The Sunday Roast

Oh Boy! This Nifty Fifty Certainly Has The X-Factor

This week's interview is with Joanna Jenkins,
who writes the blog The Fifty Factor.

Thank you Joanna

(This interview was initiated by David at Authorblog and I am privileged to publish it)

Here's the first of the standard questions. Why do you blog?

Honestly, I get a kick out of clicking the “publish” button and seeing my words on the screen. That and, in the beginning, it was all about having something to do each day. I’d recently retired from a 60+ hour work week and my days lacked structure and a sense of accomplishment. Writing daily helped me transition from a workaholic to a life with more balance and broader interests. After about a month, I realized how much I enjoyed writing, something I’d never done before, and how much I appreciated the interaction with other bloggers.

What's the story behind your blog name?

I was crazed about having recently turned fifty years old. In hindsight, I should have named it something else because I don’t like being fifty-something or even saying the word! But, everyone kept saying “50 is the new 40” and since I was trying to “reinvent myself” it sounded like a good idea at the time.

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

Dare I say comments? Not in the literal sense of the word, although comments are nice, but for the interaction with people from around the world.

I had never read a blog before I started my own. Hard to imagine now, but it was not on my radar or anything I thought I would ever participate in. Now I read a wide variety of blogs by people from all walks of life. Some blogs are by accomplished writers, some are hysterically funny, some are simple daily diaries, others are photography focused, some are exquisite poetry, others great fiction. Regardless of the type or quality of writing, I feel connected on some level to the bloggers I follow on a regular basis. I know everyone says it, but I like the connection, the exchange of ideas, the comments back and forth, the friendships, and reading what a global community has to say.

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

I’ve only been blogging for 9 months so I’m no expert, but I will say if you enjoy blogging keep doing it. But don’t do it for followers or comments or dreams of a new career -- Do it for yourself.
That said, if you want people to read your blog, you have to get out there and read other blogs that are of interest to you, leave meaningful comments and invite others to read your blog.
Add a signature block on your emails with your blog URL and name. It’s hard to keep track of blog names, user names, individual names and email addresses. Having it all in one place makes it easier for the blogger receiving your email to identify who you are --- and to link back to your blog
And, Word Verification is a pain. I swear, I lose half the comments I write because word verify is slow to appear and I’ve already clicked off the page. I don’t use it and I don’t get a ton of SPAM.

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

I’ve read many great blogs that have left me inspired, in a puddle of tears or with a heart filled with joy. Three posts come to mind:

One of the very first blogs I read was Lilly’s Life. Her post about her neighborhood on fire blew me away, I Still Love a Sunburnt Country

Holly Dieter has a blog I read daily. She did a beautiful post on grieving that I’ve read and passed on several times, The Gift Of Grief

And just recently I read a stunning post commemorating the 8th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on America by King Of The New York Hacks

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

I’m not sure my writing qualifies as “significant”, but one post in particular meant a lot to me. I’d realized I was following in my grandmother’s footsteps and wrote about it, I've Become My Grandmother

If you were to suggest two blogs for roasting who would you pick, and why?

I have not just two but six in mind - all must reads. All are terrific writers and all have loyal followings. I think most have received David's POTD nominations or named as outright winners.

Holly Dietor - Your Mother Knows But Won't Tell You
Alix - Casa Hice
Brian Miller - Waystation One
Braja - Lost and Found in India
Debbie - Suburb Sanity
Margaret - Nanny Goats in Panties

Thanks to Eddie and David McMahon. This was a real treat. Joanna Jenkins, The Fifty Factor

(Note from Eddie - Thank you Joanna for these recommendations (can't you count? LOL) - all great choices. One is in progress already, others approached and Brajar was featured in July this year. Readers, Brajar's Roast is well worth another look - to see it press HERE)

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Today's Sunday Roast with Joanna is the 87th in a weekly
series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.
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This interview will feature in The Roll of Honour
for all published Roasts. To view press HERE
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