Name: Melanie Kaminski
Email: Kaminski.melanie@gmail.com
Blog Name: LA Explorer
Blog Address: http://www.la-explorer.com
Follow Melanie on: Facebook | Twitter | StumbleUpon | Linked In | Pinterest
Share your brief bio:
I’m a Southern California native who loves her home state. I work full time and blog in my spare time. I really wish those roles were reversed.
Tell us a little about your family.
I don’t have a family of my own but I’m very close to my parents and sister.
How do you prioritize time between your family and your blog?
I just try to keep in mind that family is more important than blogging. We all have a finite time together on this earth and I want to make the most of it.
How do you relax?
I love to read and watch classic films.
When did you start your blog?
I started my blog in the fall of 2010.
Why did you start blogging?
I was always sharing with my friends and family tips on what to see and do in our area. I figured if I started a blog they’d have a handmade reference book.
How did you choose your blog name?
I love to explore Los Angeles. I am the LA Explorer.
What keeps you motivated and inspired to blog?
I keep finding places to fall in love with and I want to make sure others hear about them so they don’t go away.
Where do you see your blog and yourself in 5 years?
I hope my blog will be established and people will say “I heard about that place on LA Explorer.” I’d love to do more freelance writing and hope that will become my full time work.
Biggest life lesson learned since blogging?
Work it! If you want to get anywhere you’ve got to put in the effort.
What is your secret to success?
Having no secrets. Sharing what I know with others and others share with me.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you first started blogging?
That you don’t get readers overnight. They won’t magically find your blog. You have to lead them to it.
All bloggers encounter writer’s block. How do you get past this?
Let myself relax. If I’m having trouble putting words to screen it’s ok to step away and do it later.
What has been your sweetest success story?
I helped organize a blogger meet-up that was a big success. When I first started my blog I’d never imagined myself doing anything like that. To put my ideas out there and have people respond favorably was awesome!
What has been your most popular posts?
A Visit to the Fairplex Garden Railroad
Anton Ego’s Guide to Disneyland
Who are some of your favorite California bloggers that inspire you and that you enjoy reading?
Ellen Bloom of L.A. Is My Beat
Dorothy of Crazy For Crust
How long have you lived in California?
My whole life save for three years in South Bend, IN when I was in junior high.
Where is your favorite relaxation location in California?
I love the Orange Circle in Orange, CA.
Do you belong to any other social media networks to promote your blog?
Too many to mention! But I have to give a shout out to SoCal Lady Bloggers!
Have you attended any social media conferences? If so, which ones?
I went to BlogHer ’11.
If yes above ~ What was the most helpful thing that you have learned from attending a conference?
The biggest thing I learned what that you have to put yourself out there. You can’t just expect everyone to want to come to you.
Share your favorite quote or inspirational thought:
I’m paraphrasing here…”It’s better to strive for the top and fail than to strive for average and achieve it.”
Tell us something that most people would be surprised to learn about you.
I went to culinary school.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Nope, I’m good.
Do you send out a monthly newsletter? How can we get on your mailing list if we are interested in more information? Now that is something that I need to add to my to do list.
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