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Posted by: Elena Grama - 13 January 2011 / 10:19
Welcome to Behind the Blogs, where we take a moment to get to know the bloggers in the Scribnia Community on a more personal level. We’ve read their words, but now it’s time to learn a little bit about the person behind the keyboard.
Today’s interview is with Ben Harvell who writes for BenHarvell.com. Ben is a freelance writer and former editor of iCreate magazine. He now writes for major technology magazines and blogs worldwide and has written several books on consumer technology and creativity. Ben lives by the beach in Bournemouth on the south of the UK and blogs at www.benharvell.com.
1 ) How do you continue to find inspiration and ideas for blog posts?
I often don’t! I try my best to plan regular posts but I usually find it best to write about something I’m excited about at the precise moment. I write commissioned articles every day so it’s nice to write exactly what you want without guidelines.
2 ) How has blogging helped you in your life/career?
As a freelance writer my blog offers a great window into my life and work for readers and potential clients. It also helps keep my family up-to-date when I’m out of touch for extended periods. I’ve been commissioned magazine work off the back of posts I’ve written and it’s a useful place to point potential clients who want to find out more about me.
3 ) Have you ever written anything on your blog and then regret it afterwards?
Rarely. I’ve spotted and hastily changed the odd typo but anything goes on my site so there’s not much I regret. If anything, I sometimes regret not spending more time on posts.
4 ) What advice would you provide for people looking to start a blog?
Do it. You’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain. Pick a topic and stick to it, listen to feedback and keep going.
5 ) What is one unique fact that your readers don’t know about you?
I sing and play guitar. At least I don’t think I’ve written anything about that before…
6 ) How do you define success?
If you’re happy, satisfied and feel proud of yourself I think you’re a success.
7 ) Where is your favorite place to go to write, read or think?
I’m at my best at my desk but I do enjoy writing with a good coffee or a beer in town.
8 ) Would you like to live anywhere else? Where?
A lot of my clients and contacts are in America as are most tech shows so I’d love to spend some more time in California and New York.
9 ) What do you do when you’re not in front of a computer screen?
Sadly I move to another, be it an iPad or Xbox or some form of sport on TV. I need to get out more…
10 ) Who is the most interesting famous person you’ve met?
Tough one. Adam Duritz of Counting Crows and I talked at great length about applications of technology for social good and charity. He’s a lot more than a musician and a very interesting guy.
11 ) What makes you and your blog unique?
I’d like to think I have a fairly unique writing style. I’m also not too worried about speaking my mind or drifting off topic. The blog is a showcase for me and my work so I have to make sure it’s entertaining and enjoyable to read.
12 ) Have you ever faced a challenge that helped define who you are today?
I lost my best friend to cancer when I was eighteen. I think that made me reevaluate things. The way her family coped was also a major inspiration.
13 ) What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned since you started blogging?
Find your audience and keep on posting. I’ve tried blogs before and never kept them up but, now my blog is part of my daily work I not only have to update it but I want to. I can see hits tailing off the longer I go without posting which is another incentive to keep writing.
14 ) What is your idea of the perfect blog?
One that you come back to every day hungry for fresh posts.
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us Ben. Interesting blog about the internet, gadgets and much more. Keep up the good writing.
Again..Make sure to read Ben’s Blog, follow him on Twitter and review him.
If you know of an interesting blogger/author that we should interview for the Behind the Blogs series, or if YOU are that blogger, send me an email at Elena [at] Scribnia.com