Five Minutes With… Belinda from La Plume de Belinda @plumedebelinda #blogging

Five Minutes With…
Welcome to Five Minutes With… a feature where I invite bloggers of all genres to tell us a little about themselves and their blogging journey.
Today’s blogger is Belinda Davidson who blogs at La Plume de Belinda.
Q1: When and why did you start blogging? Which platform do you use?
I started a few months ago. As a new author a few years ago I had no online presence as such. Most magazines I submitted work to kept requesting an online presence. I had been thinking about a blog for a very long time and then I enrolled on an eCourse with Fiona Ferris, a favourite New Zealand author of mine. Her course finally gave me the push to do it. I use Weebly which was recommended by a friend. It’s a bit tricky at first but I think it looks professional.
Q2: What topics/themes do you blog about? Do you ever deviate from that theme?
I have a very mixed mind but I blog about French life and living in France (I am Welsh). I intend to do author interviews, book reviews and family recipes when I get around to it. We also have a lot of Brocantes (huge flea markets selling antiques, linen and furniture) where I live in the Charente, so I will also be writing about those too. I think it’s good to deviate from a theme if you can (our minds naturally do it). It keeps things interesting!!!
Q3: Which of your blog posts is your favourite and why do you like this one so much?
I intended to write one post a week but with renovating a 100 year old Charentaise house and working occasionally in London, I just manage one post a month.  But hey ho, it’s better than nothing. My favourite blog post is about how I found my gorgeous rescue dog Jackpott. It’s a reminder of how fate crosses our paths on a daily basis. http://www.laplumedebelinda.com/my-french-life/jackpott-the-rescue-dog I also like the story of discovering a secret garden through a rickety door in our derelict barn. http://www.laplumedebelinda.com/my-french-life/the-secret-garden
Q4: Do you have a top tip to share for any new bloggers that might be reading?
Just do it – it is daunting. Just make that first step and believe in yourself.  There WILL be people out there who will want to read your blog. The whole social media world is alien to me but I have forced myself to embrace it. Be kind to yourself, treat yourself as you would treat others.
Q5: What’s your favourite social media platform?
I use a personal Facebook page every day to keep in touch with friends, as I now live so far away. I’m getting into Instagram and I have to confess, a friend posts onto Twitter and my business Facebook page for me. I’ve so much to learn but I limit my time on social media as there are so many other things to do, especially writing.
Find out more about Belinda by connecting with her via the links below:
Blog Link: http://www.laplumedebelinda.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/laplumedebelindablog/
Twitter: twitter.com/plumedebelinda
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/laplumedebelinda/