The Sunday Roast

Real Life, Presented As A True Story

This week's interview is with D, who writes
the blog My Life Is Based On A True Story.

The first of the standard questions. Why do you blog?

I've only been blogging for a year now. I started blogging because my best friend, Bubba's Sis, was a blogger and, mainly, as a way to entertain my brother who was deployed, once again, with the Coast Guard. I knew that silly stuff where he could "publicly" pick on me would thrill him. We are so thankful that he is home now. By the time my USO duties were over, I had made some wonderful friends. I didn't want to stop blogging and lose my connection with them.

What's the story behind your blog name?

Actually, this is my second blog name. My first, Just Call Me Part of the USO, was while my brother was away. When he returned and my entertainment duties were over, I changed it to My Life Is Based On A True Story. I picked that because I tend to write about my life and my kids, a lot. It's all true, even though sometimes it might sound otherwise.

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

For me, the best thing is the people I have met. I never in a million years thought that people would "visit" and stay. But, a few have & there is that connection now. A very real connection, a friendship, that I cherish.

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

Sometimes I still feel like I'm a newbie! Hee! I guess I would say make sure whatever you put out there, you mean & will stand behind. You never know who will read your words so make sure it's something you don't mind your friends, family, and lurkers knowing about you. If you want to build a readership, participate in weekly memes.

What is the most significant post you've ever read?

I have read so many, from the heartbreaking to the light-hearted. I can't possible pick just one.

What is the most significant blog post you've ever written?

I'm not sure I have ever written anything that would be considered "significant"- I'll have to think a minute.... This post, Amazing Grace, is about my son one day after Vacation Bible School. It shows how, even though he has a mouth on him, he is so sweet and tender. And this one, Not Your Typical Teenager, a tribute to my daughter, shows how unique & aware of herself she is. Neither are significant in any way except it showcases how special they are.


Today's Sunday Roast with D is the 32nd in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.

The Sunday Roast

A Writer Who Never Talks Through Her Hat

This week's interview is with Jill,

who writes the blog Bubba's Sis.

The first of the standard questions. Why do you blog?

My brother actually started blogging when he lived in New York City as a way to keep in touch with family and friends (he is back in Houston now). At first I thought it was impersonal and superficial, but as I started reading more and more blogs I became inspired. I have always loved writing and I think it is a fabulous way to express oneself. I didn't figure I would have very many readers, but decided to start anyway.

Now it has turned into a wonderful thing for me - a connection with people all over the world. It's a great outlet for my writing, a wonderful way to express my emotions and thoughts, and I have "met" many new friends - beautiful people - through my blog. I love it.

What's the story behind your blog name?

Well, like I said, my brother is the one who got me started blogging. All my life I have called him Bubba, my kids call him Bubba - even his friends call him Bubba. So his blog title is Bubba's Blog. My mom decided to blog about the same time I did and she was Bubba's Mom. So it made perfect sense for me to be Bubba's Sis!

Postscript: Bubba doesn't even blog much any more - nothing since the college football season ended.

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

The coolest thing is realizing that people actually READ what I WRITE! I never thought anyone would care what I have to say, but they do! And the connections with people - people I've never met face-to-face but still consider friends.

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

I would say participate in one or two of the weekly memes that link to your blog - that is when I really started getting readers. If people like what they see, they'll come back. And it's fun!

What is the most significant blog post you've ever read?

Back To The Surgeon Again. This shows the amazing love and support one can receive from the blogging world. I cry every time I see it.

What is the most significant blog post you've ever written?

I don't know that any of my posts would be considered "significant" - but I would hope it would be one about my Mom's battle with breast cancer and the importance of awareness. If one woman started getting mammograms and doing monthly self-checks because of something I wrote, then I have made a difference. THAT is significant in my book.

Today's Sunday Roast with Jill is the eighteenth in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.