Sunday, April 06, 2008

The Sunday Roast

The English Blogger With a Hula Skirt


This week's interview is with Akelamalu,
who writes the blog Everything And Nothing.


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

I started blogging because my good friend Queenie asked me to. She had recently started her own blog and was so enthusiastic about it she wanted me to do the same. I was waiting to go in to hospital to have a total knee replacement and I thought it would be a good idea to keep a journal on how the operation had gone, and track my progress afterwards. Of course it has become much more than that.

My blog is a year old and in that time I have shared ups and downs and made many friends in the blogosphere. I would find it very difficult to give up now, its compulsive – hopefully I will carry on for a long time to come.

What’s the story behind your blog name?

Whilst trying to think of a blog name I came across a few sites on which you type in your real name and it comes up with a pseudonym be it a pixie, elf, cartoon character, porn name or in my case Hawaiian name. I liked it so I used it – Akelamalu. My blogging friends have shortened it to Akela, ake, malu, lulu, amulu etc, etc. I think that’s nice – turning a made-up name into a nickname – I’ve never had a nickname before, apart from fatty when I was at school!

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

It keeps my mind active. I’m always thinking "that would make a good post", "that would make a great picture", "the other bloggers would love that joke". I have also been introduced to Friday 55 Flash Fiction which has practically taken over my life! For 55 Flash Fiction you write a story - with a beginning a middle and an end, with at least one character and you have to do it in exactly 55 words.

I absolutely love writing 55s, once I start I can’t stop and probably write between three and six at a time. I have written over 100 now – not all published on my blog yet of course. I will carry on until I run out of ideas. People seem to like them so I’ll carry on, who knows I may even try to get them published.

Also because of blogging I found a way to fulfil a promise to my father – my proudest achievement, apart from producing my two wonderful sons. I have published my Grandmother’s biography – KIT – which he wrote 13 years ago. At the age of 83 he has finally seen it in print and fulfilled his promise to his mother. You can find a link to the book in my sidebar and how I did it.

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

Visit lots of blogs and leave a comment – this way you build up your own blogroll. If someone leaves a comment on your blog reply to it and visit their blog and leave a comment – this is common courtesy. There’s nothing more disheartening than not having a comment acknowledged and reciprocated. There are some bloggers who think that people just want to read what they’ve written and they never have to visit –that is the height of bad manners in my book! There are some bloggers I no longer visit because of this.

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

I have read so many I couldn’t possibly choose one. I find it very humbling and I feel privileged to read posts about personal problems and events in people’s lives. I often find myself crying, feeling elated, sad, annoyed for them, when reading what they’ve written. Bloggers are great with advice, sympathy and empathy, the level of caring and genuine concern in the blogosphere never ceases to amaze me.

What is the most significant blog post you’ve every written?

I think you would have to ask my readers that! I do have my favourite posts though (listed on my sidebar) – do go over and take a look – and leave a comment please – I promise I’ll reciprocate (wink).

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

21 comments:

maryt/theteach said...

Akelamalu has a wonderful blog, David! :)

Maggie May said...

I really enjoyed finding out more about Akelamalu. She does have a very good blog.

bindhiya said...

I Love knowing more about Akelamalu!
she have a beautiful blog and she is a amazing writer!
Thanks for this great post about Akelamalu!
♥ & ((hugs))
bindi

imac said...

A wonderful blog by Akelamalu, written well.

Nice one David.

kimmy said...

What a great idea and a great interview!

A wonderful way to get to know the person behind the blog!

Take care!

Kimmy

RiverPoet said...

Ooh, yet another wonderful discovery! I've added her to my BlogLines list so I can start reading her on a regular basis.

Peace and Aloha - D

Jennifer S said...

Akelamalu has a great blog, not to mention a startling ability to make a story out of even the oddest collection of words.

Enjoyed the interview. It was nice to learn more about her.

fuzzbert_1999@yahoo.com said...

Another great pick David!

Dave Coulter said...

I really enjoy these interviews, David. Kudos to Akelamalu for her way with words, too! :)

Jeff B said...

Thanks Akelamalu for sharring your thoughts with us, and to you David for once again for making this great big world of blogging seem just a bit smaller and personal.

Bradley's Mom said...

Wonderful interview!!

I am on my way to her blog!

Thanks, David!

Sandi McBride said...

Hi Akelamalu, I am so pleased to meet you, via David. I enjoyed your interview, and now am going to check out yourpast blogs.
Sandi

Jeni said...

I really look forward to reading the Sunday Roasts - always some great interviews and leading me over to bloggers I haven't met yet or some I have read from time to time along with even some that I follow (sometimes just lurking though) all the time. Always great selections, David. Thanks for doing this really neat service for us.

katherine. said...

I have commented with akeluamlu on a few blogs...but had not visited her weblog until now...

great responses...

Anonymous said...

I have read some of Akelamalu's posts and find them a joy. A very talented person. And this was a great interview.

I am off to find out more about 55 flash fiction.

Also, I want to congratulate Akelamalu on the publication of her grandmother's biography. What an amazing achievement and a proud moment for her father too.

Crystal xx

Cath said...

Akelamalu has a great blog and I also like her courtesy to comment and reply to comments and visit other blogs. She is quite right when she says it is encouraging to hear what people think and to get a reply to your messages. I also have dropped off one or two blogs who never (or rarely) acknowledge comments or repay visits. It's just good manners isn't it? :0)

Great advice. Great blog. Thanks David.

lime said...

i've been reading Akelamalu for a while now so it was a lovely insight into her to be able to read this!

Akelamalu said...

Thank you David for taking the trouble to publish my interview and thank you everyone who has commented here and visited my blog, your very kind words have made my Sunday! :)

Charles Gramlich said...

It's fascinating to see teh wide range of folks who blog.

Misty DawnS said...

ah yes, this week's interview is with one of my favorite people! I just love Akelamalu AND her blog. Because, you see, not only does she create a great blog, but she is a genuine, considerate, and wonderful person as well.

Sandy said...

I now can't remember how I found her, but I really enjoy her blog. Great interview!