The Sunday Roast

Clock Off, But Play It Again, Sam

This week's interview is with Sam,
who writes the blog On The Clock.

The first of the standard questions. Why do you blog?

I guess for me, blogging is sort of cathartic. After a funny, tragic, heart-warming, or life-changing call, I like to write it down. I'm a creative writing major, so this has been a great exercise for me. It's also a great way for me to connect with other Emergency Medical Services personnel across the world, along with other amazing bloggers!

What's the story behind your blog name?

I thought for a while about what to title the blog. "Vital Signs" was too generic, whereas "The Blog of a Virginia EMT" was too bland, boring, and specific. So, I decided to go with On The Clock. What I write about has to do with what happens while I'm on shift - on the clock. I wish it were more profound, but that's about it!

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

I don't know where to even begin with answering this question! I love connecting with other bloggers and readers from all over the world. It's unbelievable the way the internet can bring people together! I've met some people through my blog who I can say have truly changed my life. That's pretty intense to say! But in all honesty, my life is different now (in a great way) thanks to the people I have gotten to know through blogging.

Secondly, I love getting feedback on what I write. When I go on a ridiculous, upsetting, or tragic call, I really like to hear from other people, confirming that I'm right and not going insane. They remind me that what I'm feeling is normal--human. I love hearing that I'm doing a good job when I'm doubting myself most.

The best thing I've heard, thanks to this blog, is either "I wish you were my partner," or "I'd trust you to take care of my kids." Those aren't things people just throw around, so even if it's from people who only know me from my stories, it means a lot to hear.

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

Just write. At first, I was hesitant because I only wanted to write if I felt it was "good" enough to be read. Now, I blog all the time about everything. I blog about my jobs, my partners, my classes at my university, frustrations, future plans, etc. If I feel compelled, I write. Really, don't limit yourself.

Also, try to read a lot of other blogs. I have seventy-something blogs on my google reader (and yes, I read every single update). I love seeing what other people have to say, and it helps me connect and improve.

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

Wow, this is a hard question! I've read a lot of posts that have reduced me to tears, had me in stitches, or left me enraged at society. However, I suppose the most significant ones for me are the ones to which I can relate. One that really touched me was EpiJunky's post Mom.


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

This, too, is a hard post. The most recent "significant" post I've written is called "Burn," a look at two traumas that came into the ER while I was on shift that really wrenched my heart. "Falling Softly," however, is probably the most significant one I've ever written. It took a lot out of me to write it, and even more to read it over again.


Today's Sunday Roast with Sam is the 41st in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.