The Sunday Roast

Blogging Is Just 'Plane' Sailing

This week's interview is with JaPRA,
who writes the blog Just A Plane Ride Away.

Here's the first of the standard questions. Why do you blog?

In summer 2006, we found out that we might have the opportunity to move from Texas to England for my husband's work. I went online and typed in “expat London” and found a number of excellent blogs. When we knew for sure that we were moving (six months later!), I decided to start my own blog, Just A Plane Ride Away. I thought it would be neat to have one place where family and friends could go to read about what we were up to across the pond. I also thought that my blog would be a great motivator for me to keep a regular journal of our experiences in Europe. In addition, I hoped that our expat stories might help others facing their own possible overseas assignment.

Almost a year and a half later, I felt settled enough in my expat life to begin thinking about getting back to making art. I really felt like my art journey was a very separate being and that my JaPRA readers as a whole probably could care less about, say, my excitement over a drill press or how hyped up I got over new art books. So I started a new blog - Where I Talk About Art.

What’s the story behind your blog name?

Just a Plane Ride Away — I was thinking about how far we were moving (from Texas to England) and all the people we were leaving behind. At the time, I thought my blog title would be a comfort for my parents and other family. In reality, it was more of a reminder to myself that "home" and "family" aren’t too far from us … just a plane ride away. As for my second blog, well, that is where I talk about art. ;-)

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

So many people have said this, but it really is meeting new people, making new friends — online and in person. What a delightful surprise! The other best for me is I love having a searchable journal. I have kept a paper journal for years. However, I have to say, it is nice to be able to type in something like "Prague" in the search field and find all of my posts about that amazing city.

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

Write for yourself first. Don’t worry about stats or comments. Return link love, return comments — chances are the person who took the time to comment on your blog has an equally interesting site. Blog regularly and remember what you write will linger "out there" until who knows when. Oh, and come on in, the water’s fine!

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

There are a number of bloggers who I read regularly and admire tremendously. But I have to say that the most significant blog (no one post) for me was Rhino and Beth’s UK Adventure. I read their blog religiously when we were thinking about moving to England. And totally drooled over their travel posts!

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

It’s my first post, Start Spreading The News. There was a lot of emotion behind that one!


Today's Sunday Roast with JaPRA is the 66th in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.