The Sunday Roast

To The Manor Born

This week's interview is with Willow,
who writes the blog Life At Willow Manor.

Okay, let's do this interview. Are you ready for the spotlight?

Thank you, David! I am so very honored to participate in your Sunday Roast. Your witty and interesting blog was one of the very first I started reading regularly, when I was new to the bloggyhood and it was such an inspiration. I remember thinking when you first left a comment on my blog, who is this good-looking guy in a diving suit? I can't imagine you wearing anything else!

Ahem, I really need to concentrate now, but I must point out that on weekdays I am clad in a suit and tie, while it's Levi's on weekends. So here's the first of the standard questions. Why do you blog?

A very appropriate question, since I've now been blogging for more than a year! I started blogging one day on a whim, totally clueless as to the commenting process and extent of the blogging community. I thought I would try it for a few weeks and see if it was for me. Now, a whole year later, I have found that blogging has inspired me on so many levels, not only researching and creating my posts, but been inspired, in turn by other bloggers. It's the best thing that's happened to me in a long time.

What is the story behind your blog name?

Our old 1920s house was named "Willow Manor" be a previous owner because our property used to be lined by huge willow trees. They are gone now, but we still adoringly call the place Willow Manor. Life at Willow Manor, therefore, was a fitting title for my blog, because it is basically about my life and interests.

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

I touched on this in an earlier answer. For me, there are two best things. First, the fabulous community of friendly and creative bloggers. And secondly, blogging has challenged me to dust off my creative self. The juices I thought to be dried up, are flowing again!

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

The best advice I could give to a new blogger would be to get out there into the blog community and leave comments, lots of comments, so other bloggers can meet you. Post often and don't make your posts too long or tedious. Be patient and you will connect with others of similar interests.

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

I can't say there is one significant blog post among the thousands I've read this past year. There are so many, many creative and insightful bloggers out there. I am touched on various levels depending on the particular day; anything from the life and views of an artist, to a blogger sharing his or her own personal experience. I can say that not a day goes by when I am not greatly affected by at least one blog.

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

I would have to say that the most significant blog I've ever written, for me, at least, was a post some time back titled "Does Willow Recreate Herself". It was in response to a reader, who obviously thought it was a negative thing to recreate oneself, and thought I constantly did so. After thinking through the issue, I came to the conclusion that it is actually a very creative and positive thing to recreate oneself. We all do it, to some extent, in our blogs and it is a wonderful and vital process. As George Bernard Shaw said, "We don't find ourselves, we create ourselves".


Today's Sunday Roast with Willow is the 64th in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.