With interview number four brings a blogger I've known and loved reading posts from for years, Nikki Thomas.
Nikki blogs at Stressy Mummy and always manages to impart wisdom or have me giggling or laughing along.
Why did you start blogging?
I started to read a few food blogs originally and really enjoyed picking up tips and recipes from them and it was through that that I picked up on a few parent bloggers. I had been blissfully unaware of blogging before that and having read a few, I decided that I would give it a go. It seemed like a nice way to record your family life and that was what I did originally; silly stories and photos and then it grew from there.
What did you like most when you started?
The fact that someone actually read it. I have always wanted to write and never had the time or the chance to write very much, so I quickly became hooked. I enjoyed the fact that people read and commented and it is a nice feeling that someone appreciates your posts.
How long have you been blogging?
Nearly four years, I started in September 2011.
What do you love about blogging now?
I still love the fact that people read it and enjoy my posts but having been part of the blogging world for four years I love the community. Bloggers are amazing and I have seen the huge support that they give to each other, the amazing things that bloggers can do when they get together for a good cause, blogging events are great and even though they can seem overwhelming, it is amazing how well I have got on with other bloggers that I have chatted to online and then really bonded with in real life and now see them as friends.
Do you have more than one blog?
Not at the moment. I find that my blog keeps me very busy. I have ideas for a second blog and one day I might set it up, but that would require a few more hours in the day.
What is the most important quality of a good blogger?
That is an interesting question. I think the quality of a good blogger is to be yourself in your writing, don't try to be something that you're not. Also not to ever expect anything. We all get amazing experiences and opportunities as bloggers and I am always grateful for everything and never expect anything.
As a pro-blogger what has been the best opportunity you've been offered so far?
We have had a couple of family holidays over the years, which have been a huge bonus for us, and we certainly made the most of those holidays too. Opportunities like that are so amazing.
Is there anything you don't like about blogging?
I think that as much as I love blogging, there are days when I hate it and I am sure a lot of other bloggers feel the same. It can become all-consuming with the amount of time you need to spend on social media as well as writing and maintaining your blog. There always seems to be something new to get your head around too. That can be really overwhelming. I have taken a step back from social media a little now and try to make weekends about family and switch everything off to have a complete break. I find that has really helped and on Monday morning, I am refreshed and ready to start again.
If you could recommend one blog to read which would it be?
Dorky Mum. Ruth is an awesome writer, she writes the most beautiful and thought-provoking posts and I am totally inspired by her.
Thanks Nikki, I have to agree that turning off at the weekend is a good thing.
Nikki and I have sons the same age and she often writes about something that I can totally relate to, a particular favourite of mine is Signs that you have a teenager in training.
You can connect with Nikki on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, and Instagram.