in Best Designed, and 3rd in Fashion, Style & Design.


Why blogging? Why did you start blogging, and what drives you now?

I was a budget bride myself. I had a difficult time finding vendors in our price range, and, at the time, there weren't any local resources just for budget brides. I thought, someone should do something about it… little did I know it was going to be me!

The main purpose of the blog is to help brides in the Greater Vancouver area who want something frugal yet fabulous. I considered it a hobby when I started, but, as time went on, I fell in love with the industry, and now I can't stop.

Several things motivate me to keep blogging, and the first is my readers. I love making a positive difference in their wedding planning and getting them all the answers they need to know. Second, I love meeting talented vendors in the industry, both well-known and up-and-comers. Hearing their stories is just so inspiring and allows me to have a better perspective on how the industry works. Most of all, I just love blogging… I've never blogged before Vancity Bride, so I'm really glad I started!



Do you find that people and businesses in the wedding industry in your area like the work that you do through Vancity Bride, or is it difficult to make inroads in such a competitive niche?

I get a lot of positive feedback from brides, readers and people in the industry. Part of my goal is to make brides aware of the options that are available to them, so whatever I write about mutually benefits the readers and the vendors I'm highlighting. The wedding industry in Vancouver is definitely competitive, but Vancity Bride blends in quite well. I have great relationships with many people in the industry, from those just starting out to experienced professionals, and it's important for me to maintain the mutual respect we have for each other.

What are some of the quirkier wedding-related items and events that you've come across?

The best answer for that is the wedding show I attended last month. It's called Indie I Do, and it offers alternative wedding vendors for couples who want something unique. They had bellydancers and burlesque dancers as possible wedding entertainment, a lot of vintage jewelry and accessories, and even Gothic/Rock and Roll inspired wedding gowns. I've been to this show once before I got married, and I knew I had to go again!

If you are feeling less than inspired, where do you look for inspiration?

I find inspiration from the people I talk to, from friends, brides, or those in the industry. I also come up with ideas for articles based on what I would've liked to know when I was planning my wedding. The best articles I write are the ones that are the most informative and offer lots of practical advice. If all else fails, I go to my quiet place and brainstorm.

Are you open about being a blogger? How do people offline react to your online writing?

I am open and proud of my blog, for sure! I know my blog is geared for a certain niche, but those who aren't in that niche still seem to appreciate and support the work that I do, especially since they know it makes me happy.

Are you open about being a blogger? How do people offline react to your online writing?

Only write what you're passionate about. The more you love your topic, the easier it is to be motivated to write. Keeping a calendar with a schedule of your upcoming posts will also help you stay on track and plan future posts. Most importantly, be active on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Trust me, it helps get your name out there and show off your personality!

CHEAT SHEET

Name: Location: Weblog: Social Media: 2011 CWA Winner:

Jeannine Fehr Vancouver, British Columbia Vancity Bride Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest 1st in Best New Weblog 2nd in Best Designed 3rd in Fashion, Style & Design

An Exclusive Interview With 2010 Canadian Weblog Awards Winner Lindsay Smith Of Sometimes Icing

Lindsay Smith authors the 2010 Canadian Weblog Awards winner Sometimes Icing, which placed 2nd in Humour and 3rd in Fashion & Style.

Why blogging? Why did you start blogging, and what drives you now?

I've always been a writer. In grade 6 I wrote a book about a dragon named Nogard who didn't know how to breathe fire. Get it? His name is dragon backwards. I was very clever. Once.

I started blogging about 6 years ago as a way to coach myself through what I considered to be a quarter-life crisis. The blog was originally called Quarter Lifer. When I started it, I had just left a fancy job at the CBC, moved back to Montreal and was living with my parents, trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life. I was questioning everything. And everything was the end of the world. I was a bit, um, dramatic in my younger years.

Totally over that drama thing of course. Totally.

Eventually I started freelancing in Montreal as a journalist and got a few regular gigs. I kept the blog going, not thinking anyone was really reading it. It was more of a place for me to figure stuff out as I navigated my career, my personal life and the old lady who lived next door who was convinced I was a teacher.

Writing things down has always been my best way of working through things. I'm sure a lot of people can relate to that.

Then, a few years ago, an old friend from high school was curious about this mysterious blog I kept. I didn't feel comfortable sharing it with the world. It was too personal. So I gave it a facelift. I changed the name, and deleted all the posts I considered too personal. It was that friend who encouraged me to discover my voice. It took me a while to realize that being funny was my strength and I had a unique way of viewing events. When my friend compared me to David Sedaris, I pretty much made out with him out of pure joy.

True story.

I keep going because I like telling stories. I have to write, or I think I would die. I'm very self-deprecating. I make fun of myself a lot. Is that redundant? Whatever. And I think that if you can laugh at yourself, and make others laugh while you do it, it's a pretty neat thing.

I see you've expanded your blogging empire to include Sometimes Fancy.

Yes!

I sometimes pretend I want to be an author. Of a real live book. Actually, I play that game a lot. And I read a lot of advice out there about marketing yourself as such. So I had a bit of an existential crisis with Sometimes Icing. What is my platform? Who is my target? I have no blog focus! Who am I? Orange or blue Gatorade? OMG! WTF! LOL! BCBG! OBGYN!

I felt like it was just a mish-mash of Lindsay-isms.

Some of my male readers, ahem, didn't love my posts about new eyeshadow and getting my hair cut and manicures. So I decided to find a home to let my fashion and beauty addiction live. Sometimes Icing will be focused on entertaining and funny stories. With the occasional photo of my new hair cut. Or my cat.



You are an adman during your day job. Do your blogging and ad writing feed off each other in any way?

For sure.

Writing is writing is writing. It all connects somewhere.

But more technically, I guess working in advertising helps me be more concise on my blog.

Writing for the Web is tricky. You have to assume most people have a very little attention span. If you want them to stick around on your site, you have to absolutely catch their attention. Keeping it is another challenge. I know I often turn away from super long blog posts. I try to use short sentences and a formatting I think is easy to read and doesn't allow for the reader to get too lost.

And if you want to be funny, there's a cadence to it. A one-two punch, if you will. It's a formula I often use in writing scripts for television and radio. I once took a whole class that was only about learning how to write humour. There are serious rules about being funny.

Um. Perhaps we shouldn't refer to my answer to the previous question as an example of "concise." I mean, I'm a blogger after all. Obviously I like to talk about myself.



Where do you find ideas for your content? If you are feeling less than inspired, where do you look for inspiration?

Writing silly stories about yourself is a little bit like writing a memoir. You are the protagonist of the book, trying to find your way. You sort of have to look at yourself in the third person and ask yourself, "that time I found my underwear pinned to the community bulletin board in the laundry room at my old apartment building - is that a funny story?" If I feel like I'd like to read about that silly, but very pretty and very bright girl, then chances are it'd make a good story.

I feel uninspired all the time. But ideas can come from anywhere at any time. I try to open my eyes a little bit and just look around. Absorb what's happening. "That weird noise at work sounds like a ghost." "These guys at the deli counter keep flirting with me." "I could never date anyone who doesn't like olives."

You know. Stuff like that.

When I worked at the CBC, the producer used to always tell me "you don't find ideas in the office, Lindsay. Take the car and go drive around." Working in advertising, or with blogging, I don't really have the luxury of taking a car and driving around all day, but the same premise works for any creative process.



Are you open about being a blogger? How do people offline react to your online writing?

As I mentioned way up at the top there, at first I was not open about it. But once I started feeling more confident in my writing and filling my blog with content I didn't consider "therapy on the page" (because nobody wants to read that crap) I started telling people about it.

I'm a very transparent person. I'm a terrible liar and I suck at keeping secrets. More often than not, you can read my emotion on my face. I don't have a "work" Lindsay and a "home" Lindsay and a "drunk" Lindsay. Except maybe that last one. So it was only fitting that people who knew me, knew I had a blog.

I'm always surprised and humbled by the feedback I get. The things people have said about my blog, or my writing, I sometimes can't believe. I always think "are you sure you're talking about me?"

I've told employers about my blog, and I always get a good reaction. As I write for a living, I think it shows another side of my writing skills besides headlines and radio scripts. Twitter helps too. I guess it shows what I can do in 140 characters or less. And you often have less than that to sell something to a consumer.

Which weblogs are your current favourites? Which weblogs have been most influential in the shaping of your own blogging?

I always I assumed I was in a category all my own. Next to the mommy bloggers, behind the design bloggers and around the corner from the foodies. The Internet is a big place. And I didn't know where I belonged.

Woah. That sounds a lot sadder than it actually is.

When I discovered The Bloggess, that's when I realized that there were other bloggers like me out there. Then I discovered a whole network through her.

Right now, one of my favourite blogs is Humans are Funny. Laurenne works in advertising too. She lives in LA. I went to LA in December for work, and we were hoping to meet up, but we were both too busy. Working in advertising.

Is that irony? Probably not.

I think actual writers are more influential to me than bloggers. I mentioned David Sedaris. Sloane Crosely, Woody Allen and Dorothy Parker are other authors whose work I try to absorb as much as possible. I also love to lose myself in a well-written novel. As cliché as that might sound. But it's good storytelling that inspires me. There's nothing better than reading something that feels like candy on the page. That's what words can do. Sometimes it amazes me.

Stephen King said that if you want to be a writer, read. Read all the time. And I couldn't agree with him more. I suck up as much well-written stuff as I can. And sometimes I suck up the crappy-written stuff too. You know, for balance.



What advice do you have for new bloggers?

One of the best parts about blogging, is the community you can connect with. I've made friends on Twitter. Real people! Whose phone number I have and everything!

Someone once told me "write what you know" and I think that's a pretty good place to start if you're new to blogging. If you love nail polish, write about nail polish. If you love gardening, take pictures of your garden and post them on your blog. If you love motorcycles, wear a helmet.

Oh, and write about that too.

And I think starting out a blog to make money, or to get a book deal, or to get something in return in some way is a bad idea. Start it because you want to share something. Original content, original content, original content. That's what drives readership. People can see right through you if you're trying to get something from them. There's a common expression in advertising - especially where the Web and social media are concerned - content is king. Original content is God.

Now go forth and blog.

CHEAT SHEET

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Name: Location: Weblog: Twitter: Other Notables: 2010 CWA Winner:

Lindsay Smith Montreal, Quebec Sometimes Icing @sometimesicing Sometimes Fancy 2nd in Humour 3rd in Fashion & Style