I have seen the Why I Write blog hop making its rounds recently and last week, the lovely Serene from Living Serenely emailed to ask if I would like to join in. I said yes of course!
1. Why I Write?
I was a Literature student throughout my entire academic life and have always had a fervent love for words. In fact, my husband thinks my sensitivity towards words can be, at times, lethal. (eg. I think of things along a spectrum of words. Irritated, annoyed, frustrated, angry, furious, enraged all bear varying degrees of a similar concept in my world and I admit I do indulge in the occasional debate with my husband over certain use of words). I have always been the girl who kept a journal (since I was 7). I am a very introspective person and writing is an extension of expression for me. I find writing extremely cathartic and I love crafting my emotions, my thoughts, my ideas into form with words. In the expression of words, I find connection – with people, with my own thoughts.
2. What Am I Working On?
I work freelance handling a number of different projects. Some weeks, I’m collating/writing reports, newsletters for companies or other organizations. Some weeks, I’m writing articles or writing copy for websites. Most days, I work for a retail website uploading content/product descriptions.
Blog-wise, I’m working on the design (yes, still not done tweaking!) and a new direction for my blog. I wanted to write about a variety of things/issues and not just limit myself so I’m working on the best way to do that. I’m figuring out a practical schedule and plan as I go.
3. How does my writing differ from others in the genre?
Genre is a bit of an abstract concept for me. I’ve mentioned before that I don’t like restricting myself to specific categories. I have also always been a bit of an in-betweener whether it’s life in general or blogging. I’m not quite sure where I belong and I’m quite ok with that. I don’t see my blog specifically as a ‘beauty blog’ or a ‘mummy blog’ (if there’s even such a thing – I know many mums who are bloggers dislike the term). I’d like to see this space as a broad reflection of my passions and interests which hopefully either makes a simple good read for my readers or brings them information (eg. through swatches/reviews/informational posts).
4. Why do I write what I do?
Why I write here on this blog started when I fell into a deep rut after giving birth to my now 2-year-old. We had just moved, had no friends/family/support and I was often stuck home with a crying newborn with not much of an idea of what to do or how to cope. It was an incredibly lonely and scary experience. Hopping online to connect with likeminded friends (whether it was fellow beauty lovers or fellow mums) and just have a creative outlet was the best thing I did for myself, my mental health and my family back then! That was how it all started and today, I write because I yearn to share my thoughts, my words, my interest in and my opinions regarding beauty and motherhood. I like to connect with people and I love this space where I get to connect with people with words.
5. How does my writing process work?
I have a notebook where I jot down ideas whenever (or wherever) one strikes. I only started doing this recently and I have to say, it’s a good suggestion from other writers especially when I’m having a bit of a slow week and need some ideas to jolt myself. I like to go with the flow a lot so I don’t have a fixed process. Sometimes, I write in the quiet of the night when everyone’s asleep. Sometimes, I write in the early hours of the morning or even in the busyness of the day. Being a work-from-home mum means I really need to be flexible and prepared for whatever comes up.
For my beauty posts, photography and editing (brightness/contrast and cropping) takes a longer time so I try to do it at one go for the week. Every weekend (well, almost!), I get my gear out and try to take the relevant photos for my blog posts for the week.
This blog hop allows me to nominate two bloggers to share their version of Why I Write and I have nominated:
Norlin from Baubles, Bubbles & Bags!
and
Kate from Seduced By Beauty
Updated to include another lovely blogger I really wanted to nominate:
Rhiannon from Ebb And Flow
Thanks again, Serene for nominating me to join in the fun! If you haven’t already, do check out Serene’s blog. Serene writes about her parenting journey and shares playing & learning activities as well as easy and yummy food recipes (I really need food ideas!).
While you’re here, join my latest giveaway! 5 Burt’s Bees Party Lips Kit to be won x
Linking up with Essentially Jess ’cause I Blog On Tuesdays!
Original photo credit: ‘Bubbo’ cc
