The Sunday Roast #3

Ramblings Of A Hawk-Eyed Blogger

This week's interview is with Stacy,
who writes the blog Rambling Traveler.

The first of the standard weekly questions: Why do you blog?

I actually wrote a post on the reasons I blog, but I've found my reasons are changing. I started Rambling Traveler to share my travel stories and write about travel in general, and while that is still one of my reasons, I find myself continuing it more because of the things I'm learning, and the people I've met.

What's the story behind your blog name?

When I was thinking about starting my blog, I listed several travel-related words, and travel and ramble kept catching my eye. My brother was helping me choose a name, and between the two of us, Rambling Traveler was created. I loved it, because the definition of Ramble included wandering for pleasure. I used that to create my tag line ... a journey without a definite route, taken merely for pleasure. The Rambling could mean traveling or my writing, as I sometimes veer off the topic of travel. It also tied in to my desire to slow down, while traveling and at home, and taking time to enjoy life.

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

The best thing about blogging is when readers like what you write and let you know by leaving comments or by using social bookmarks like StumbleUpon or Del.icio.us. The idea that something you wrote can help or affect someone else is incredible. That community of readers is also a great support when you aren't feeling creative or motivated. (The second best thing is the incredible high you get when you have a good idea, and the writing expresses exactly what you want it to.)

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

Decide what your main goal is for writing your blog and write with that goal in mind. It's also important to be yourself, because that comes through in your writing. Your "voice" should be who you are, not who you are trying to be. Some of the best advice I've read is from blogs on blogging, including ProBlogger and Daily Blog Tips.

What is the most significant blog post you've ever read?

The most significant blog post I've ever read. Yikes, that is a tough one. There have been posts that made me laugh until my face hurt, posts on blogging that gave me great advice, and some wonderful travel stories that inspired me, but the post that keeps coming to my mind is Deborah Gamble's Don't Run Away With the Cows... That is one of my favorite all-time reads, and I really hope she does put it in a book someday.

What is the most significant blog post you've ever written?

The most significant blog post that I've written. Another tough one. According to my readers, that would be Wall Murals of Quebec City. For me, though, it would be Respectful Travel.

Today's Sunday Roast with Stacy is the third in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.