This feature is our chance to find out a bit more about the bloggers behind the scenes. Thank you MJ for sharing with us all your take on blogging. If you would like to feature on “We are Fuelmyblog” simply email sylvie(at)fuelmyblog.com

What’s your name?

MJ

What’s the name of your blog?

Note to Self

What’s the URL of your blog?

http://margeauxj.blogspot.com/

How old is your blog?

I’ve been blogging for about a year and a half now, but only about a year of that was shared with the public.

If you’re willing to share, how many visitors per day do you have to your blog?

It depends. Some days, I only have about 10 visitors. Other days, I get lucky and I can get up to 75 visitors. Mostly, I have about 10 readers who are devoted to coming, reading, and commenting almost every day. That might not seem like much to most bloggers, but I love it. I like recognizing a blogger’s handle and being able to keep up with my commenters as much as they keep up with me.

How much time do you spend blogging every week?

I used to spend at least four or five hours blogging a week, but with all the different things that have come up in my life recently, I haven’t had as much time. Now I try to spend at least an hour a week blogging.

Is it the creative process or the editing process which take you longest when writing a post?

Probably the editing. As soon as I have an idea, it will only take me about ten minutes max for me to blog it. But then I sit on it… and think about it… and rewrite it… and edit… and then it finally gets posted for your enjoyment.

What inspired you to first start writing a blog?

I was having a hard time in my life, and I really needed an outlet for my thoughts. My blog started as a private blog, but when I had some friends comment that my writing could be enjoyed by others, I gave in and went public. When people actually showed interest in my writing, I fell in love with making people laugh.

What do you do to get inspired to write?

I usually don’t have to try to be inspired. Like other bloggers, I’m sure, I will simply be living my life and something will slap me in the face and I think, I should blog about that. I love writing about my crazy family, my puppy, my cop fiancé, and my insane friends. I wouldn’t have any material without them.

How do you market your blog?

I don’t really market it much. I enjoy letting other bloggers who like my writing spread the word about me. I have done some shameless plugging before, and I’ve also done a blogathon for charity.

What are the blogging tools you cannot do without? Some would disagree, but I love the way blogger is setup. I think it’s so easy to use, and if there is a plug-in you want that isn’t built in, you can simply edit the CSS code. Google Analytics, FuelMyBlog, and Blogger’s new follow tool help me keep up with how many people stick around to read and enjoy what I post.

Is there anything that you simply refuse to blog about?

Not really. I’m not a gratuitous blogger, and I try to keep my material PG-13, but there’s not a whole lot off limits for me and my writing.

If you went for a job interview and were told that you’d have to close your blog in order to get the job, how would you react/feel about it?

I actually had to deal with this recently in my current occupation. There were some posts complaining about some aspects of my job (as I’m sure a lot of people do), and someone in my office found my blog and complained (apparently). The big wigs didn’t like the idea of me having it for the public to see, but I explained it was a personal blog, and that it never named a coworker or even alluded to where I work – it was meant for entertainment value only. They didn’t ask me to take it down, but I have been more guarded about writing about my job. I would never take it down for anyone, but I would be willing to tailor my writing some.

Do you talk about your blog with your relatives and friends or do you avoid mentioning it?

I talk about it all the time! They probably get sick of me talking about “my blog friends” and such, but some of my faraway friends and family love being able to keep up with me this way and have a laugh with me. I’ve been begging my fiancé to become a co-blogger, but I can’t quite get him motivated.

What is the biggest mistake you made when starting your blog?

I didn’t look at other blogs first. I started with absolutely no direction, no substance, and no friends to connect to. I think I learned quickly that I would need pals in the blog world to help keep me motivated and help me with material.

Any tips for aspiring bloggers?

WRITE. A LOT. And write for yourself. If you can make yourself laugh, chances are that you’ll make other people laugh too. Get connected with bloggers by reading their blogs religiously. Comment, comment, comment! Don’t just put people on your blogroll just because – make sure they are blogs you will want to read all the time, and then read them – all the time!

Who are the bloggers that you look up to the most?

I am a big fan of Colby over at colbymarshall.blogspot.com. Her blog was one of the ones that really inspired me to go public, and she has always encouraged my writing.

Do you still see yourself blogging in 5 years time?

Sure! Why not? By then, maybe I will have something more interesting to write about!