Project Blogger : Special guest Hila Shachar from le projet d’amour

I’m sure you’re going to love my interview with talented blogger Hila Shachar as much as I do. Her blog le projet d’amour is full of creative inspiration, beautiful artwork, films and more. I love Hila’s writing style – it’s such an addictive blog with so many layers. Enjoy…

Hila gives me her special advice for bloggers, exclusive to GeekChic’s Project Blogger:

Mel: I love your blog, what does it mean to you?

Hila : I view my blog as a type of hybrid. It’s a collection of reviews and discussions on art, film, design, literature, culture and fashion. It’s a personal journal. It’s a collection of ideas and an extension of the work I do on a daily basis. But most importantly, it’s a community for me. I’ve met the kindest people through my blog. It’s so wonderful to receive emails from people who read my blog, and to read their comments. They all mean so much to me. I think the people who read my blog are as much a part of it as I am.

M : What gave you the inspiration to set up your blog?

H : I really just wanted a space to collect images I liked, but blogging has evolved for me into far more interesting things. I now think of my blog as a central aspect of my research and writing. To be honest, I knew nothing about blogging when I started and I didn’t think it was for me. But I was definitely wrong on that one!

M : Does your blog inspire you and feed your creativity?

H : Yes, definitely! It’s strange, but sometimes when I’m writing something, or when I have a particular idea, my first instinct is to blog about it. I’m not sure why, but this helps me enormously and puts things in perspective in my head. It’s also immensely inspiring to see what other people are working on. It’s hard not to get inspired when you blog about an amazing piece of art, a great film, or a beautiful book. Creativity breeds creativity.

M : What do you especially like to post?

H : My favourite three topics would have to be film, books and art. I also really like to combine images with words in a way that creates a type of narrative. While words are my strong point, I always envy people who can create beautiful images, and so I like to feature their work on my blog.

M : What are your top 5 tips for other bloggers?

H :
1. Interact, and I mean really interact, don’t just comment on other blogs for the sake of gaining a readership. I find that most people will respond to true thoughtfulness rather than a desire for popularity. Also, try to comment back when someone comments on your blog.

2. Give credit where credit is due: if you use someone else’s work, say so and link back to them. And if you’ve stumbled upon a fabulous find through another blog, link this blog and let your readers know. Blogging should be accompanied by manners and you’ll find that integrity is rewarded in the blogging community, despite what they say about the lawlessness of the internet!

3. Ignore unconstructive, mean and (usually) anonymous comments. Nastiness is pointless and boring. Let it slide, press “delete”, and move on. On the other hand, always consider helpful, constructive feedback from your readers – if they took the time to suggest something, you should take the time to read it.

4. Don’t try to imitate someone else’s style as it’s often painfully obvious. Your blog is your own little universe, so think about what rocks your world and blog in your own style.

5. Don’t be too inaccessible. I struggle with this one, and it’s often a matter of negotiation. Obviously, this is a public forum and anyone can read what you say, so be careful. But at the same time, people like to know who is behind the posts. Share as much about yourself as you’re willing, and try to be open.

M : What is your top tip for someone just starting out?

H : To have patience. Really, nothing is an instantaneous hit, you won’t get readers immediately. Just concentrate on posting about what you love and what feels the most authentic to you, and comment on other blogs. Also, as in life, just be kind. Bloggers are the nicest bunch of people and if you’re kind, they will be kind to you.

M : Where has your blog taken you?

H : I don’t think I would know how to turn my blog into a business. But my blog has brought me a lot of freelance writing work and collaborative opportunities. For example, right now I contribute to The Australian Ballet’s blog behindballet.com and I’m working on a collaborative book project with Amy Borrell. The great thing about a blog is that it’s tangible a showcase of your work, which is often just as important as a CV or résumé when it comes to getting work. I also think my blog has made me a better writer. It can be really easy to become completely internal as a writer and blogging has helped me learn how to frame my writing for an audience.

M : What are some of your favourite blogs?

H : I read and love so many blogs, so this is really difficult to answer! Right now, I would say:

1. Intimate Vignettes
2. Fieldguided
3. Cake with Giants
4. Black Eiffel
5. High Up in the Trees

I love them all because of their creativity, individual style, kindness, attention to detail and inspiring posts. They never disappoint.

M : Are there certain stories you know will get a great reaction?

H : Whenever I post about an amazing piece of art or artist, I get a huge response from readers. This warms my heart. I think far too many people view art as inaccessible when really it isn’t. I also get a large response to my film reviews. I tend to review films from a completely subjective position; you won’t get an objective response from me. I’m not sure if this is good or bad, but it’s me. I think people also like to be introduced to films they may not have heard of before – I know I do.

M : Would you say blogging is a creative outlet for you?

H : Yes, absolutely! A lot of my writing is based on compromise. I spend a lot of time rewriting, editing, making work publishable, and talking with editors, proofreaders, etc. I have to compromise a lot and give up ideas that just don’t fit. This is part of the publishing process. But my blog is 100% my own space in which I don’t have to compromise any ideas or writing. To me, this is pure creativity.

M : Has blogging opened up doors for you with new contacts and conversations you may never had otherwise had?

H : Yes, yes, yes! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been amazed at the emails I get from people who read my blog. I also wouldn’t have most of the freelance writing work that I do without it. I think a blog is one of the best ways to meet like-minded, creative people.

M : What’s the thing you like most about your blog?

H : Honestly, the people I’ve met and the people who read my blog, some of whom I consider to be my good friends now. The blogging community can be extremely supportive and I’ve been amazed by the generosity of people.

Thanks Hila. Your blog is amazing and we can’t wait to see more in 2011. Very GeekChic indeed!

le projet d’amour