Interview with Pro-Blogger Katie Portman

To finish my series of interviews I have a very talented lady answering my questions. Katie Portman, who writes at Pouting in Heels, is someone I have admired for a long time. I remember back in 2014 reading, and watching, her post Ridiculously simple tips to improve your writing and it stuck with me.



At the time I didn't realise who she was or what a fabulous blogger she was but her advice helped me lots and it's a post I'll never forget. 

Katie is an inspiration and as well as being a fabulous blogger she is a lovely person who constantly encourages us all to be proud of ourselves. 

Enough from me, let's listen to what Katie has to say.



Why did you start blogging?


I first started blogging way back in 2010 when I went freelance. 

I had no work when I first started, so I started to write about my freelancing journey through a blog section on my professional website and suddenly discovered that people seemed to really enjoy my posts which was unexpected but totally lovely.

Not long after, in early 2012, I decided to launch a 'proper' blog, which I could keep separate from my professional site and talk about everything that relates to being a modern woman.

Since then I have never looked back and can't quite believe how fortunate I am to still be here and have such a wonderful and loyal readership.




What did you like most when you started?


Definitely the opportunity to be creative and use my voice. I've always written (my background is PR and journalism) but this was a chance for me to really get personal and be much more authentic with my work.




How long have you been blogging?


Around five years if you include my freelancing stuff, but properly with Pouting in Heels, just over three years.




What do you love about blogging now?


Gosh there's so much I love about blogging!

In fact there's very little I don't love. But I guess the things that really stand out for me are the wonderful friendships that I've made, the knowledge that some of my posts have inspired people or helped them in some way and the fact that I now get to actually do this for a living.

It's incredibly hard work at times but it's a wonderful job and I feel very fortunate.




Do you have more than one blog?


I do indeed! (I must be mad! *smiles*) I have Pouting in Heels - a parenting and lifestyle blog which I like to call my blogging toddler and To Dream of Dresses, which I've just recently launched, over a month or so ago, which is a style blog with soul.




Why?


Pouting in Heels is my first blogging love but it's incredibly personal as it's about my life, my feelings, my family etc. To Dream of Dresses is very different so it was important to differentiate between the two and keep them separate.




What is the most important quality of a good blogger?


To me, in my opinion, I would say it is the ability to connect with others through your posts. To touch people's hearts, to make them think or to help them.

There's so many other things that are important as a blogger like promotion, marketing, use of social media and being involved in the blogging community as a whole, but for me, it really is all about the content and what you are giving to your reader.




As a pro-blogger what has been the best opportunity you've been offered so far?


Goodness, so many! I guess staying in a gypsy caravan in the Lake District with my husband Jamie and daughter Elsie was pretty spectacular.

I'm also incredibly proud of the fact that I was asked to write a post about domestic violence for Mumsnet, after a personal post of mine went viral.




Is there anything you don't like about blogging?


Just really the fact that there is always so much to do! (We all know this right?!) Which can often mean that you feel like you're failing when actually you're really not.

Blogging work never ends as there's always something we could be doing, however although this can be frustrating, it's also what makes it so incredibly exciting.




If you could recommend one blog to read, which would it be?


Ah now this is easy. James Altucher - An American blogger who truly writes from the heart and inspires millions of people worldwide by doing so.

I'm a little obsessed with this work and recommend his blog to everyone I chat to. He really is just brilliant and my ultimate blogging crush.




Thanks so much Katie.

I have been inspired and moved by many of Katie's posts, in particular Chatting with my new best friend, Me

You can find Katie on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.





I would just like to take this opportunity to thank all of the wonderful bloggers I interviewed; Vicki Psarias, Zarouhi Grumbar, Michelle Reeves, Nicola Thomas, Amy Treasure and, of course, Katie Portman. 

I have loved this series of interviews and finding out about these great bloggers. I hope you've enjoyed them too.

Please do take a moment to pop over and check out the other interviews if you missed them, and don't forget to check out the blogs too!