Interview: Emily @ Lynde Avenue

Another interview is being aired today! Ya'll should know Emily @ Lynde Avenue who is one of me best blogging buds. Well today she's here with answers to my questions. I'm so excited!

How would you describe yourself and your blog?
Although it may not seem like it, I am first and foremost a super shy person. Some people often mistake that for arrogance or indifference or even rudeness lately, but trust me...that could not be farther from the truth. I started my blog as a way to express myself and show the world who I am, that I'm more than that shy girl who sits in the back and never raises her hand! Through blogging I've found an amazing community of people just like me, and I honestly could not imagine being without them.

How long have you been blogging for?
I'm a newbie to the blogging world, only having started back in May of 2014.

What would you say your biggest hobbies are?
Through my blog I've actually found that I find coding really fun! That was never something I thought would be "me," but I guess I was wrong. Aside from that, I also have a huge passion for writing and cooking.

Do you want to follow any of your hobbies up later in life as a career?
While my hobbies are one of the biggest parts of my life now...I'm going to have to say no. I would love to do something in medicine when I grow up, perhaps be a doctor! I have such a huge interest in human biology and psychology, I just haven't found any way to integrate those into hobbies.

Who/what is your biggest inspiration?
As cliche as this is, I am inspired by people who are different. I'm inspired by those who take society's stereotypes about them and break them. The one who isn't afraid - rather, wants - to be different and stand out from the crowd.

What is your best blogging advice?
To not get too hung up on followers in the beginning. If you're dedicated to blogging and love it, they're going to inevitably come! Don't think that you're doing anything wrong, try to change the style of your blog, etc. Just comment on others' blogs, interact, and you'll find a community in no time!

Do you have a favourite author? If so, who?
I can't think of one single one in particular, but I was very impressed by Veronica Roth's Divergent. I was OBSESSED with that book for ages - it was amayyyzinggg! Perfection. Unfortunately I wasn't such a big fan of the movie though...

What’s your favourite TV show?
Ooh I've been loving a new show called "Open Heart!" You just may hear about it on le blog soon ;) It's not too late to get in on it - literally only 2 episodes have aired. It's about a girl who's been acting rebelliously since her father's disappearance, but when forced to do community service at the hospital he used to work at decides to start investigating on her own. She then befriends two other hospital volunteers and partners-in-crime, makes an enemy, spills saline solution all over him, and crashes into a cute doctor - all in episode one. And the ending...SUCH a cliffhanger!

Have you ever written a novel, if so was it published?
I love this question! I love love love love writing, but have actually never been able to finish a novel. It's weird, because I know reasonably well the process of publication and I know exactly what I want to say in a story. I just can't write it because I'm such a perfectionist and am convinced that my drafts are never good enough! Never say never though...to have a novel of mine published before I graduate is one of my biggest goals right now.

I'm Joining In!

 

Heather @ Sometimes I'm a Story is a holding a wonderful event called, Fan Month. So today I decided that I'd link up. P.S sorry if I'm late!

 

1. When do you plan on being a fan?
I think I'll take a fan week. First week of March. I'll still post and answer comments, because that's important, but my main focus will be on others.

2. What goals will you set for yourself?
I want to visit four new blogs everyday and leave a comment on all of them. I'll also try to share their links on my many social medias. I'm also going to try and visit and share old blogs I read as well.

3. Are you going to set any rules for yourself? Exceptions to those rules?
I must comment on every post I read, whether or not it's thrilling. If I enjoy a post, I have to post it on at least one social media. No exceptions except if I end up having a super busy day in real life.

4. Where do you plan on sharing the great posts you read?
I'm going to mainly try Facebook, because that's where I share such stuff. I might also great a pinterest board for it *thanks for the idea Heather*.


5. Where could you be a fan outside the blogosphere?
My friends and family. I could be so much better at encouraging them. I should try to drag myself away more often and give them more time.

So there you have it guys. Fan Month. I hope this is inspiring for you as it was for me.

In my last post, someone said they'd like to see more writing bits. If you'd also like to, please tell me. Because I'd love to share more.

-Kat

The Last Letter

via

The quill scratched the paper. He had been hunkered down over his letter for ages. He wanted it to be perfect. He would get another chance to say this. It had to be right.

"Hurry up," the guard that was watching him yelled. "What's so hard about writing a farewell note?" he asked.

The man glared at him. He looked back down at his letter. Tears started to flow clearly. He didn't care so much that he was going to be executed, but more that he'd never get a chance to see her again.

Why hadn't they gotten married when they had the chance? Why did they waste all that time? Why did he have to go and try to find his fortune. Instead all he'd done was gotten himself in trouble.

He signed the letter, it was far from perfect, but he realised he'd never get it right.

"Finished?" the guard asked.

He nodded. The guard took it from him.

"Let's get this over with," the guard nodded.

"Please make sure it reaches her," the man pleaded. "She needs to know what happened to me. She'll think the worst!"

The guard looked at him with pity. He suddenly didn't hate this man. He had a feeling that something was wrong.

"I'll make sure she get's it," he promised. "It's the least I can do."

The man smiled sadly, then headed out to his death!

 Depressing is my middle name. What would you do without me to give you these terrible thoughts to think about?

This is a weird, crazy bit I wrote, if you want me to share more like it, please tell me!

 -Kat

Let's Get Into The Itty Gritties About Me

 

Today's post will properly end up being super long knowing me. Sorry to anyone who does like long posts, but I'm posting my answers to all those FAQ which you asked in my survey. If you want to know more about me, READ THIS POST!!!

Anyhow, let's get into this before the intro takes up the whole post. Also, I'm dividing this up into different sections to help you guys out!

Personal
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the same house I live in now in a small town in Australia. It has plenty of more than friendly people and a lovely shop to go for coffee in. It's a truly lovely and peaceful place.

What's it like to live in Australia?
I've talked about this before several times, but for those of your who don't know, Australia is a brilliant place. It's full of bush, friends and fun, but sometimes it feels like you live in the middle of nowhere. Being the world's smallest content and having no one close to you, it makes like you're different from everyone else. But hey! We're a fun lot.

One when I was talking to someone on the internet though, I said I was from Australia and they replied, "Australia? Where is that? Do you speak English there or is my computer translating everything you're saying?" I thought it was highly amusing. It just shows what an unheard of lot we are!

Could you tell us about your family?
My family...I have two older brothers names Cameron and Leo. We're really close. There being no other girls in my family, I might just have picked up a few of my brothers' interests. Like watching motor racing or looking at cars (don't you find cars interesting?).

We're a weird family, always laughing at everything each other says, even if it isn't funny, and we love to tell jokes and sing out of key (this happens a lot). But honestly, most people would be confused if they saw what our house is normally like.

What are your hobbies?
I've got a lot, so I'll have to just list the ones on the top of my head. I  like reading MASSIVE books, writing (both flash fiction and novels), blogging (duh), chatting to internet friends, music (I play piano and guitar), and so many other things. I don't really want to overload ya'll!

Favourite books, movies, music artists and TV shows?
Books: I don't really have a favourite book. But if I can change it to series, I'd pick the Percy Jacksons. Both if I can stretch the rules even more! Because, hey Percy is awesome. BTW, I took a test and it turns out I'd be daughter of Athena. *thanks Cait for getting me to do this*

Movies: I'd once again change the rules to series and I'd once again pick two. The LOTR and Hobbits. Because who doesn't like hobbits? Sometimes I even get teased that I am a hobbit.

Music artists: Taylor Swift, Lindsey Stirling, William Joseph, Peter Hollens. I've got a lot. It's not my fault! Imogen @ Gossiping with Dragons keeps introducing me to new people, OK?

TV shows: this is an easy one, Doctor Who! I go on about this all the time. An alien travelling through time and space in a police box with human companions? Come on! Tell me if that doesn't sound awesome? If you haven't watch this TV show, do so now. And remember, Eccleston is the best!

Dreams for the future?
I have so many of these. How can I even begin to tell you them all. I want to be a world famous author. I want to live on the beach. I want to breed dogs. I want to eventually get married and have kids. I want to live a good life and enjoy myself. Does that help?

Favourites colours?
Green! I love this colour so much. That's the reason my past two blog designs have been GREEN!!!

What's your bucket list?
OK this is a bit long, so would you guys like me to create a separate page on this blog of my bucket list?

How old are you?
Now you may think I'm young for some things I spout, but I'm fifteen. Sixteen in a few months. Gosh I feel so old saying that! Help! I'll be able to get my license soon!

What's your favourite/least favourite foods?
My favourite is chocolate of course. What else would it be? You can't live without chocolate.

My least favourite is egg plant or aubergine. Use either name for it. It's still horribly disgusting.

What authors do you admire?
I like this question! Rick Riordan of course, Marissa Meyer (I'm obsessed with the Lunar Chronicles), John Flanagan, Jane Austen and so many others. I could list forever, but that might make this post a bit long, so I'll leave it here.

Are you in any fandoms?
Why yes I am. Doctor Who, Taylor Swift, Percy Jackson, Lunar Chronicles, Jane Austen and many others. Like the last question. I could go on forever. Mainly they're all books though. So that should give you a clue.

How did you learn to code?
This brilliant thing called the internet. It's really useful when you want to learn something and you have no idea where to start. But trust me, I'm terrible at coding, which is why Emily @ Lynde Avenue designed my blog for me. I had no patience, but people with more could do so much better than me.

What inspires you?
Life! Everything I see and do is inspiring. Going shopping, seeing a newly engaged woman flash her ring at people, listening to the radio.

Inspiration is around every corner, just take the time to look for it and it's there.

Blogging
What inspired you to create a blog?
I wanted to share what I write! As you properly know, most of my first post are just bits of flash fiction I wrote. But after a while I got inspired to try different kinds of posts and that's how (Almost) Completely Mad became the mixed up blog it is now!

How long have you been blogging?
Around nine months? I just checked and I think it's around that time.

What's the best way to follow your blog?
You can follow anyway you like. I have some links on my FOLLOW page if you want to take a look.

Do you have any tips for new bloggers?
Write consistently. Don't write everyday one week and then nothing for the next month. Schedule your posts to spread them out and make them last.

Edit your posts so that people can enjoy reading them. Make sure they're the best you can make them before hitting that 'publish' button.

Read, comment and follow other blogs. Make yourself known. It takes a while for this to start paying off, but in the end it does.

Your blog won't be a success overnight. Don't let it get you down. Keep working at it and one day it will be realised as the jewel it is.

Remember, be yourself and have fun. Keep true to what you believe and don't do things just because they're popular if you don't agree with them. There are people like you out there. You just have to go looking.

How on earth do you have time to be as active in the blogging community as you are?
Hahaha, I'm hardly that active, but I do try to get around. I've created a sort of pattern to help me do all I have to and still have time to read and do other things.

First I publish and answer all the comments I've been given, then I go and comment back on those people's blogs, then I go to Bloglovin' and read all the posts waiting there and comment. After that all I have to do is write a post and I'm done.

Remember it doesn't all have to be done at once. Just take it slowly. Use those spare moments of your day. When you don't have anything to do, just catch up on commenting.

Also, scheduling is a life saver. It really helps give you more time.

What equipment do you use?
My brain, a battered old notebook and my computer that looks like it will fall apart at any moment. That's all.

What's your favourite thing about blogging?
Meeting people who have the same interests as me. Who don't judge and will leave me feedback on my work. Sharing my writing with people like these is truly the best thing ever!

What are your favourite blogs?
I have so many and I hate picking favourites, so instead, go to my button swap page and check out all the blogs there.

Other
What other social medias do you have?
A lot. Some that may interest people is my Facebook page, my Twitter, Instagram (I'm so bad on this), Pinterest, Goodreads and Google +.

What camera do you use?
I have an older model Nikon DSLR. Not the best, but it was cheap and I needed something.

Thank you to anyone who read this whole post and made it here. You deserve a medal.

This is also being posted to a page, so if you ever want to reread this you can!

 -Kat