This is a current snapshot of my life. I have always enjoyed writing and have hundreds of small notebooks cluttering up the house, so in April 2013 I felt that the obvious solution was to start a blog.
Since then, Suzie Speaks has grown beyond all expectations. I love the people and the community and I’m not being melodramatic when I say it has been the best form of therapy I have ever had. It has changed my life in ways I never could have imagined and I was able to leave my job and work as a blogger and Social Media Manager full-time.
My posts reflect my mood and experiences and cover topics ranging from books, film, thoughts, daily life, teaching, friendship, relationships, things I find amusing, my adventures around my beloved city of Birmingham and my travel experiences. I blog about my life, my loves, my family and friends.
I’m a thirty – seven year old former teacher from England. I live with The Bloke – my fiance (and a very patient man) who has been my partner-in-crime for a very long time… and our elderly cat. I am in the process of changing my life and becoming self-employed and I am gradually figuring out what I should be doing with my time.
There are several pages that you may find interesting and can be found in the menu.
Blogging Tips: While I have only been in the blogosphere for a few years (yes, I’m using that word), I have included a few hints and tips that I have learned that may be useful. You’ll be able to find posts on everything from increasing your traffic, comments and likes, to self-censorship, recycling content and using social media groups.
Birmingham Reviews: An overview of places, restaurants, cocktail bars and experiences in my adopted city!
Social Media Management: A break down of my Social Media Management options for bloggers who need a social media boost!
Sponsorship: Want to sponsor Suzie Speaks? There are several different packages you can purchase, from monthly sponsorship, ‘Blog of the Day’ and hosting blog parties.
You can also find me on various social media accounts:
Twitter and Tumblr: @suzie81blog
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/suzie81speaks
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/suzie81speaks
Instagram: http://www.pinterest.com/suzie81speaks
© Suzie Speaks 2019. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Suzie Speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Suzie Speaks 
Hi, I’ve just started following your blog after finding it from a comment on the Community Pool. I’m a teacher too, originally from the UK but I now live in China. I’ve only started my own blog a few weeks ago; I’d love to get your opinions on it too if you have time?
https://persephone2015.wordpress.com/
Thanks!
Great blog! I noticed you liked some of my posts, so I came over to check yours out. I’ve read several posts so far, but I do have a life to get back to, so I can’t read them all. Just thought I’d drop a compliment in here somewhere. I look forward to reading more.
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Congratulations! I’ve nominated you for TWO blog awards! https://scatterbooker.wordpress.com/2015/02/09/not-one-but-two-blog-awards/
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Fantastic blog 🙂 We have ‘likers’ in common (according to WP) …
Thanks Aaron! Really pleased you like it!
Thanks for liking Katie’s Story, which I began recounting last fall. Previous to that I was blogging about caregiving issues in general–the ones that appear in my book: “What to Do about Mama?” Since “everyone is a potential caregiver,” I hope that you will explore my book and / or blog for information that will be useful in the event that you need to draw upon it someday. Katie’s Story demonstrates how that can happen from one day to the next. I would not say caregiving is an “inspiring” topic, but I do think my book of the same name is a good addition to any reference shelf. Better yet: be prepared. Read it before you think you need it.
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I see we have Photography in common already, along with 4 billion other people. We’re both looking for new bloggers I see, along with 4 billion other people. I see you’re level headed. Wish I could say the same. Most people say my best attribute is that I don’t know what I’m doing… I’m kind of proud of that now. Anyway, I thought: ‘Who know? We might become friends, but who knows? So perhaps we can share bloggers and all that neat stuff and see what happens?
haha! HI! Welcome – I can also relate to having no clue about what I am doing…
Thanks for liking my post, Tiger mother. Out of curiosity, I came to check you out. Your About page did it for me. It made me smile. I am now a follower of your blog. Have a fab day .
Thank you very much Yvonne! I loved the post! Welcome – have a lovely day!
Hi again, One more thank you and I will stop stalking you.
Thank you for now following me. I have just read you post “sorry, I’m not sorry.” . So, I am not going to put my blogs down. I am in awe of your impressive articles. I hope one day, I can get there too.
Thanks Yvonne – really pleased that you like it!
Hi! Came across your blog on today’s pitch party. Will be following 🙂
I too saw your blog on Austin’s Blog Party Pitch Post (say that three times when you’re tired)! What a wonderful blog! Can’t wait to read more!! Cher xo
Hey there Suzie! I’m doing a project where I’m following ten exciting, fresh, and interesting bloggers each day for the month of March 2015, and you’re today’s #3! Feel free to come visit me when you can at http://www.thatssojacob.wordpress.com, and follow if you like what you read. Have a good one!
Glad I found this blog! I look forward to following it and reading more from you! ~Rita
Would be interested in ‘Suzie81 Speaks’ count me in as your latest follower 🙂
Thank you!
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Thanks for liking my post Suzie on blog images as now I have discovered your wonderful blog. I am discovering new things about blogging and must return to read all the answers to your thought-provoking questions.
Good morning Suzie,
I have nominated you for the Premio Dardos Award. You can check it out here http://jcceewatkinsbarney.com/2015/04/30/blog-awards-lets-get-to-know-me-a-little-more/
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Hi..Love your I’m a brit post made me laugh and we have a fair bit in common too but have to admit I am a gooner! It was nice knowing you..lol
Just stumbled upon your blog and love it! : )
Thank you very much! Nice to meet you!
Same to you ; )
Thanks for liking my post called “Like Water Off a Duck’s Back.” Have a great day!
Thank you! And you – nice to meet you!
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https://thelighteningandthefire.wordpress.com/2015/05/25/672/
Thank you!
Thanks for the like! Im still getting the hang of this blogging thing…Your site is great. Looking forward to more!
Thanks for liking my post, ‘Every Picture Tells a Story’. I like your blog, very impressive! I’m going to read some more. JC
Thank you very much – hope you enjoy!
Thanks for the follow Susie. I’ve enjoyed your blog since Hugh introduced you during Eurovision.
Thanks Geoff! I’m still trying to catch up on blogs so Im glad I found yours!
I think Hugh said you may be Bloggers Bashing? If so be grand to meet you there.
I certainly am! Train tickets and hotel is booked and The Bloke and I are going to be making a mini break out of it. Going down there on the Friday and being a tourist for the day, and then on the Saturday I’m going to very nervously meet you guys haha! Looking forward to meeting you all! Please forgive my late reply – Ive just found a whole bunch of comments in my spam folder!
No probs, Suzie. It should be a blast!
It certainly will! I can’t believe it’s happening actually – Ive been saying that we should all meet up for a while now but never had the insight or the nerve to organise anything. We should get Sacha and you guys something as a thank you!
Noooo. Please, but really we’ve loved it soooo much. If you could see the manic streams of consciousness on DM on FB and hear the hilarity of the google hangouts you’d know we’ve been the lucky ones. Now we just want the day to go like a proverbial bang.
It will be fabulous!
Have I just replied to the wrong comment?!
No you haven’t replied to the wrong comment, but i don’t want to approve your other comment as it isn’t private. I’ll edit it first! And, you’re too modest!
Great blog, suzi81. Looking forward to exploring more of it. 🙂
Thanks very much! Hope you enjoy!
Hi
I have nominated you for the sunshine blogger award, acceptance is purely optional but if you are interested then please follow the link
https://chiaricontinues.wordpress.com/2015/08/22/sunshine-blogger-award/
Thanks very much – I’m honoured!!
Love your blog, and I look forward to reading more. Would like to join #Sundayblogshare, but when I clicked, it just “gave” me a photo of the logo. Maybe I did something wrong? 🙂
Hi! Thanks so much! #SundayBlogShare is a Twitter party – link up your posts on Sunday with the hashtag and then read and RT others!
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Hey, I’ve nominated you for the following award: https://amommasview.wordpress.com/2015/08/28/recognized-again/
Feel free to accept it or not, it’s up to you. Just a sign of my appreciation for your support.
Thanks very much my lovely – I’m honoured!
You are welcome! Love your blog!
Thank you! Really means a lot!
Hi Suzie , I forwarded your blog site to a blogger that had a question today on The Community Pool concerning blogging tips, your posts on this are very helpful ~
Cheers!
Thank you very much – really appreciate it! I’m so sorry for the late reply!
HI
Thank you so much for finding my blog and liking a post, hope you come back again soon
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I’m glad I found your blog…I like the way you write.
Thank you!
I came across your blog at First Night History and enjoyed both. Keep up the good work.
Thank you very much!
I envy what you’re trying to do with your life – I’m still trying to work it all out and probably have a similar fasion sense, although I have never tried makeup 😉
Haha! Thanks Simon – you should give the whole make-up thing a go… There’s some amazing YouTube tutorials for men 😉
It’s a great invite, but can I pass, I don’t think it’s me. Thanks for the offer though ;-P
Haha – you’re welcome!
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What a wonderful blog! I discovered yours through http://www.SachaBlack.co.uk. And I second your nomination for the Best Blogger Award! Looking forward to your blog posts!
Thank you my lovely! How weird is it that I found you on Twitter yesterday! Lovely to meet you!
Lovely to “meet” you too. Coordinating my travel plans for the Annual Bloggers Bash. So, I hope to see you in person in a few months!!
Yay! They’ve put the hotel prices up in London so I’m booking it in the next few weeks… Hope to see you there!
Thanks for the heads-up!
I’m a bit gutted – I always stay at the London Euston Premier Inn but it’s far more expensive this year than it was last August!
I’m really unfamiliar with London. Despite a summer living there, I just can’t put my finger on Kings Cross and what’s nearby–good places to stay, etc. (Maybe you could parlay a discount for yourself, in exchange with a blog post about your last stay there for the ABB 2015…)
It’s right next to London Euston station and St Pancras… I could try – although my stats aren’t high enough for a company like Premier Inn to take me seriously I think?
You never know! I wasn’t at the last Bash, but you might have a general sense of the numbers for that turnout and the upcoming bash? Plus, you know what you paid last year — so that could be your baseline. (Not only do they get paid, but they get reviewed! And you’d be sharing this info with others who need a place to stay over the same weekend…)
Hey Suzie, just checking out more of your blog which I’m totally loving. Look forward to reading a lot more. Cheers from Australia.
Thanks so much Miriam – very much appreciated!
Hi Suzie,
Happen to come across your blog and enjoyed my time here. The tips to bloggers was bang on. Lot to learn from you!!! Please do take time to visit my blog and let me know your honest opinion to this newbie on the block.
Happy blogging!! Cheers
Sneha
Thank you!
Ohh myy! Is this what they call a blogger’s paradise ? ❤ or maybe its the "girlie-girl" and lover of "pinks and pastels" in me speaking 😀 But seriously I found your blog from Nikki's meet and greet and I must say I am absolutely inspired and overwhelmed after a few posts of your blog and no second thoughts on following. 🙂 Looking forward to welcome you to my corner of the blogosphere as well Suzie 🙂 Cheers and Warmest wishes, Minaxi ❤
Well my ego has been well and truly boosted – thanks so much for such a great comment! It’s very much appreciated – really pleased you’re enjoying the blog!
Its my pleasure Suzie 🙂 You are more than welcome to enjoy my little bloggie word 🙂 I am all for spreading positivity and a huge fan of happily ever afters in every walk of life which you would have guessed by the name 😉 Whether it is love and relationships or some travel tales on your mind, you can find your pick in my little corner in the world of blogs 🙂
Thank you very much for the invitation!
Hello. Just read your “About Me” blog and your blog about what bloggers need to stop stressing about. I was wondering do you still do the Sunday Blog Share? I ask only because when I clicked the image for further information all I received was a larger image. 🙂
I think we are similar in our approach in that I also just sit down and write about whatever comes to mind, re-read and hit publish. And, yes, I too often end up going back in for further editing. Glad to hear I’m not the only one!
Hi! Yes, #SundayBlogShare still happens every week and grows every Sunday! You’re very welcome to participate tomorrow! Here’s the link for more info https://suzie81speaks.com/2016/01/17/want-to-increase-your-traffic-join-sundayblogshare/
It’s such a pain isn’t it – I can read a post a million times and then only spot the mistakes when I’ve pressed the publish button! Thanks so much for your comment!
Thank you for the information. If we participate in SundayBlogShare can it be a blog we have posted to our site already, or does it need to be new material, or does it matter? Thank you! I will look you up on Facebook. I’m on there too though still working on getting the all desired traffic. It’s a work in progress for sure, but I enjoy it!
It can be any post of yours, new or old, as long as it isn’t a link to Amazon, Etsy or YouTube, and you need to read and RT others too…
Trust me, I have no links to anything. haha well, except for my FB page. I’m sorry. Not enough caffeine this a.m. I need to read and RT others? What does RT mean?
Retweet – once you’ve posted your own link, use the hashtag to find other posts and then retweet a few once you’ve read them
I will check it all out. Will have to find a different way to share others’ posts since I do not have Twitter. Tried it, but didn’t care for it.
It takes a little time to get used to, but it’s fantastic for networking!
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Hi Suzie
Just to let you know I have given you a shout out
https://itsgoodtobecrazysometimes.wordpress.com/2016/08/08/blogging-links-6/
Have a good week 🙂
Trina
Thank you – really appreciate it!
Most welcome
Hi Suzie! Thanks a lot for dropping by at an article I made fo Millionaires Digest. Have a great day 🙂
Aui
Thank you – you’re very welcome! And you!
Your accomplishment on your blog is amazing. I’m checking everything out 🙂
Thank you! Really pleased you like it!
🙂
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