Good day to you all, and welcome to episode 4 of a chat among bloggers.
The guest of the day is Simon Farnell from Simonsspace blog https://sfarnell.wordpress.com/.
Simon is not only a storyteller but also a marvellous sky photographer. Do you want to know more? Sit back, relax and enjoy the chat.
O: When did you start blogging and why?
S: I set up my blog back in 2013; it seems a long time ago now, but it was suggested to me as I had “things to say”. At first, these things came slowly, but over a couple of years, they started to become freer. I think 2015 was a peak year as I had lots of opportunities to blog.
O: So, I suppose then when you shifted to tell proper little stories too?
S: Yes, that’s exactly when I started writing stories. These stories kind of came to me; I’m not really sure how. Peter Capaldi’s Dr Who said that “Stories are where memories go when they’re forgotten.” I kind of like that, though. The thought I like better is that humans are made to philosophise, and this comes out in our creativity. This speaks to me as it’s part of our drive to answer the questions of our own reality and existence.
O: When do you normally write?
S: When I can and when I feel compelled to.
O: Can we say your blog is a sci-fi one?
S: One could say that, but that wouldn’t be a complete or accurate description. Science Fiction is definitely a part of me, and this reflects in my blog, but that’s not all. This question actually forces me to answer one of the biggest questions I’ve had about my blog, as I have struggled with its identity over time, much like I have with my own identity. It could be described as imaginative chaos or a stream of consciousness. I think it could be that, but maybe it’s more a reflection of my philosophy and mindscape, and it shows how this has changed over time. Long answer, I know – but you did ask.
O: Not that long, but certainly that interesting. I believe there are a lot of us out there struggling with our blog’s identity. Unless, in fact, you blog solely and exclusively on one particular subject, but if you blog about everyday life, well, then the chaos is inevitable, I am afraid. Back to you, now, beside your imaginative chaos, as you called it, there is your love for astronomy and your amazing picture portfolio.
Where does your passion for astronomy come from? Was it always there? How did it develop in photography?
S: My passion for the stars comes from a keen interest in my youth. I wanted a telescope so badly back then, but I was in my late 40s when I was able to buy one. I felt like a kid again.
My pictures are either the result of what I’ve seen at the moment or, as with the astronomy pictures, the result of a bit of planning and effort. I’m not patient with this, though. Some people spend hours and hours setting up and taking shots. I envy these people as they have the time for this.
O: What is the role of blogging and photography in your life? Any connection with your day job?
S: There is no connection between my day job and my creative side. Although I do create in my job (I design circuit boards), I don’t create in the same ways.
O: Where do you show your pictures primarily?
S: I don’t do my pictures enough justice if I’m honest, I should post them more on social media and the like. I am building an online store for my pictures, and this can be found here: Simon Farnell – Official Website, and I also have an Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/simons_space?igsh=N3V4b2JmemFqZ3du
O: Are they impromptu, spontaneous pictures, or do you plan? When do you take your pictures? Do you always have a camera with you, or do you use your phone too?
S: I spoke to this a little in what I said earlier. Stories and art, or any creativity, are deeply rooted in our personal philosophies and our search for being. I never feel more at peace when I’m bringing a new creation into life. So really it can vary, I don’t think it’s possible to plan much in life, but if I can, all well and good – otherwise I seize the moment.
O: Something more personal now: tea or coffee?
S: Tea. Coffee makes me feel ill.
O: Do you like to read as much as you like to write? And what does your TBR list look like?
S: I like to read, but I’m a slow reader. My TBR list is like this:
Project Hail Mary, A guide to the good life and In Search of Schrodinger’s Cat
Well, I think that’s all. Thank you again to my guest for sharing some of his time and himself with me, and I hope you all enjoyed the chat. Do not forget to look up at Simon’s photos and have a little browse around his blog.
Simon Farnell – Official Website; https://www.instagram.com/simons_space?igsh=N3V4b2JmemFqZ3du ; https://sfarnell.wordpress.com/
