#BlogLife17 - I want to be a blogger!!!

I know, I know, you're thinking I've made a typo because I'm already a blogger. I'm no expert on the subject but this is my point of view about undertaking BlogLife. 

I composed this last night, while trying to sleep. My brain was like....No no no and pick your phone back up. Your brain wants to play.

Switch the wifi back on, un-dim the screen and write what I tell you! I think it's interesting and unique because I haven't really seen anything like this before or as in depth.

Decide if you want to be a public or private blogger because that is really important so many accounts are linked up to social media, you can be discovered or even out yourself.

Are you going to vlog or write? It depends what platform you are most comfortable in. You could do both. Vlog means video blogging.

What are you going to convey? Are you going to address one main theme or have a couple? When people are having a gander at your profile, they are going to want to know what and who you are all about.

Where are you going to do it? Twitch, youtube, blogger, tumbler, medium, livejournal? The list is endless. You could join one and stick to it or experiment with a few?

If you're like me and choose anonymity, you're gonna need to re-register with your social media accounts. That means a new Facebook, Twitter and email account. 

It is exhausting switching between multiple accounts. I finally deleted my main Twitter and created one for the blog and books.

Be realistic. It is highly unlikely you'll be an overnight sensation so be patient, keep sharing and honing your voice because the more you do it, the more comfortable you'll be.

Send friends, family or both your links. This is dependant on who you are at ease showing your work too? If it's sensitive material, you might not want people you know to read it.

Be committed. I'm not saying drop your friends, partners and hobbies.. I'm saying put aside some time each week or fortnight and produce something substantial..

Which is tricky because as soon as you hit publish, you'll immediately want to delete it. You'll think I should have done this, said that.. 

Made it longer, shorter, more detailed, fancier, had a better title. I could go on but you get the point. You'll see hopefully each project you create gives you a bigger boost.

Don't get bogged down looking at the stat page and think why are the numbers empty or low?

It's early days. Maybe you need an objective opinion, ask someone to look your page over or watch a video of yours and give honest feedback.

It's the end of the day. Switch your brain off, leave your blog or channel alone and detach yourself. (I really need to take my own advice). :D

You can't be trying to create or panicking about not being inspired you'll become disheartened and burn out. Have fun, read, watch something or go hangout with someone.

Ask advice if you need too but don't let anyone alter your vision. You know what you like and are going for, stay true to it.

It's acceptable to make tweaks for an improved experience but don't get talked into a something you're not keen on.

Explore other blogs, not just because you hope they'll become a fan of yours and comment back but solely because it's so interesting reading another perspective. 

Plus if you're lucky you'll make friends and you'll realise. I don't feel so alone anymore. There's kinda a buzz when you comment and the creator responds.

Though they aren't obligated too, it's always fun to read their responses.

I almost forgot to mention, please set up your subscriber feed properly. People want to incorporate reading your blogs at a convenient time, so let them.

Just a few things that I didn't really think about when I was starting out so I thought it might help someone.

Thank you to my followers on here and on Twitter for continuing to support me and follow me on my twisty turny journey :D

Eeek my addled brain forgot the questions. Why didn't you remind me?

Q1. What would be the title of your autobiography?

A) My crazy so-called life.

B) I'm a poet and I don't know it.

C) It's none of your beeswax, put my book down, you creeper!

Q2) What is it that makes you so darn lovable?

A) That's easy. I'm modest. I'm brilliant. I'm funny. I'm down to earth. I'm entertaining. I'- (Ok, enough, we get the picture).

B) I'm a great listener. I don't just nod and agree with everything. I take my time, concentrate, limit distractions and support people.

C) Purleaseee as if you have to ask. Look at me. Check me out. I'm the complete package. Gorgeous, moreish and not at all boorish!

#BlogLife16 - Curiosity killed garfield

Let's play a game. A getting to know me adventure. Why should you get all the fun questions? I want to answer some toooo..

Q1) What questions come to mind when you discover a new blogger? 

I wonder where they are from, how old they are and their gender, it isn't always obvious.

Q2) How do you come up with blog titles?

I don't know really, mostly something obscure pops into my head and I think, that will do.

Q3) Do you write out a bunch of posts and save them to publish daily, weekly or at a set time?

Are you joking? Does that really sound like me? I'm really not that efficient. 

I never know what I'll talk about until it just creates a brainwave and I think ahaaaa :D

Q4) Would you ever consider collaborating with other bloggers?

I would if I knew the subject extensively and I knew what was expected and there wasn't a looming deadline or tons of pressure.

Q5) I gave you easy ones to start off with, now comes the nitty gritty, the thing we all want to know...... 

What are the most popular BlogLife chapters in the series??

https://sleeplessscribbler.blogspot.com/2021/03/bloglife13-experimentation.html

https://sleeplessscribbler.blogspot.com/2021/03/bloglife3-no-time-for-that.html

https://sleeplessscribbler.blogspot.com/2021/03/bloglife1-bloggers-mindset.html

Q6) Obviously now I have to know what the least popular chapters were?

https://sleeplessscribbler.blogspot.com/2021/03/bloglife12-am-i-ready-to-quit.html

https://sleeplessscribbler.blogspot.com/2021/03/bloglife6-love-for-other-blogs.html

https://sleeplessscribbler.blogspot.com/2021/03/bloglife5-surroundings.html

Q7) Do your family and friends even know you have a blog?

The family do not, some friends know but they haven't really said anything about it. 

I don't know if they have even read it. I can't say it matters to me, as it really doesn't.

Q8) Do you genuinely like blogging or did you feel it was all you could do?

I really do love it. It is a challenge and a headache at times and it can be isolating. 

I've totally lost my train of thought, Don't you hate it when that happens?

Oh yea I was going to say that, with each post I write, self doubt creeps up. 

Will people like it? Will they laugh? Would they recommend me?

Q9) Have you given up on ever being popular and approachable?

Dang you weren't kidding, when you said these questions were going to get trickier. 

Can I pass? Alright....I'll answer. No I don't think I have.

Something inside me changed when I published my book Faithless Pursuit. 

It just renewed a belief in myself that I could be creative and follow through and that I just needed to keep working at it.

Q10 What are the hardest, easiest and most satisfying posts to write?

The BlogLife series takes no time at all. Once I get the gist of what I want to talk about it basically just flows really quickly.

The hardest are probably the emotional posts because they are really upsetting and sometimes realisations come to mind that are quite brutal.

The most satisfying are the Blogscapsim, pampering posts. 

Those are exhausting because I pack a lot of details in to make it extra soothing but when it's done..

I think it turns out really well so it was worth the effort.

Q11) Do you comment on other people's blogs so that they'll comment on yours?

Honestly? Nope. I have read a fair number of things bloggers have written and some I liked and some I didn't. 

For the ones that I did, now I feel braver adding a comment or question.

I never used to before. I always wanted too but I felt really self conscious thinking..

Oh my goodness, they are going to read what I left and think, this is sooooo uninteresting.

Yawn!! Next......I prefer someone who is articulate and witty and highly intellectual. Amateurs on my blog? Purleaseeee.

Makes me chuckle to think about it, due to the fact that, unless you are a spammer, bloggers eat up comments for breakfast. Love, love, love them.

Ugh I've just previewed and this seems long. One more question.

Q12) Will you ever have pictures? Reveal your identity or share any more information on your health issues?

Pictures? No, it isn't me. Sorry no. I like my privacy too much. I'll definitely be staying anonymous. 

Regarding expanding on the long term ailments? I don't know, frankly. It is so difficult to talk about. 

I don't think it's a post I would ever want to reread and I do that sometimes to check for spelling mistakes or make mini changes.

This was just a bonus BlogLife because you waited all day for it and I was trying to get the blog perfect and I held off from publishing it until I thought I could fix everything.

I hope you had fun with this one and maybe learned something you didn't know about me. I am ready to sleep.

Goodnight everyone and I hope that the tougher your day is, the more you find a way to get joy out of it.

Zzzzz

#BlogLife15 - Squint, blink and skedaddle

As you know I wear hard rgp contact lenses and I am really short sighted. Reading bright faint fonts, kills my eyes. There are several sites, Twitters, blogs etc..

Where I visited once and promptly left because I couldn't see a damn thing. Why oh why would you do that, to your poor readers trying to get more information or sign up or become an active member?

I think I was guilty of that with the gold font and some of the others, so I just darkened the shade and improved it. You gotta think, big picture.

It is so competitive and there are a million ways to put people off. (By not having pictures for example :D) That is why i say this is a diary-type-blog.

It hopefully softens the blow and let's people know what to expect. Less lavish, more simple.

Q1) What is your opinion?

A) Excuse moi Mz sightless, most of the people in this world have perfect vision, so why should I change my colour scheme for a few people?

B) Meh I'll get around to it one of these days. I have bigger concerns than my readers..

C) Am I the only sensitive person in the room? First I would test all my links and if they weren't legible to me, they sure as sugar, wouldn't be clear to some of my readers. 

Then I would change them lickity split to make them easier to read. I care, unlike you two!

Q2) I had to Google this, because I'm running out of questions. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

A) Laugh and the world laughs with you..

B) Treat others how you wish to be treated..

I was compared to impeccable people and I did it myself and it is the worst thing you can do. Why do all their highlights appear glaringly, smugly in your face and their flaws are diminished?

Be your own person, shortcomings and all. It's fine to not be perfect, to make mistakes and stumble. At least you are trying. Those people you see as ideal, really aren't...

They have just become experts at showing that false bravado. Pretending that nothing fazes them and they can do no wrong, while pointing out someone else's failings. 

That in itself is insecurity ten-fold. If they were really as superb and confident as they appeared, why would they need to point out someone's errors???

Just something to think about if you are feeling like you don't measure up :)

You do so. You are remarkable and don't let anyone tell you different!

Ps. 

I'm sorry this BlogLife turned into a mini rant at the end. It wasn't supposed to but some subjects just hit a nerve. I've trying to fix the appearance of the blog and I managed some of it, at least the title is readable.

I can't seem to separate the image and description. I'll work on it and hopefully change the font style as it is hideous Ugh. By the way the answers to my questions aren't supposed to be really rude.

They are just pretend mocking. Someone said it seems less comical and more insulting but it is just me being playful and silly to make you laugh :D

#BlogLife14 - Shorties or longies

Ahem. Let's keep it clean, ladies and gentleman. I am referring to the length of your posts. 

Q1 Do you prefer to write long or short pieces?

A) Mine tend to get to the point and be smaller than most to make sure I keep the readers attention.

B) Short?? Are you kidding me? I don't even like tiny queues. I have so much to say about this, that and the other. You cannot limit my genius philosophies. 

C) Sometimes I feel like I'm having a conversation and it's my turn to express my views and the more I talk, the more excited I get about making my point, so I just like to share it all.

Whether you're a fan of either choice. I think it's important to reread your subject before you publish and make sure you have not repeated yourself and that you have made all the valid points you needed too.

I don't really bother with the short posts. It doesn't feel like there is enough of a voice to keep me there. On the other hand, the insanely long posts I do read and enjoy..

Don't get me wrong but I also cheat and skim some of it too. I do worry when I'm previewing my posts that I go on endlessly. I've never in my life written commentaries for example..

But Ramo and Hercai (to begin with), made a big impact on me and I had so many opinions it didn't seem fair to overload my followers.

I just try to put all the relevant information into them but I am not sure what matters to people. As for the others like fiction. I just write them out until they conclude themselves.

 Q2. Just for fun, if you had a secret benefactor and they said this is a one time deal. What would you buy if I gave you splurge money? It can't be spent of anything practical like bills or on someone else, no strings attached..

A) Hmm well I do need a new case for my spectacles..

B) A case..Pfft, some people have no imagination. I would go for something huge.... A bunch of pens, with different coloured ink, top that!

C) Purlease. I can top both of those. I would purchase postage stamps. A book of twelve. Now that my friends is an outrageous extravagance!! Watch and learn.....

#BlogLife13 - Experimentation

This is a personal blog so I feel that the template/theme/background, whatever you want to call it, should also be softer and less clinical and sterile than the ones I am used to seeing.

They all look way more professional than my dinky blog but at the same time, they also all look identical. I want mine to stand out, while also being welcoming.

I actually do like the current background because to me she looks both pensive and sleepy haha but I am going to save it and try something more traditional.

I want to see if in this one instance, I need to conform and be like every other blog. I have backed up my current theme and retitled it so that i can find it easily.

Step two is finding a theme I find aesthetically pleasing to my eyes, forget about everyone else's though obviously it would help if they adored it too.

This is pure torture, the font in these templates are barely legible. There aren't many with female silhouettes included. Eek I've taken the plunge and it is coming up with error messages.

When I opened up a new tab, it seems to display correctly but it does not let me customise it all. I'm not sure how I feel but I think I prefer the previous theme.

I am going to keep it for a while though and see how the visitor stats ebb and flow. If you feel strongly about it, you can reach out.

I don't mind at all :D

Q1) How often do you change your theme?

A) Change? Moi? Are you kidding? Mine is perfection.

B) Every once in a while. I like to keep it fresh and unique.

C) Wait a minute. I can change it? They didn't say anything about that in the Blog Guide For Dummies handbook..

Q2) What is something you wish you could do but can't?

A) Reach the top shelf, damn my small stature :(

B) Listen chicky, SS, whatever you call yourself. I can do anything I set my mind too. Except eat just one single ferrero rocher, ooh they are sooo moreish..

C) Go window shopping. I used to love trawling for bargains and trying on cute outfits, hoping that the mirror and light were flattering :D

#BlogLife12 - Am I ready to quit?

Last year I wasn't in a good place. My blog felt stagnant and I wasn't inspired and my books were left abandoned because I gave up.

I thought on how difficult it was to open up in blog-form. I mean forget about people. I don't connect with them but writing was a way to be myself and not let anyone take that away from me.

I considered just deleting my blog and disappearing and a scary painful thought bubbled up to the surface. What if this was the only way I could express myself?

What if when I erased this blog, I lost my voice again? This panicked me for a lot of reasons. My life isn't straightforward. There is emotional, physical and lifelong pain to deal with.

I remember voicing it somewhere safe online and someone saying. "You're up, you're down, you're like a rollercoaster, don't you think you're being a drama queen?"

It's not word-for-word but it was along those lines and tonight I shared my blog with someone new and he said "Hmm, you're quite stoic huh?"

I had to Google that because I wasn't even sure what that meant. Enduring hardship without showing their feelings or complaining is what it means.

I had to laugh comparing the two vastly different responses. I braced myself for the negative. I think I do that because I am used to that feedback.

When he said there wasn't anything to critique, I relaxed and pushed him to be honest. 

I'm not as witty as I think I am, right? 

I need a new theme?

My posts are too long? 

I'm too whiny? 

I started off with a red face being terrified he was going to be brutal and now I was actively goading him to be mean.. 

I realised I could take onboard what he had to say without being personally attacked.

When the first guy kept chipping away at me, I realised it wasn't a safe space after all. I struggle with critique because it isn't always helpful.

At times it is downright personal. It isn't about growth, it makes me feel as though I am being silenced again. 

I quit that site and when the owner asked why? I explained that I struggled with self-esteem and to have someone that couldn't be blocked constantly in my ear, was too much for me.

I was already adrift, this was pushing me over the edge. I think I just took some time out and slowly let my confidence build up again.

When the second guy asked about my tagline.. 

A 40something's woman's personal diary type blog about writing fiction, the aftermath of growing up in a household being bullied/belittled and my tactics in trying to deal with everyday trauma due to PTSD/chronic illness and chronic pain.

He said is it true? I just said I didn't want to talk about, to which he replied. I wasn't going to judge you.

The funny thing was I believed him but I can't just launch into my past history. I feel a need to protect myself from physical and emotional harm.

I'm glad that I persevered and broke through the writer's block. It's amusing that the first guy thought I was playing up my emotions.

That I woke up and thought, I know today I'm going to be purposely down and write a miserable entry about how unhappy I am.

Then after lunch, I'll be upbeat and write something really cute and schmaltzy and sickeningly sweet.

My days are the same. I wake up hoping I am suitably rested. I don't act happy anymore. I will have a conversation and go with that mood but I can also find something amusing about it.

I don't see it as hiding my feelings. I see it as not letting them control me and through this chat I am genuinely smiling or laughing.

Then when I am all alone I just let my mind wander wherever it needs to go. When I perform an action like carrying a bag, I am soon reminded that ouch, I can only be carefree for a certain point.

Leave me to be whoever the hell I want or need to be in that moment!

Sometimes I need to just be angry because the same things occur and instead of being able to be in a rage. I am stuck being afraid.

Part of me wishes I could be a normal happy chirpy blogger, giving advice and helping people but I can't. I accept it because this is my voice and it may not always be pretty but it is honest.

#BlogLife11 - Are you content with your content? :D

It's really late and I got carried away watching half the Ramo episode and constructing the commentary and just as I was casually thinking..

Hmm I wonder what the next chapter of BlogLife will entail, an idea surfaced. Content. I'm happy with my BlogLife series from my low-key status.

I enjoy, well perhaps that is the wrong word. I find it helpful coming up with the CrazySelfTherapy posts.

But I have deleted a few posts on this platform and a lot from the others when I was copying them over.

The reason being, some of them made me cringe and maybe I just had to let it out and then delete it and the others were immature.

I feel like I confronted some demons and got it out my system so I didn't need them reminding me of the past.

Q1) If you've written something or are in the process of composing it and it doesn't measure up to your standards or you just feel unhappy with it. Do you delete it or edit it? 

Q2) If someone offered or you invited them to do a guest post on your blog. Would you insist on final approval before posting?

Grins. I don't know if that is controversial or not but it's definitely interesting :D

I don't regret erasing my posts as they served their purpose and I don't think I've ever scrapped a whole post.

The most I do especially if I write it late at night is leave it until the morning and maybe change words around, correct any spelling or grammar mistakes and format it.

If someone was guest posting here. I would definitely insist on pre-approval. This is my baby and I stand behind everything I've written so if someone came along and said something I was seriously against..

Difference of opinion is one thing, different values are another.. But hey that's just my opinion.

Q3) Aha I've thought of something. What is your favourite book or magazine to indulge in?

I loved reading but since I started writing my books I stopped. Actually I may have stopped a tiny bit earlier.

I got fed up with the same formula's over and over again. One hero and one heroine, predictable. There's always a cantankerous relationship with the mama.

Oh yea and the heroine is always insecure about weight, looks you name it which is why she let's the idiot casanova woo her.

Purlease!!! Work on yourself and get some frigging self esteem and then get a decent guy!! Alright rant over because I need sleep. 

Just remember when you hear that nagging inner/outer critic saying ugh this is garbage. I hate what I wrote. I can't do this.

Counter it with.. This may not be ideal but I will work on it until it is. I've written or I will write pieces that I and others adore. 

Lastly. Hush. I have got this under control. I am more than capable!!

For I am a writer/blogger or just a fantastic wordsmith. Either way I have a beautiful mind.

Sweet dreams :)

#BlogLife10 - Morning dance party workout :D

I actually wasn't going to write a new #BlogLife today. I was going to check out new theme/templates for my blog but I accidentally inspired myself.

I am not a morning person. I open my eyes slowly, look at the time and say no, no, no, please five more minutes and then I hug my pillow and attempt a shallow sleep.

The name Sleepless Scribbler was derived from Raving Insomniac which I use for Wattpad, when I signed up to Blogger it was taken.

I used one of those name generators and it came up with Sleepless Scribbler and I thought.. I think I like this even better and I do.

I have always slept badly. I have all sorts of dreams, vivid, nightmares, ongoing dreams that last days, dreams where I am observing etc.

These all leave me exhausted as though I haven't slept at all, the curse of being creative. Couple that with the chronic pain and it makes me sluggish.

The last thing I want to do it workout but today for some reason when I switched from sleepy asmr to my regular music, I just started dancing.

Janet Jackson - Got Til It's Gone, came on and then Foxy Brown - Gotta Get You Home and I was bopping my head and shaking my hips and just energetically moving and I started laughing.

I thought to myself I used to walk a lot and do aerobics but now I'm limited because everything is really painful and puts a strain on my already delicate body but dancing is not like a regular workout.

It's fun and I thought if I could start doing that as part of my morning routine every day that would get my heart rate up and burn some calories.

I hope you'll join me and we can do it together. Just choose whatever music gets you up and feeling carefree. No slow jams!!

Music is vital to my well-being because I chose that instead of the Doctor's orders of toxic anti depressants and painkillers. I am just trying to care for my body without those nasty side effects and dangerous chemicals.

It doesn't always work but it is better for me to try. Doing this will boost my mood and make me even more creative.

Q1) What time do you prefer to workout, mornings or evenings or somewhere in between?

Q2) What song or songs are guaranteed to get you dancing like a maniac and bewilder everyone around you? :D

I skipped breakfast, so I am off to make myself lunch.

#BlogLife9 - How do I reach you?

I was thinking about all the ways readers could reach out to bloggers and either ask a question or share something. There is Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Email, Commenting etc..

Q1) What is your preferred method for readers to interact with you?

Q2) Do you have your email listed, whether it is under your profile or listed on your front page?

I don't think I can afford to be picky at this stage. I have three methods.

https://www.facebook.com/shiza.sabra.3 which is the pseudonym I created. I don't really use this except to advertise the latest post.

https://twitter.com/SleeplessScrib1 that I set up to work side by side with the blog and I use this method constantly.

Lastly the comment section which I tailored for regular or anonymous remarks without the annoying captcha. 

I even put in my own tagline which is supposed to be cute and funny but maybe is scary? :D

"Something on your mind? I am all ears, I mean eyes and I will get back to you inbetween rants :D"

It makes me seem like I am constantly screaming bahaha :D and ready to attack anyone who dares to leave me a message...

I honestly wouldn't know what to put now, instead of that. How about...

SS is here today, so have your say and don't delay. Have a nice day? 

I can't stop laughing at these cheesy taglines I was making up in my head and the one above :D

Enough of that. Let's get serious. I set up an email account for when I comment on other people's blogs and for my own but I don't know whether to display it.

I was afraid I would get too much spam. I get spam comments but spam email too? I did have it listed and then I chickened out and removed it haha :D

Seeing as I am a braver these days I'll put it back in my profile and at the top and see how it turns out for this month and April.

#BlogLife8 - Beginning of my blogging adventure

I always do things backwards and maybe this should have been #BlogLife1 but nevertheless I am sure you won't hold that against me.

This is difficult to talk about so I'll be brief because I don't want to go into specific details but suffice to say that I was stuck indoors for an extended period and writing in a diary had migrated to a huge A4 notebook.

I had given up on writing fiction and wanted to try an alternative. When the opportunity arose for paid blogging I didn't jump to it straight away but I was intrigued.

It was a small community and people were encouraged to comment purely to gain extra incentives but soon we all relaxed and got into it and there were more specific responses, some good, some bad.

I began to get more comfortable just as it shut down. I migrated to another platform and my love of composing fiction returned.

I even connected with a few people and made friends. It was such an easygoing community and again it wasn't huge just lowkey and really simple to use.

Unfortunately they also shut down :( and eventually I came to Blogger where I could customise my page, a definite step up :D

Q1) At long last I hear you mutter.. How did you get into blogging?

Q2) Was it something you always wanted to do or did you fall into it?

#BlogLife7 - Self love

In the last episode I talked about spreading the love for other people's blogs. In tonight's one let's talk about ourselves.

You and I.

Q1) Are you satisfied with your blog?

Q2) What is your favourite creation that you've ever written so far? 

Q3) What has been your ideal getaway spot?

Am I satisfied with my blog? Yes and no. I like the direction it's going in but it might be time for a change in theme. 

It's been a while but it'll mean scouring through Google because the bookmarks didn't migrate properly when the old laptop died so I have to find a new site to harvest from. Grr tedious.

Hmm my favourite piece? I'm going to cheat because I can and list several. My happiest, saddest, funniest, rantiest and blogscapism..

Happiest..

https://sleeplessscribbler.blogspot.com/2021/03/wattpad-story-completion.html

It is pretty self explanatory. I was so down on myself and I was constantly nitpicking saying I can't write a book. I'm not good enough. 

I'm not smart or talented but I overcame it and finished the first one and am already getting stuck into the second.

Saddest....

https://sleeplessscribbler.blogspot.com/2020/07/blending-into-obscurity.html 

So many to choose from. I chose this one in particular because this was another post I had wanted to write but couldn't.

I remember I just wanted to scream as loudly as possible so I incorporated that bit into it

Funniest..

https://sleeplessscribbler.blogspot.com/2020/10/fancy-m-fiction.html

I can't tell if any of my writing is funny to others or even if they understand my crazy humour but this to me was hilarious.

I love asmr and that is all about sounds that are soothing and tingly to the ears. I thought I would try something different and write pampering pieces with hints of sarcasm thrown in, just for the hell of it.

Fake impoliteness combined with beauty treatments. Sweet and sour I guess :D I call it blogscapism posts :D

Rantiest..

https://sleeplessscribbler.blogspot.com/2020/09/my-brown-skin-beauty-or-curse.html

Ok granted it isn't my rantiest but it is my favourite. I wasn't sure if I even wanted to write it because it was potentially gave away details that related to my privacy but when it was finished I loved it so I put it up.

Blogscapism..

https://sleeplessscribbler.blogspot.com/2020/11/beauty-and-mind-cleanse-fiction.html

https://sleeplessscribbler.blogspot.com/2020/09/pampered-with-love-fiction.html

I love them all. I don't think I can decide. Is it too cheeky to list them all? I love beauty treatments. It just makes me feel so luxurious and beautiful :)

My ideal spot was whenever I visited Iceland. I still don't know if it was because my favourite uncle lived there and he was always making me laugh..

Or because my baby cousin was growing up and I got to play with her and give her cuddles or maybe I was growing into my looks and started getting checked out..

It was just a great place to explore and I was studying German at the time which was similar to Icelandic so I picked up bits of the language smoothly.

#BlogLife5 - Surroundings

I got to admit after an early productive morning I had a long nap earlier. I don't know how you feel about those, some people love them and some advise against them.

To be frank, having ailments and being a broken sleeper means my body requires extra rest so I will take a break in whatever form it takes.

It's not a regular occurence and that is why I avoid waking up before 10am because I know I will crash out at lunchtime.

Q1) What does the space you blog in look like? Is it an office atmosphere with stationary and those cute swirly chairs?

A) It's my woman/man cave. It has everything I need, binders, notebooks, colourful pens, a computer and yes a twirly office chair.

B) I like to write in the kitchen where there is a lot of natural light and sweet access to the food and drinks.

My space is my bedroom. I lounge on my bed (I know I know, easier to nap) but I can't sit down for a long period of time. I have to switch positions and my bed is the most comfortable place to spread out in.

It's not dainty but I bring a cold bottle of flavoured water from the fridge with me and just write away until it is time for a break.

Q2) What movie makes you laugh the hardest?

A) It's none of your beeswax, a person's film choices are their own. Just kidding. It's Innerspace. Who doesn't adore Martin Short?

B) Three Fugitives. Martin Short and Nick Nolte, what an odd pairing but it is soo funny.

A definite theme happening. I have too many to list. Have you ever seen Big Business? It just cracks me up.

I guess my point is, where ever you choose to write, make it somewhere comfortable that you can stand for a while because you are more likely to finish writing and get lost in your work, rather than fidget or procrastinate.

The reason I asked about the movie choices aside from getting to know you and you getting to know me, was because sometimes either we will hit a stagnant point where nothing flows or..

The opposite in which writing is pouring forth beautifully but it is so emotional that it destroys the inner harmony and if you are like me, afterwards you need something light and feelgood to give you comfort.

#BlogLife4 - Am I a bad writer/blogger?

Great morning to my lovely regulars and to the newbies sneaking in.

This series has endless possibilities. I thought of half a dozen things to talk about but today I'm going introspective. 

I am not speaking for all bloggers and whatever I say may not be how you feel or act but this fits me.

Q1) Am I a bad writer/blogger?

A) Purleaseeee. Have you even checked me out?? I'm all over social media. I have a regular upload schedule, a healthy subscriber base and trillions of regular comments. Frankly I'm insulted at the question.

B) Honestly? I don't know. I use Twitter mainly and Facebook as an afterthought. I don't upload continuously. My followers are small but steady and I have zero interactions with them. Does that make me bad? 

Probably in the eyes of most but to me I'm climbing up there. My voice has grown. My writing has improved. I've opened up more and I feel more content and confident.  

I'm not here to criticise you or tell you that you don't measure up. I'm here to say I think you're wonderfully courageous. 

It takes guts to put yourself out there. So what if people haven't noticed yet. It will take time and effort but whether you are a small blog like mine or a huge one..

I think you are doing an amazing job. Some people are naturally open so it is easier for them to share but for me I am a closed book with brief aspects of my life out there for the world to read about.

I feel elated and maybe don't have the right to be. If I stopped and compared myself to successful bloggers I would be a mess.

I'm not about to do that and you shouldn't either. Celebrate your milestones. Think about what your contributions bring to the world.

How your tiny voice survives in a sea of louder speeches and still somehow reaches people. I'm not going to say I don't care about how many reads each post accumulates or the lack of comments I get because I do but at the same time..

I would rather have zero comments than a bunch of obligatory types that to me signify pity or boredom. I deserve better and you do too.

I don't want to go on about this but I just want to wrap it up in this way. What helped my confidence was rereading my words.

I'm just me. This is my interpretation. I don't do things the same as other polished bloggers do but I accept that I'll never be the best and frankly I'm relieved.

I have no desire to be. I just want to have a close, cosy bond with my readers. That's it. It's not easy to build trust when your anonymous but I'm persevering.

Take care lovelies and one last thing I want to clarify just in case I come off as unapproachable or egotistical. 

In a lot of my posts I'm giving myself a pat on the back and praise. There is a very important reason for this.

I had absolutely no self worth at all it was taken away from an early age and didn't return until.. I feel like saying recently but it's been a while.

Having said that though, the harshness that sowed seeds in my psyche remained and it still tries to destroy my confidence regularly.

But by being vigilant and aware, I just turn those unhealthy thoughts into validation. It works for me and it might seem strange but it's what I need to do to keep my head up :)

#BlogLife3 - No time for that

 Afternoony :)

You're the first to arrive, take a seat. I don't know about you but my mind is continually racing. I multi task for a large portion of the day.

Q1) I guess I'm curious to hear about what other bloggers and writers do about their time management?

A) Do you throw your hands in the air, look up at the sky and say. For the love of pizza. I'm only human, I'll get to it, when I have too.

B) Are you super organised and have allocated pie charts, spreadsheets, graphs, post-it notes and alarms to figure out what you should be doing at what time, so that no second is wasted?

I'm going to whisper what I do, so that the rigid amongst you don't get mad at me :D I cannot set a specific time to write or be creative, my mind doesn't work like that.

I can say to myself this morning, I have time to spare, let's see if I can be creative but I have tried a schedule many times and if I say 10.00am I will write either a new chapter or a new post..

It never turns out well. Either my mind is blank or the little that pours forth makes me shudder. The pressure to be imaginative on the spot is overwhelming for me and I shut down completely.

Everyone is different and you might need more structure than I do. I find that when I choose to write, I can totally immerse myself and just get carried away with it and I am thrilled because I tend to more relaxed and it just rolls out easier.

Q2) How do you get out of a funk? By that I mean a totally immersive mood where you just feel lost.

A) Raid the fridge/freezer/cupboards/secret hiding places for comfort foods? I don't mean hugging your snack drawers affectionately.

B) Set up camp under your duvet with a severe do-not-disturb-or-I'll-hurt-you sign freshly drawn on the door. An array of dvds, magazines and everything else until hibernation is over?

What do I do? Honestly I cry it out in as many forms as I can find. Depressing music, movies, blogging and switching off my phone for me-time.

It is heaps better than insisting I am fine for the millionth enquiry and avoiding it. I may just need a day or a week but afterwards I feel back to normal.

It is out of my system and sometimes when I'm happier, I go back and try to pinpoint the trigger but it's not always possible. 

For recurring issues it's a lil different because they tend to pile up overtime and just get harder to face. I try to deal with it before I hit my breaking point but sometimes they sneak up on me.

Shawn Mullins - Lullaby

Lisa Stansfield - All Woman

Sia - Big Girls Cry

Des'ree - Crazy Maze

Jagged Edge - Goodbye

Natasha Bedingfield - I Bruise Easily

Mary J Blige - No More Drama

These are still some of my favourite songs to play while I'm in this mood. I think I'm going to end it here. Thanks for coming along.

Chat show host/Quizzer could be my new career :D Goodnight and no promises for when the fourth piece comes out but hopefully soon :)

#BlogLife2 - Blogspiration

Good morning. 

Nice to see you back so soon. How are you doing?

Me, personally, I feel good. I don't honestly find myself being optimistic about this series flourishing but I'll give it a shot anyway.

Q1) How do you deal with the emptiness, when you're not at all feeling creative?

A) Do you try and sweet talk the page/screen and then when that doesn't work angrily threaten to throw it out the window? 

B) Or perhaps you feel despondent and give a whole speech about how you gave it the best years of life and this is the thanks? 

Until someone inadvertently walks by and asks "Were you just talking to someone?"

I've experienced this many times, staring at a blank page or screen and feeling guilty for not being productive and slacking off.

I usually just step away and try to give myself a break and do something fun to release those negative emotions.

Q2) What did you want you be when you were younger?

A) A superhero. You had the cringey name picked out and everything.

B) An ice cream sampler, until you realised the constant peril of ow ow ow brain freeze.

My career thoughts ranged from Ice Skater, Secretary, Nanny and Writer. I always wanted to write and I was obsessed with books.

Feel free to ask questions. If it's anything I deem personal, please excuse the lack of information given.

That wraps it up. I didn't expect to like this as much as I do but it's different. As always thanks for stopping by and maybe one day you'll take me up on my chat.

Sweet dreams and I'll see you back in the next installment. 

#BlogLife1 - A bloggers mindset

Hello and welcome to potentially the first in a series of posts about life as a blogger. 

If you've been reading my posts or following my twitter I've been searching for somewhere cosy to meet fellow bloggers and have a real conversation.

I don't want to promote myself or ask for tips. I want to ask questions and listen to other bloggers talk about their feelings and other general subjects, not solely about writing, although if you want to talk about that, I'm fine with it.

Q1) When you tell people you're a blogger, do they say..?

A) Oh, not another one, everyone is a blogger these days.

B) Really? I would love to pick your brain on how you make money??

C) Ooh give me the link quick (so I can read all your thoughts like a creeper)?

Ok I made that last bit up :D but I have had many reactions to it.

As promised, I said this wasn't all going to be about writing so here goes....

Q2) When a song you love appears, do you...?

A) Scream with excitement, grab the nearest broom and twirl it around, dipping it romantically?

B) Grab the remote (Wait a minute, who can ever find that)? Let's change it to hairbrush and start loudly and offkey belting out the tune, singing the words wrong and hitting hardly any notes?

C) Hit the replay button so much, the neighbours from three streets down, bang on the door and say turn that racket off!

You get the drill. It's for anyone who wants to answer some cheesy questions or have a bit of back and forth.

Just a bit of low key chit chat. Oh and if you are not a blogger, you can still take the mini quiz. I'm afraid you will be discounted from the imaginary free sock giveaway.

Yes, just one sock, the right one, that says "Trust me, I'm a blogger." On a more serious note, let me just lead you to the goodies table....

We have hot chocolate, coffee, tea, orange juice or vimto. Chocolate hobnobs, digestives or shortcake. Lastly we have a choice between the carpet or a sofa? 

Thanks for having a read, maybe a smile or even a mini giggle? I know I am very goofy but that is part of my charm. 

I would love it if you joined in but if not, have a good night and don't keep it all bottled up..