It was from reading one of his compelling posts about writing that I discovered Leslie Camacho, a proud parent, husband, nerd, and business starter. He blogs at Adventure.lc, because, from author G. K. Chesterton, “An adventure is an inconvenience rightly considered.” As Leslie put it, his blog is “a place where I write and curate posts about things I love in an attempt to gain a grand theory of everything… or at least pull a better espresso shot.” He can be found on Twitter: @AdventureLC.
Why did you create a Website of regular entries?
I believe in the act of writing. I believe that doing it publicly helps me grow. I believe that when I grow I help others succeed. Helping others succeed is my life’s work. A web site of regular entries is a logical way to practice my beliefs.
What Web-based solution did you select and why?
EllisLab’s ExpressionEngine. I spent the last ten years growing EllisLab (I was EllisLab’s CEO), making ExpressionEngine, the CMS that web professionals need. I’m no longer with EllisLab, but my belief, trust, and love of ExpressionEngine, the team that makes it, and the amazing #eecms community hasn’t changed.
I also dabble with Jack McDade’s Statamic because it’s like ExpressionEngine in a flat-file system and Jack comes from the #eecms community. I want to support people who break out and do their own thing too.
What is your definition of a good blog
and what are three good blogs that you frequently visit?
A good blog is entertaining, informative, or educational. It’s typically a mix of all three. A great blog changes the way you look at the world. Here are three great blogs—The Great Discontent, Penelope Trunk, Rands in Repose—and one great comic, Penny Arcade.
How do you create content for your blog?
I write every single day on my private 750Words.com account. This daily discipline surfaces what matters to me and also what I find most enjoyable. I take the best of that and turn those words into blog posts.
I also find that I write best when I’m responding to something, so I will often pose a question or start with a quote that causes a passionate reaction. Then I free write on that subject which tells me if I have something substantial or entertaining to say or not.
How do you stay organized and motivated
to contribute to your blog?
I use Omnifocus, Pinboard, and Google Docs to keep me organized. My family keeps me motivated. I am a better person when I write, and when my own self-improvement isn’t motivating enough, knowing my family needs me at my best keeps me going.
For those aspiring to make a Website composed
of regular thoughts and/or images, what is your advice?
Write more than you read—and you should be reading a lot. The discipline of daily writing is the single most helpful thing you can do if you intend to contribute to the web on a consistent basis.
What is your quest in blogging?
I believe in the act of writing. My quest is simply to write, level up my skills, and occasionally roll a twenty, get a critical hit, and slay my dragons.
• • •
Photograph courtesy of Leslie Camacho.
• • •
Update, 3-18-2013: Big thanks to Leslie, who, after the posting of this Blogger’s Quest(ionnaire), quickly and generously offered more recommendations of bloggers, whose writings relate to design, creativity, business.
• • •
Read more of the Design Feast series Blogger’s Quest(ionnaire).
Please consider supporting Design Feast
If you liked this lovingly-made interview, show your appreciation by helping to support my labor of love—Design Feast, which proudly includes this blog. Learn more.
