The Human Behind The Blog

Happy Wednesday!

On Wednesdays, I normally post a book review or something about books. But this week, I wanted to do something completely different. At the moment, I am going through a stage of blogging, which so many bloggers go through. I want to change up my content. I love reading, I love books, I love everything to do with literature. So much so, that I am studying it for a degree. However, I feel like I will get bored of my content if I keep writing about books all the time. I enjoy writing about a range of things. I am still finding my voice as a blogger. 

This week, I wanted to write a post about who I am as a person.  I feel like, although I spend all my time on social media, I am never open online. Instagram is my main platform, it always has been. But it's a business accounts, so I use it for business. It is the platform where companies go to look at my content and what I am about. So, it has to be business appropriate and that doesn't leave a lot of room to show my personal life. So, I wanted to write a little bit about me, the woman behind the blog. 

I am a very social person. I would describe myself as an extrovert, I get more energy the longer I am around people. I also have some amazing, supportive friends. They are all encouraging. I don't understand people who enjoy standing in other peoples way, people who subtweet other people or don't understand other people's journies. It doesn't make sense too me. 

On a less deep note, I love dogs. We, as a family, have four dogs. Mine, a little chihuahua cross Brussels, is the love of my life. She is perfect and if I am ever having a bad day, a cuddle with her will always solve it.

Why did I begin blogging?

I began blogging because of my course. I study Media and Creative writing at university and for this course, I had to keep a blog online. I kept getting a lot of views and comments on this blog. On this blog, I started to post my own creative writing. It was a big step but it was fun and the comments/views made it all worth it. People were interested in what I had to say and it felt amazing. So I started Come and Read with me because I loved reading, I had to do a lot of it and I wanted to write about these books. The more and more I blogged, the more views and comments I got. I started messaging other bloggers and reaching out to other communities (like beauty, mum, lifestyle and personal bloggers). I met some amazing people and they urged me to expand my blog into a writing about lifestyle as well. They are still the most encouraging and lovely people, who still support me every day. I set myself a strict posting schedule, on Wednesday I would post book reviews or book related posts. And on Sunday's I would post a lifestyle inspired post. My advice for any new bloggers, do it. People will support you and they will care what you have to say. No one is the sole creator of blogging or a certain blogging community. If you want to start a blog, do it.

What have I realised whilst blogging?

That nothing is original. I can guarantee that you will run into other bloggers who claim that you are 'copying their post idea' because you have written something with a slightly similar title. But I can promise you, that as long as you aren't going on to someone else's blog and physically copying and pasting their post, you are not copying them. No blog post is original, no idea is original. You need to focus on your voice. At the end of the day, the blogging market is HUGE. So people need to hear your own voice and recognise it's you.
Another thing I have realised is that the best support comes from other bloggers. Find blogger friends that are in your blogging community. Support their blogs, comment on their posts, make sure you are giving back to the blogging community you are apart of.
I have also realised that I love blogging. If writing begins to feel like a chore and I don't want to take flatly or any other photos, then I change up my style until I am happy with it.

I know this post was meant to be more about me and it's turned out being a rant (a motivational one though), so here are 10 random facts about me!

1. My full name is Asher-lee Tulip Downer

2. I am extremely addicted to coffee

3. Every day, on Instagram I do a poll! (shameless plug, follow me here)

4. Dogs are my absolute favourite thing and I will come up too you in the street and ask you stroke your dog, without fail.

5. My boyfriend and best friends (you know who you are) are all amazing and they give me enough confidence and support to blog.

6.  I like helping people a little too much (its a problem to be honest)

7. I would rather get drunk with my friends at home then go out to a massive party

8. I have always wanted to start a YouTube channel but I feel like I should focus on my degree right now.

9. My favourite place in the world is Camden Market in London

10. My pupper is called Flo Monroe! She is adorable! 

I hope you enjoyed this post. I feel like I am always writing for an audience and I am never personal online. I loved writing it and I feel that sometimes, you need to write a post that will make you happy.
Advice for today: If you want to start a blog, do it.