Blog Chicks

Meet MsCurlyPops and her blog CurlyPops

When did you start your blog?

It seems like an entire lifetime ago now, but I started blogging on January 15th 2008.

Why did you start blogging?

I’ve always loved making stuff and I had a habit of bringing things into work for show and tell. So when I had to give up working full time in mid 2007 due to my lung disease, one of my work colleagues gave me a newspaper article about craft blogs. I was completely amazed and intrigued about this entire blogging world that I’d never heard of (it was still quite new in 2007).

It didn’t take long before I was completely addicted to craft blogs, and decided to take the plunge and start my own.

Since then, my blog has gone from strength to strength, but my lung disease has deteriorated further, so I’m now on the waiting list for a double lung transplant.

Describe your blog in 20 words or less

It’s really just about the craft, with a smidgen of my life thrown in for good measure!

What are your 5 must have tools for blogging?

Craft blogs are very visual so it’s more about the image than the words (luckily for me).

1. A decent camera
2. An iPhone for good photos when out and about
3. Adobe Photoshop (there are lots of different photo editing programs but I like photoshop)
4. A sense of humour
5. A large monthly upload/download limit

What is your favourite part of being a blogger?

My favourite thing is most definitely the friendships that I’ve made with other bloggers, and the opportunities to get out and about and learn something new.

It’s also increased my general confidence.

What would be the biggest thing you have learnt since starting your blog?

The biggest thing that I’ve learned is to just put yourself out there and take a chance.

My life now is so completely different (and so much better and more fulfilling) when compared to what it was before I started blogging.

If you could start again, what would you do differently?

I wouldn’t do anything differently. I’ve loved the entire journey so far.

What has been your blog’s biggest achievement?

Even though CurlyPops is a craft blog, I include some personal stuff as well. I think that my blogs biggest achievement so far has been to educate people about organ donation, and to assist in raising money for the Margaret Pratt Foundation Heart and Lung Transplant Trust via The Hottie Challenge. There’s a connection with an audience through blogging. The people who read my blog may have never thought about organ donation before. Maybe they’ve never ‘known’ anyone who has been waiting for that amazing gift of a second chance at life.

If I can get people to have that discussion with their families, and sign up to the national registry, then I feel that it’s the best achievement I could ever have from blogging.

For more information on organ donation – www.donatelife.gov.au
To sign up to the national registry via Medicare 
Margarett Pratt Foundation – www.mprattfoundation.com.au
The Hottie Challenge 

Another quite lovely thing that happened this year was that I was nominated by Cosmopolitan Magazine as one of their top ten Fun Fearless Female Bloggers. I didn’t make it through to the final, but it was exciting to be nominated!

What do you find is the best way to help promote your blog?

I mainly just use other forms of social media for promotion – I’m also on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Flickr etc… just search for CurlyPops. I’m sure you’ll find me!

What advice would you have for new chick bloggers?

Be yourself and have fun. Don’t have too many expectations. Don’t follow the pack. Use your own voice.

If my blog wasn’t fun for me, then I most certainly wouldn’t still be here after four years.

Do you (or do you plan to) make any income from your blog?

I don’t make any income directly from blogging (and I never intended to), although I do have an online shop where I sell my crafty wares. So indirectly, I do make some income by pimping them on the blog.

Blogging has also led to some freelance writing work.

What future goals do you have for your blog?

The only future goal that I have at the moment is to get some new lungs!

Being on the waiting list means that I can’t really plan anything too far in advance for the blog or for my crafty business. I could get a phone call at any time of the day or night and have to be at the hospital within two hours.

I might be away from the blogosphere for a little while when that happens…. but it won’t be for too long I hope.

I’ve also started a separate blog to write about the entire transplant process, from the pre-assessment testing and right through the recovery process. That blog may take precedence over CurlyPops for a little while.

As far as crafting goes, I’ve started designing and selling my own fabrics. I’m really looking forward to seeing where that takes me. Blogging is great for feedback, but also for documenting the entire design process.

What is your all time favourite post that you would love people to read?

That’s a really hard one to answer.

As I’m answering this, I’ve written and published 1661 posts over the last 4 years of blogging.

This one from June 2008 is the first time that I publicly acknowledged my illness on the blog. It was extremely hard to do at the time.

The day that I officially joined the waiting list - August 31st 2011

For pure and utter silliness (and to further embarrass myself publicly), I also love any posts that include my alter-ego Ms SuperPops. Thank goodness my photo editing skills have really improved since this post in 2009!

What is you most popular post (in comments, or traffic received)?

My most popular post of all time comes from my tutorials page

It’s the tutorial for ‘How to Make a Chef’s Hat for your budding Masterchef’

There’s lots of googling going on by people who want to make a Chef’s Hat, and they come from all over the world. I suspect that it has something to do with the worldwide Masterchef phenomenon.

Who are your 5 favourite chick bloggers and why?

This is one of the hardest questions that I ever get asked…. I have about 500 craft blog subscriptions in my google reader (and yes, I do actually read them all). Thank goodness they don’t all post every day.

I can’t decide so I have to choose 6.

Tinniegirl

Cathy and I both connected via a blog art swap that she organised when we were both just starting out, and we’ve been fabulous friends ever since. I’m so glad we found each other.

Shiny Happy Art

Anna’s blog is both shiny and happy (just as the name suggests). I love her work and I know that I’ll get a little dose of sunshine every time I visit.

Punky & Me

Vic is crafty and hilarious. I know not to take a mouthful of coffee before reading her blog…. lest I might spit it out on the screen in laughter!

Buttontree Lane

Michelle makes gorgeous clothes for herself, and she has completely inspired me to start doing the same.

Melbourne Epicure

Cathie and I first met at a pre-market meeting a few years ago. Just take one look at her blog and you’ll see why I can’t resist. It’s lucky I don’t live around the corner from her, because I’d be on the doorstep looking for cake every day.

Teddy Bears Wednesday

Jess makes the cutest little critters that you could ever find. Take a look and see if you can resist!

This weeks featured Blogger is Carly Findlay from Tune Into Radio Carly

When did you start your blog?

I have been blogging for many years, on and off. My first blog was through Diaryland back in 2001 maybe. Then I had a secret blog, again through Diaryland, and then a blog for a uni subject about New Media, and then a Myspace blog. I started Tune into Radio Carly in December 2009. It’s the blog I’ve really taken seriously, to launch brand Carly Findlay. Ahhh that sounds so pretentious. But realistically, I’ve focused on my writing quality and editing a lot on Tune into Radio Carly, and the hard work has paid off.

Why did you start blogging?

I wanted to have a voice. I wanted to launch a writing career. I wanted to share my experiences about living with my chronic illness – a severe skin condition called ichthyosis. When I first wrote about how bad my skin was one day, and another time when I was abused in a store because the shopkeeper thought the vaseline on my face would ruin her clothes, I received so much support, and realised that blogging really does have an impact – teaching people about the difficulties of living with such a visibly different appearance and also providing support for me when things get tough.

Describe your blog in 20 words or less

I share stories about being chronically ill. Throw some social commentary, food, music, fashion and shopping into the mix as well as some musings about the ignorant twits who can’t get over my appearance and you’ll see I’ve got some interesting tales to tell. Maths was never my strong point. Way over 20 words.

What are your 5 must have tools for blogging?
Blogspot (yes, I know what you WordPress lovers think!)
Time
A good sense of observation
iPhone for taking photos and making notes
A sense of humour
Resilience - bloggers are bound to get criticism just by putting ourselves out there, and also there are a lot of knock-backs and no-responses when chasing stories for the blog.

What is your favourite part of being a blogger?
Writing. I love telling a good story through words. And it can often be good therapy.
Receiving comments.
Making friends.
Going to conferences and meeting other bloggers.

What would be the biggest thing you have learnt since starting your blog?

It’s important to blog for myself. Don’t try to please the audience.

Everyone will have an opinion about what I write and do, and sometimes it can be difficult to read the criticism, especially when readers don’t get the full context of the situation.
People have also come to me for advice, and see me as a role model. This can be flattering, and also challenging. Boundaries need to be set.

If you could start again, what would you do differently?

Focused on quality writing from day one of blogging on Tune into Radio Carly. I don’t find my early posts particularly engaging.
I don’t have any regrets from my blog though. I have always maintained honesty, and stood by my writing.

What has been your blog’s biggest achievement?

Getting freelance writing opportunities through blogging. I write for DiVine (a Victorian Government website for the disability community) and ABC Ramp Up. I have also been featured on Mama Mia, and been asked to write for a number of other publications. I won an award for my writing on DiVine too, and was also a finalist in the Best Australian Blogs competition in 2011.

I also think getting stopped in the street by readers of my blog is pretty cool – a big change to being stopped in the street because someone has been shocked at my appearance!

What do you find is the best way to help promote your blog?

Social networking! It is very time consuming though – difficult not to go overboard with spam! I use Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus and Linked In. I think you also have to have faith that your loyal readers will also promote your blog too. I have also found that when a prominent blogger/writer links to your site, a lot of hits are generated. And I belong to a number of forums around fashion, ichthyosis and blogging, and so when I get the time I post on them too.

What advice would do you have for new chick bloggers?

Just do it. Don’t be afraid – the blogging world is awesome! Set some time aside every day to write a little. And network a bit – comment on other blogs, join conversations on Twitter, and have fun!

Do you (or do you plan to) make any income from your blog?

A little, but definitely not enough to quit my day job. I’d really like to seek some sponsorship for BlogHer 2012 in NYC…

What future goals do you have for your blog?

Promote myself more. Do more freelance writing. Set up a motivational speaking business where I go to schools to talk about looking different. Promote the hell out of it at BlogHer 2012 and be discovered by Oprah or someone equally as powerful.

I have also launched an online portfolio of my key writing, TV and radio appearances, and hope that this generates some writing and speaking opportunities. You can view this portfolio at www.carlyfindlay.com

What is your all time favourite post that you would love people to read?

Untouched. I am really proud it it. It was born from a very personal conversation I had with someone close to me. I showed him the draft and he said it was one of the best things he’d ever read, and I think it taught him so much about me. He said he would read it every so often to remind him of the struggles I have faced. Though my Dad read it too, and said to me out of the blue ‘I’m worried that you’re not being touched enough’. Awkward!!

What is you most popular post (in comments, or traffic received)?

My review of Love and Other Drugs. Hands down! It was the naked Jake Gyllenhaal that did it. A tip – if you want more traffic, put a nude picture of a hot celeb on your blog.

Who are your 5 favourite chick bloggers and why?

Five is not enough! I love so many!! These ones are my top five Aussie ones – and to be honest, I love the Aussie ones the best!!
Jess at 91 Odd Socks - this is a blog by my friend Jess. She writes about her chronic illness in such a beautiful way. I wish I could write as poetically as her.
Bern Morley at So Now What? - Bern is incredibly funny and so lovely. I am so glad we became friends in real life too.
Eden Riley at Edenland - Eden’s blog had me hooked when I read her post about meeting her idol Bono. She is so engaging and tells it like it is.
Sydney Shop Girl - I love her witty observations of day to day life. And again, she’s become such a dear friend through blogging.
Heidi at Apples Under My Bed - an amazing food and nutrition blogger. We have bonded over food and this year have been doing regular dinner dates. Again, such a good friend!

This weeks featured blogger is Suger from Suger Coat it.

When did you start your blog?

October 2009

Why did you start blogging?

I use all the Google app’s and noticed one day that they offered a blog function. I was like, what’s a blog!? So I opened one and went looking for others.

Describe your blog in 20 words or less.

A peek into living the sweet life. A lifestyle blog about family, fashion, fun and the silly things my Hubby does.

What are your 5 must have tools for blogging?

My hubby – He does so much STUPID stuff and is a total tool. We both are.
Blogger, I keep it simple when it comes to my blog
iPhone
iPad
Anything else with an I

What is your favourite part of being a blogger?

The community. I attend as many meet up, lunches, conferences as I can. The people are diverse and colourful and funny as heck. And the free stuff doesn’t hurt either.

What would be the biggest thing you have learnt since starting your blog?

That there’s no right way to blog. When I started my blog would only ever fit in the personal blog category. Which was a bit of hodge-bodge of bloggers that didn’t fit anywhere else. Now we get called lifestyle bloggers. And all I can think is thank goodness I didn’t try and be a food blogger, you know? Try and be something I wasn’t. I probably would’ve quit by now. Bored to death of posting the same thing day after day about something just to fit a niche.

If you could start again, what would you do differently?

I’d start sooner!

What has been your blog’s biggest achievement?

Nothing really. It’s a whole bunch of frivolity with no real purpose.

What do you find is the best way to help promote your blog?

Participating and reading other people’s blogs. And behind that, twitter.

What advice would do you have for new chick bloggers?

If you have a question ask, if you want to email someone, do it and if it isn’t fun, don’t do it.

Do you (or do you plan to) make any income from your blog?

Yes. I sell ad spots and offer blog makeovers using the blogger platform.

What future goals do you have for your blog?

World domination..! *insertevillaugh* I want my blog to be entertaining and somewhere that people go to smile. I want my ad spots full and lots of clicking on the links. I want blogging to be fun and for it offer leverage me all sorts of fun things to do.

What is your all time favourite post that you would love people to read?

Just because I blog am I free game? or  There are no REAL women. Just WOMEN.

What is you most popular post (in comments, or traffic received)?

Oh goodness, this is embarrassing. A random post I wrote about My Family stickers. From day one it was popular and it remains leaps and bounds ahead of the others, hits wise. I took it down once. Hid it so no more people would read it. I was sick and tired of hearing about it. I put it back. Eventually. After we had a little break from each other.

Who are your 5 favourite chick bloggers and why?

Hello Owl & all my Qld gang – You know, because they’re cool!
Danimezza – Just one of those people who I clicked with. And she lets me borrow her clothes.
Mama Jots – A beautiful blog and lovely women who always checks in with me whenever I post something a bit emo.
Edenland – I was late on board this one, but geeeezus, that woman is funny. Why didn’t anyone tell me sooner!?

So pleased to be bringing back the Featured Bloggers on Blog Chicks. Love chatting to the wide variety of women bloggers we have on the list and finding out a little more about their blog and blogging history.

First up we have Kim from Frog Ponds Rock. Thank you Kim for taking the time share your wisdom with us.

When did you start your blog?

I started Frog Ponds Rock in October 2007 using blogger and moved to a self hosted dot com in May 2008.

My daughter Veronica (SleeplessNights) talked me into it. I was quite isolated and lonely in my rural community. My politics are a tad different from 80% of my neighbours. Veronica convinced me that people would be interested in what I had to say and to my surprise Von was right and here I am today talking to you Leigh

Describe your blog in 20 words or less?

An eclectic combination of photography, opinions, art and occasionally zombies

What are your 5 must have tools for blogging?

A platform that suits you. I use wordpress because it allows me to publish larger images than blogger.  Other than that all you really need are:

Enthusiasm, Time, Discipline. Oh and a computer helps.

The support I get from my readers who have become my friends. I bare my soul on my blog and my readers offer me spiritual bandaids. They listen to me, send me chocolate and comfort me. My internetz hold my hand when I am feeling wobbly and they occasionally make me wet myself with laughter as well.

What would be the biggest thing you’ve learnt since starting your blog?

That sometimes a throwaway line in a blog post can have painful consequences in real life. What I had written was fairly innocuous but one or two grumpy comments from very loyal readers venting their anger started off a pretty horrible chain of events. So I am always very conscious now of the power of not just my words but the words of my commenters as well.

I would have put that bloody friend connect widget up in 2008 instead of 2011 and I would have a zillion followers now instead of just one or two. I am such a Nigel.

Being nominated for Best Australian in “The Bloggies” in 2010 and  coming home in second place behind the delightful, Not Drowning, Mothering. That nomination changed my life. My husband hated me being “on that bloody computer again” so I blogged in semi-secret. I rarely spoke about my blog because “The Spouse’s” eyes would  glaze over with boredom, or he would get angry that I was sitting down at the computer wasting time, instead of busily vacuuming the walls and polishing the roof tiles like a good wifey, not that we even have a tiled roof *sigh* With “The Bloggies” nomination “The Spouse’s” attitude changed overnight and he was enormously proud of me. I can say things like, “I just have to finish this blog post” and “The Spouse” will wander off and do something until I have finished writing. It is good.

What do you find is the best way to help promote your blog?

I don’t actually promote my blog at all apart from a quick link on facebook and a tweet or two, when I have first published a post. Once I have written the words and they are out of my head I tend to forget about them and I wander off and so something else.

Firstly I would like to say if any new blogger has any questions or needs any advice I am always willing to help. This is a genuine offer. Find me on twitter and ask me, or leave a comment on my blog and if I can help I will, or I will know someone who can.

Try not to lose sight of why you started blogging in the first place. Try not get caught up in the hype and the noise of competitive blogging (unless of course that is what you want.) Never be afraid of who you are. Trust your own voice. Anyone else’s voice will never sound the same as yours. Do what you love and the money will always follow. Don’t EVER be afraid to ask questions.

Do you (or do you plan to) make any income from your blog?

As a working ceramic artist I accept commissions and I am in the process of adding a purchase option to my ceramic gallery. People interested in my ceramics can contact me and I will make them one off art pieces.

I will accept advertising on my blog if it fits with my personal ethos and so far the advertisers that have contacted me don’t quite fit the bill. I would love to swan about the place testing photographic equipment, making films with test cameras and looking important. But I am not motivated by money so I know that I would lose interest very quickly or get distracted by something shiny.

I just take things day by day and I don’t have any future goals for my blog at all. Saying that reminds me that I do need to update my ceramic gallery but I am incredibly absent minded and I will probably forget about it. I have a habit of selling or giving away my work before I get a chance to photograph it.

What is your all time favourite post that you would love people to read?

Anything in my Best Of section will do but I particularly like this post.

Chasing Lizards is always time well spent

What is your most popular post (in comments, or traffic received)?

The post that gets the most traffic is a post written in February 2010 about Dominos pizza ,when they tried to pass off “Not quite gluten free” pizzas as “gluten free” pizzas. “Is Dominos Gluten Free?” is my highest trafficked search term.

This is very closely followed by “How to make a dead Albatross Bowl” from November 2009

Only five, this is an impossible task. *sigh*

Veronica from Sleepless Nights, not just because she is my daughter but because she is a beautiful honest writer.

Tiff from My Three Ring Circus. Tiff makes me cry with the beauty of the poetry in her soul.

Kelley from Magneto Bold Too, anyone that has a Christmas tree in their toilet and publishes a how to be a ninja post  has my vote.

Karen from Misc Mum. Karen was the leading light in the Aussie blogosphere when I first started and along with the Aussie bloggers mentioned above I am proud to call her my friend.

Jenny Lawson is The Bloggess, This woman is all class all of the time. I admire Jenny enormously but  I would also warn people not to read Jenny whilst drinking cups of tea.