Today in the Local Spotlight I would like to share with you one of my favourite blogs and one of my favourite people: Jay Minter.

On The List  is Jay’s blog. He blogs about everything that makes Vancouver awesome. Jay likes to get out and see what’s happening in the city: everything from events, concerts, theatre, sporting events, Jay’s your guide. His writing is elegant without being snobby, his writing style is concise and easy to read. His website is clean and well organized. His blog is one of the few that I read daily.

Aside from being a good writer, Jay’s an excellent human being, one that I’m happy to call a friend. He’s intelligent, well read and informed. He’s the kind of guy you want to sit next to at a dinner party.
VBB: What made you start your blog?

JM: My blog, On The List, grew from sharing my activities on other social media and seeing that there was an interest in the concerts, events and activities that I took part in, so I started the blog as a way to give a more in-depth recap of the events and share what’s upcoming.

VBB: How do you balance work/personal and blog life? 

JM: Since my blog is about things that I do, the content comes naturally and I just need to spend a bit of time each week to write it down. I try to fit the writing to my downtime, as a secondary task while catching up on tv or on transit so it doesn’t feel like a chore.

VBB: Do you have any tips for aspiring bloggers?

 JM: Enjoy it! Enjoy writing – I’ve taken a number of writing courses over the years that have helped make the process easier. Enjoy what you’re sharing – write about what you like to do, not just what you think people will like to read.  Enjoy yourself – don’t have a blog because you think you need to, blog because you want to and when you want to, there are no rules (other than grammar rules). 

VBB: What is your favourite Vancouver restaurant?

JM: if not having comfort food at Ramen Jinya on Robson, I’ll often be found having a relaxing lunch at The Parlour in Yaletown

You can connect with Jay on Twitter, and follow his blog On The List at www.jayminter.com