Why Do I Write? (Blog Hop)

Blogging in isolation is never a good idea, which is why I always feel honoured to be recognised by a fellow blogger - whether by way of a mention, a retweet or a blogging award. It's always a good feeling to be called out for my writing, and I'm happy that Leila tagged me in a blog hop - this one is about writing, which, as I mentioned in my About page, is what I feel like I was born to do! Writing this blog has made me feel so complete after having quit my full-time corporate job to become a mother.

Moving on to the blog hop, I'm going to follow all the steps, so here goes:

Step 1: Acknowledge the person and site that involved me in the blog hop.

Leila Boukarim is a blogger I have just become acquainted with, and I admire everything about her writing. Her blog, Sensitive and Extraordinary Kids, is about the challenges of being a mother to a highly sensitive child. I've seen so little written on the subject that I find it commendable that she's blogging about it. Furthermore, Leila plans to write a series of books for children who are highly sensitive. I wish her all the best in pursuing this goal!

Step 2: Answer 4 questions about my writing process.

(1) What am I working on?
The only writing project I'm working on is this blog. My aim is to capture the challenges, joys and worries that come with parenting. Apart from this, I write about everything else that I feel is worth sharing with those who stop by to read. I try not to restrict my topics, and that's how this blog is continuously growing. Hopefully, there'll be much more to share with my readers, as I like to observe and learn from everyday life.

(2) How does my work differ from others of its genre?
To be specific, my writing is from the point of view of a first-time mother to a toddler. I write a lot about toddlers, sometimes in a humourous manner, and sometimes, with a view to sharing my learnings. Living in Dubai makes me an expat blogger as well, so my writing is also about raising a child away from family and friends.

(3) Why do I write what I do?
I write because I want to share my experiences, what I'm learning from life, and connect with other parents. It's always heartening when another mom comments on a post saying that she's going through the same thing. It gives me a sense of being part of a community.

(4) How does my writing process work?
Whenever I get an idea, I like to write it down in my notepad. Then, I spend the next few days ruminating over it. I usually sit down and write the post on the day I mean to publish it, or just the day before. I guess I work best under pressure!


Step 3: Introduce to you 3 lovely bloggers who are fantastic writers, and have blogs that I love! (Their introductions are in their own words as they have described on their blogs.)

Elizabeth Bradt
Rocks, NoSalt Mommy
I am a mother who is raising two kids who have two type-A personality parents who rarely find time to take a break. Family dinners are a rarity and if we’re all riding in the car at the same time it must be a family vacation. We live life to the fullest, but we live life in a blur...

Dr. Jessica Smock
School of Smock
I'm a freelance writer, former teacher, and researcher. Although I have a doctorate in educational policy and development, I am often disappointed by how unimpressive my credentials are to a toddler.

MaryAnne
Mama Smiles Blog
Mama Smiles is a blog about finding joy in everyday parenting through creativity, learning, and play. This site features products and activities that encourage parent-child bonding, create fun learning opportunities, inspire positive sibling relationships, and build happy, healthy, connected families.

I look forward to what these bloggers have to say next week (if they choose to)!