fatboyslimming: So firstly what is Zhu short for anything and does it have a meaning of any sort ?

Zhu: Zhu is actually my Chinese name. I got this name from my Chinese teacher when I started to learn the language. My real name is Juliette.

"Zhu" means "pearl", and it pronounces like "ju" in "Juliette". So I kept the nickname... it's short, original and easy to pronounce once I explain !


fatboyslimming: Do you have the same zeal for writing your blog now as for when you first started ?

Zhu: I'm actually more zealous now. When I started my blog, I was just hoping to put online a few info about immigrating to Canada, settling etc.

But the more I wrote, the more I realized the practical part of moving to Canada was actually pretty straightforward - the emotional wasn't. So I looked back on what I had done the past 5 years and I started to write. Never really stopped since then !


fatboyslimming: Do you ever have writers block and how do you work through it ?

Zhu: I don't post everyday. I just can't.

Writing is a long process for me. First of all, English isn’t my mother tongue and despite the fact I’m now bilingual, I have to double check my grammar ! I’m slower when I write in English. More self-conscious as well.

Music usually helps me write. I have good playlists with songs I love, and they inspire me. I write in the evenings, when I’m relax, although I often take notes during the day if something inspire me.

Overall, I write fairly easily.



fatboyslimming: What is set as your homepage on the computer and why ?

Zhu: My homepage is http://www.netvibes.com. I have everything on it : weather, to-do lists, my latest feeds, Flickr pictures, news from Canada and from the world… I love it !


fatboyslimming: What has been the most advantagous use of peopleized you have found ?

Zhu: I actually haven’t used Peopleized much so far. I interviewed a couple of people, only one answered. I guess it’s still fairly new and it will take time to develops. It’s a good idea though.



fatboyslimming: Do you do much now to actively promote your blog ? And what have you found to be the most effective ?

Zhu: When I first started blogging, I had no idea how to promote my blog. I wasn’t sure whether it needed to be promoted anyway – I’m not selling anything, I’m just telling stories !

At the time, I only add my blog url as my signature on specific forums (expats, travel etc.). Then I sign up with a few blog registries, commented on other people’s blogs and it just came naturally.

I don’t have ads on my blog and as I said, I don’t promote or sell anything. I enjoy being read, of course, but I’m not dying for it. I like my regulars readers and the interaction though.



fatboyslimming: And finally you and your best friend are in a shoe shop you spot a fabulous pair of shoes at a ridiculously come and buy me price. But you know your best friend would love them also but there is only one pair left. What would you do ? :o)

Zhu: Very easy : I’m not a shoe person ! So I’d give them to my friends without thinking twice.

However, an handbag would have been involved… I’d do anything for a cute handbag !