Sunday, March 15, 2009

The Sunday Roast

That's The Rumble Of A Real Ramble


This week's interview is with Nathalie, who writes
the blog Spaced Out Ramblings and others too.


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

Because I can do it my way. I am not really interested in what is basic blogging, i.e. keeping an internet diary: I find this both too personal and potentially boring. However, I am interested in many things which can be conveyed through internet so through exploration I now find myself keeping not one but three blogs. Not sure where I find all that time...

Spaced out Ramblings (on Live Journal) is essentially for the stories I write, travelogue, recipes, fun bits gathered on the internet and even the – very – odd reflection.

A TITLE ? What's in a title ? I was never told there should be a TITLE ! (on Blogger) is for pictures – photography and epaintings – although the odd poems have been known to creep in there too (but always in image). The idea with this one was to offer a slice of beauty to the world, a breathing space. Time to relax while listening to a piece of music.

Word of the Day! Fresh! Fresh! Fresh! (also on Blogger) is a little more austere (no music) and dedicated to the wonder that are words, day after day.

Blogging is a way to reach out to people all over the world, showing them things they might never be able to see for themselves, offering stories, a little beauty to soothe their world. Trying to bring a smile on people's lips. Virtual chocolate for them and for me.

What's the story behind your blog name?

Errr ... Which one?

I think both my bloggy blog's names speak for themselves. The only one a little cryptic would be my Live Journal, "Spaced out Ramblings". The word "ramblings" seemed appropriate for what I had the intention to put in there, a mixed fortune bag. As for the "Spaced out" part it does come from my nickname, spacedlaw, since I had an account some months before I started blogging at all. And that came about because I am a lawyer and working for the European Space Agency. Also my mind has always had a way to wander off on its own (hence the stories). So "spaced out" is very much spot on.

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

Reaching out to people all over the planet (and, I hope, beyond). Perfect strangers suddenly becoming your neighbours, your friends, people you care about although you might never meet them at all. An extended family that you choose. And the wonders of seeing – hearing - so many creative people, of course.

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

Watch the hours! One could easily get sucked into the internet. (Hark who's talking!) This is addictive. And blog about things YOU like and not about what you think other people might like. Be true to yourself.

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

Difficult question that. I read a lot – despite the little time available to do so – and all over the place, commenting too rarely (blame the time not being stretchy enough). There are all sort of subjects that will resonate with me (reading, writing, food, photography, painting...) and just like reading a book, a certain post might get deeper a certain day because I am in the exact receptive mood for its material at that particular moment.

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

Well ... most of my blogging is wordless. When I do write (on Live Journal, as I find the format more adequate for conversations), the bulk of my actual writing is made of stories. Which might – or not – be significant.

There are a few articles that are written there, cut a little closer to the heart. One exploring the reasons as to why I had decided to start and submit some of my stories for publication. One explaining to my friends why my love and I got married and our views on the subject. I am not sure these are really significant. To others, I mean. Obviously they meant enough for me to write and post. Whether they are more significant than any of my stories ... it's not really for me to tell.


Today's Sunday Roast with Nathalie is the 59th in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.

15 comments:

Rachel Green said...

What an excellent interview!

introspection said...

Great Interview...!! will be at all the posts @ all your ramblings..!

katherine. said...

I truly enjoy reading about the other people who hang out on the authorbog!

Rosaria Williams said...

Lord, David, what don't you do? You're out there working full time, blogging full time, and featuring other bloggers full time. When do you have time for your other lives?

This roast was a good introduction.

Daryl said...

Another interesting stop to make

Cath said...

Another interesting interview. 59th? Really?
Oh wow.

Robynn's Ravings said...

Can't wait to head over and get to know her! Thanks for featuring her and I look forward to these promos. I have met the nicest people through your generosity of heart!

Susan English Mason said...

The blog design of "Spaced Out Ramblings" is very unique. I really need to heed the advice to "watch the hours" I spend on the internet. This was another great interview.

Anonymous said...

I love these insights into other bloggers. Thanks for posting these, David. Off to see her blog!
BTW Word verification is purewin...how perfect. Bloggers sharing bloggers is a purewin indeed. Happy weekend.

spacedlaw said...

I had nearly forgotten about this!
Thanks for having me here and for all the fun.

martha said...

BRAVVISSIMAAA!!!

Marjorie said...

excellent interview! (And I shall be coming back to read others on authorblog in future)

Shrinky said...

Ah, another new face to visit! Cheers David.

Jess said...

Terrific interview! I'm happy to see this because Nathalie's been a good internet friend of mine for a while. She's a smart, funny lady, and a fine poet and photographer. You can't help but feel yourself richer for having met someone like her.

Thank you, David! This is a neat weekly feature-- I'm going to have to add it to my places to visit.

vampi said...

that's a great interview. yay spacedlaw :) it's alway interesting to hear why other people blog. i myself change my motivation every couple of years, so my blog is very uneven.