Emily is Smiling

Is your real name Emily?
Yes, it is.

How long have you been writing?
I've been writing for as long as I can remember.  I would make up stories before I could actually read.  Writing has always been a passion of mine.

Do you have anything published?
A few articles in newsletters and the newspaper, but I haven't actually published a book.  I hope to one day though.

Can I find you on any other websites?
Yes!  I have three YouTube accounts: my music channel, my adorable Yorkie channel, and my "for fun" channel.  You can find me on Inkpop and on Figment.  I have a rarely-used Twitter account as well.  I'm also a member of Susie Magazine's online community.

Any advice for new bloggers?
- Don't write anything you wouldn't want to read.  If you find your own writing dull, then your readers will too. 
- Don't focus too much on striving for comments and followers.  While it's okay to ask questions for your readers to answer in the comments, don't make half your post be like, "OMGZ, please follow my blog and Tweet what I'm saying and leave me lots and lots and lots of commmmmentsss!!!"  Readers generally don't like that. 
- Be sure to use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.  It'll make your writing easier to read. 
- Pictures help too.  I use a lot of pictures from Public Domain websites.
- Write when you feel like it.  If you have writer's block, then take a break.  Don't wear yourself out.

How many views do you get on this blog?
This changes frequently, but over the last month or two, I've gotten around 1,500-2,000 views a day.  From April, 2010 to March, 2011, I've gotten about 340,000 views.  

Can I write a guest post?
Possibly, but fair warning... I won't let just anyone write a guest post.  If you have a relevant topic you'd like to share with my readers, then send me an email at jacksfavoriteowner@yahoo.com with the idea.  If I don't already know you, I'll need to see examples of your writing (like a blog you already have).  And remember... if I don't like the article you write for my blog, I won't post it.

Can we trade links?
Nope.  If you haven't noticed, I do not have a sidebar with blogs I recommend to my readers.  I don't do the "trading links" thing, just like I don't do "sub4sub" on YouTube.  If I adore your blog, I may promote it somewhere in a post of mine.

Can I use your writing/photography for my blog/school project/etc?
Sure, so long as you give proper credit to me, which will include a reference to my website.

Where and when do you write?
I tend to write best at night, but I write through weekend afternoons as well.  I like to write in my room, at my desk, alone.  If someone else is in the room with me, I struggle to concentrate.  I can't stand distractions.  

How much time does it take to maintain a daily blog like this?
If you're considering making your own blog, let me tell you: Keeping up a daily blog takes a lot of time and dedication.  I plan what I'm going to write on little calendars that I keep on my desk.  I write lists of blog post ideas when I'm at school.  Planning is time-consuming, but fairly easy.  The writing is hard to keep up with at times, I'll admit, but I have a huge passion for writing, so I enjoy it.  I wouldn't bother keeping up a blog if I didn't love to write.  I'll let you in on a little secret... I don't actually write all of my blogs on the day they're posted.  I write a lot of my blog entries before the actual day and schedule them.  This way a lot of stress is taken away and I don't feel as pressured to post everything on time.   

Will you write a post about _____________?
Possibly.  There aren't any guarantees, but I do like to write about what my readers want to read.  Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments beneath my posts.   

Do you get more positive comments or negative comments?
I probably get 95% positive comments.  I get the occasional hate comment, which is usually deleted.  Seriously though, the majority of the comments I get from you guys is amazingly positive and encouraging.  You're all very uplifting.  I generally delete very negative or hateful comments from my blog because I like to surround myself with positivity.  

Do you read all of your comments?
Yes, I read them all.  If you leave me a comment, I will see it.

Do you respond to all your comments?
No, I get a lot of comments every day and simply don't have the time to respond to each one.  However, if you have a real question, leave it in the comments and there is a good chance I'll answer it within the next few days.  Also, if you have a prayer request, I may not respond, but I will be praying for you.  

How can I contact you?
Comments are the best way to contact me because I check them every day.  If not, my email address is jacksfavoriteowner@yahoo.com.  I check that address occasionally, although you won't get as quick of a response.

You write about Ali a lot. How can I contact her?
If you have something to say to Ali, send her a message in the comments or at my email address I provided above.  I'll make sure she sees it.

I have a problem with something you said in one of your posts.  What should I do?
Tell me.  I appreciate criticism, so long as it's polite and constructive.  Feel free to disagree with something I said and comment with your opinion.  I don't appreciate hate comments that contain cuss words and derogatory phrases like "You suck!"  Those comments will be deleted.  If you stay polite and respectful, I would love to hear what you have to say, even if you disagree with me.  I may delete your comment after I've fixed the problem or if it's very negative, as I don't want to distract any readers from the actual content of my writing.

Any more questions?