My interview with Julie from ‘Momspective’

I am super, super, SUPER excited to share my interview with one of my most favorite mom bloggers, Julie Maloney, from the fabulous blog “Momspective.”  I contacted Julie after following her blog and reading it daily for months, so you can only imagine how happy I was when she agreed to let me interview her for a feature post on my blog.  I admitted to Julie that through her blog, she has been a “virtual” mentor for me, and that her work has inspired and motivated me.  She is also one of the founders of Wii Mommies.  When I bought my Wii Fit, the Wii Mommies site really helped me with my workouts.  Since I am such a big fan of hers, I wanted to know more, so I asked her all kinds of stuff regarding her work and her family–and she was so kind as to answer all of my questions.  Thank you, Julie!!  You so rock!!

The fabulous Julie!

Mommy Reporter:  How long have you been married?  Kids ages?  Boys?  Girls?

Julie:  I’ve been with my husband for eight years, married for five and we have two sons – Jacob (4) and
Joshua (20 months).

MR:  How long have you been blogging and how did you get started?

Julie:  I started blogging in September of 2008.  I’ve been a published writer since the age of 14 and was introduced to blogging after I was mentioned in Parenting magazine. 

MR:  How did you come up with the name “Momspective?”

Julie:  I wanted something I could brand because I think a blog is just a virtual magazine and I got into it with the intent to make this my career.  I’m a Mother yet have some unconventional thoughts and a skewed perspective on things.  Hence it’s my “Momspective.” 

MR:  How do you manage blogging with being a mom, wife, Wii mommy, and whatever else life throws your way?

Julie:  It’s hard to do.  There are days when everything falls into place and I can get everything done.  Then there are days I want to sit in the corner and cry.  The support I get through my friends and social networking is a great help to me.  So is Xanex.

MR:  What advice can you give to moms who want to start blogging?

Julie:  Be patient, don’t expect anything, don’t give up and publish quality content.  You’ll lose readers fast if you’re inconsistent and impersonal.  Blogging is a way to live vicariously through another person, and you want to make it an interesting experience.  Also, return every comment (when possible, even I skip days) and be active in the social networking atmosphere.

MR:  What exactly do you do as a WAHM?  And what advice can you give to other moms who want to do the same?

Julie:  I didn’t even realize I was one until recently when I decided to form an LLC. There is a lot of pressure involved in being a WAHM.  You have to remember that your home and family must come first and appreciate the work you’re given when you get it.  There will be times when everyone wants you and then there will be times when there’s nothing to do.  I’ve tried various WAHM opportunities before I started blogging (Mystery Shopping, paid surveys and such) and have found one can be taken advantage of.  Make sure the amount of time you’re putting into your work is worth the effort.

MR:  I notice you do lots of product reviews… How did you establish relationships with these companies in order to share your opinions?

Julie:  I rarely approach companies I work with.  I find that just being an active part of the community will bring companies to me.  I lot of PR companies handle multiple accounts, so if you hold true to your word and do your best to be honest, they’ll want to work with you more.  It’s important to believe in the products and companies you support, and if they see you on Facebook or Twitter, your behavior will help draw their attention.  I’m also fairly unconventional, so I think I bring a different audience to these companies, making their efforts more beneficial.  Don’t take every review you’re offered simply because it’s offered, that’s the best advice I can give.

MR:  What does your family think about your blogs?

Julie:  To be honest, I don’t know.  As far as I know, the only people who read it are my husband and my father.  My kids are too young to understand and I think some of my content would be offensive to my conservative mother.  I’ve always been open and candid and while I’m sure my very private husband would prefer I don’t talk so much about personal matters, he’s supportive and patient with all the effort I’ve put into it.

MR:  What’s the story behind the Wii Mommies BlogTalk radio show?

Julie:  I’ve been lucky to make some wonderful connections and one of my first bloggy mentors, Beth Feldman from Role Mommy has guided me through this bloggy world.  She’s the reason I learned to “pay it forward” and help others who are starting out.  She recently formed the Role Mommy Network on Blog Talk Radio and invited me to join in by trying to find another way to support the Wii Mommies fitness community.  It brings a more personal connection to our readers and forum members, and gives them an opportunity to connect with us.

MR:  Are you currently working on any other projects right now?

Julie:  I’m excited about working with EA SPORTS Active with the new release of their More Workouts.  I’m starting the new six week challenge and hope to inspire and motivate people with my efforts.  As for non-blogging projects, I’m trying to get moving on the novel I’ve started.  I think it’s hilarious and has a lot of potential, but I have to get myself through the holiday season before I can get back to focusing on that.

MR:  What are your future plans regarding your blog?  How long do you see yourself blogging?

Julie:  I see myself blogging as long as I have someone to entertain.  There have been some hard times for me and I’ve thought about just giving up, but then I realize that there are people in this world who genuinely care about me and what I have to say.  I love to share my life and am so appreciative to all my readers.  They keep me coming back, even when it’s difficult for me to properly express my feelings.  Basically, I’d like this to be a life long career, regardless of income.

MR:  Anything else you want Mommy Reporter readers to know?

Julie:  I love writing.  I write so much better than I speak.  When my hands start moving it’s like everything else disappears.  I can think clearly and really think I’m good at what I do.  I rarely read what I write, but when I do I’m always entertained, because I don’t necessarily remember what I was saying while I wrote it.  I’m taken to another place where I can be funny and graceful and everything I strive to be.  No matter what you do, do it because you love it, not because you want to prosper from it.  Although in these difficult times, getting a paycheck or two sure helps.  ;)

Be sure to check out Julie’s blogs, Momspective, Momspective Reviews, and Wii Mommies.