Each month we feature a blogger & their blog. This months it's London Born Writer/Journalist Rachelle Hull. She’s lived in Kenya, now resides in Philly and is currently writing a fantasy-horror novel.
Tell us a bit about your blog Beautifully Human.
Beautifully Human is a blog showcasing my articles. It has interviews with really interesting (and often well-known) people. It also has some reviews of music and events.
What made you start the blog?
Initially the blog was all about me. Whatever thoughts or feelings I wanted to express and explore at the time, hence the name (BH) Beautifully Human (influenced by Ms Jill Scott!) If you click on earlier entries you can still read a few personal essays (one which was partly published in the New Nation last year) It's still evolving.
What do you think about the Black-British blog scene?
From what I have read, it seems to be dominated by females and fashion. It would be interesting to see Black British males become more prominent in the blogging world. Blogging by Black people in general is a huge deal and this is reflected with the advent of the Black Weblog Awards.
What exciting opportunities have come your way as a result of Beautifully Human?
Meeting people who are at the top of their game or on the way there. Speaking with one of the Morgan Heritage clan was cool as I’ve been a fan for years. Also Shaggy was really interesting and funny and Laura Izibor was sweet. The most is when someone who has read my work sends me an email, telling me they really enjoyed my article.
What made you make the move to Philadelphia for a short while? And how does Philly compare to London in terms of work life and the social scene?
I’m focusing on my fiction writing. I know it’s a long way to go for some creative space but it seems to be working. I chose Philly because it’s a creative city - It’s only two hours away from New York by coach and not as expensive or as hectic. The people here are pretty laid-back and there are lots of restaurants and something going on somewhere every night. I’m going to see Laura Izibor perform in a few days and it cost me about £11 in a decent venue (similar to the Jazz Cafe) There is also a club out here where ?uestlove performs whenever he’s in town.
Tell us about your fantasy-horror novel.
It will incorporate two languages: English and Swahili. I fell in love with Swahili a couple of years ago, when I was in Kenya. I was only there for a short while and I didn’t learn as much as I wanted, so I’m teaching myself. The protagonist is female and it’s going to be a really dramatic piece, with strong characters and a strong plot – can’t really say too much at the moment as it’s a novel in progress (one of the major reasons for being in Philadelphia). It’s hard work, but I’m having a lot of fun with it.
Click here to read Rachelle’s blog entitled Beautifully Human
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