What’s the name and URL of your blog?

The name of my current blog is Write On My Wrist.

I think the name speaks for itself.

How long have you been blogging?

I started blogging at Diamonds Made of Glass in August 2010 (my very first blog :)).

Had it been of my choice where I was, I would have started blogging ages ago.

Why did you decide to start blogging?

I felt that the black-covered journal I’d kept throughout my hospital period between April and June that year was not enough of an outlet, and also wanted to find someone who would listen, someone I didn’t know but someone who might just understand by chance. I have been writing since I was 12 so I also thought it would be a good step further. Looking back, blogging has been a real lifesaver for me. It keeps me sane.

I started “Write On My Wrist” to help myself and other people (including some friends), get over self-harm, and to give others hope of living through it. I have currently been near seven weeks without it and feel very strong about this being the last time I have to quit. I am getting a tattoo on my wrist for my 18th birthday, so it gave me inspiration to blog simply about that, pictures, doodles, bracelets, anything that would keep me (and maybe others) away from self-harm.

What was the title of your first blog post?

Write On My Wrist is a photoblog so I don’t give posts titles, but the first picture I blogged was …

My first blog post ever was titled “Giving in to the restlessness.” (a day’s journal and a personal poem).

How long did it take you to build a steady readership?

I think that for the first six months most of my readers were just some of my friends. It took me a long time before finding out about blogging groups and websites. I suppose I didn’t even want to look for any popularization method, as the blog was mainly for me…a journal.

After a while I found some places and groups, and thought that it would be my chance of meeting other writers and bloggers, so started joining and sharing my work. I would call my readership at the moment something like semi-steady.

What impact has social media (Facebook, Twitter) had on your experience as a blogger?

I find Twitter a good place to promote blog posts and also to find interesting reads. I don’t, however, blog for publicity or money. I blog for the sake of writing and for the sake of blogging itself.

What about Google? It actually shocked me that my blog had been searched on it :)

What has surprised you the most about blogging?

That it’s an actual little world. And that someone actually wanted to hear me and see me and read me.

Has blogging changed your life? If so, how?

It has changed my life tremendously.

To put it simple: I’m still alive, and I feel I have the right to be happy.

What do you expect to change the most in the blogosphere during the next year?

The blogosphere is growing all the time, so the pressure on being a good blogger intensifies, while also the tendency of being put in the bad blogger bin becomes greater. I suppose what will change most is the reason behind your blogging. It is true that some people are trying to make it into a money-making business instead of a cultural asset, which I believe it to be. It is perfectly fine to make some money with your blog and get sponsors but there is always a line to cross or not to cross.

What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s considering blogging?

Be genuine, unique, and yourself. It is your blog so you decide what to post, so be smart with that. And also, it helps to have some sort of knowledge in HTML. You might blog because you want to write but believe it or not, at first glance it is your layout that readers see, not the text. You need to give an invitation before people dare walk in.

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