Mom Bloggers You Should Know: Momspective

Name: Julie Maloney

Age: 33

Location: Fort Mill SC (Basically Charlotte NC)

Blog Address: http://www.momspective.com

When did you decide you wanted to start blogging seriously and why?

I just had my two year anniversary (I think we call it blogaversary?) and I started it because I am a writer. I've been a published writer since i was 14 and even though I can't stand the term "Blogger", I realized that freelance writing for magazines wasn't enough. I needed my own magazine. I needed complete control over my content because I have pretty extreme content (I use bad words. A LOT.)

Between everything going on in your life where do you find the time to blog?

This is officially my job. My 5YO is in Kindergarten and my 2YO goes to preschool Tuesdays-Fridays from 9-1 and naps from 1:30-3:30 so I have basically from 9-3:30 to myself. I have no idea why I got so popular so fast (yes I do I don't know why I said that) but last year I incorporated my blogs into an LLC (Cool Mom Guide, LLC) and I "DBA" as Momspective and as The Wii Mommies. I'm pretty sure I became really popular (I might not be that popular) because I was one of the pioneers of weight loss using the Wii. Way back in 2008 I lost 60 pounds in six months using the Wii Fit. I have since lost about 100 pounds using the Wii (not just the Wii Fit, I love EA SPORTS Active). People talked so much about my weight loss that I had to branch off into The Wii Mommies (http://www.wiimommies.com)

What do you think sets your blog apart from the rest?

I have no filter. None. I say what I want, when I want it. I have a review sub-domain where I stay professional (unless I'm given permission to go to town on the product) and I work with most major brands there to review and/or giveaway their products. My review feed is linked in the sidebar of my main site and is published on Facebook and Twitter so generates a good amount of traffic. I feature one big giveaway a month on my main site to go along with my radio show.

I also have no filter. I need to stress that. I swear in my titles, make fun of myself (but rarely others unless I have permission) and last year when I was really sick I didn't want people to feel sorry for me all the time so while I did have some pretty hardcore sad posts about being bipolar and having a hysterectomy, I also posted pictures of pee in a cup on Facebook (facebook.com/momspective). Yep. I had to pee in a lot of cups while I was at doctor visits and I thought I'd spice things up a bit. That's just one example of my lack of filter.

Being the successful blogger that you are what are some tips that you can share with the newer members of the mom blogging community on getting traffic and not getting burned out?

Only write what you love, don't be anything you're not and NEVER look at your numbers. I have absolutely no idea how many people subscribe to my RSS feeds. We have Google Friend Connect, Facebook Pages, Twitter - there are too many sites and too many numbers and if you get wrapped up in them you'll forget why you started in the first place. Don't write for free things and don't write for money. If you are yourself and you are a good writer, brands will come to you. I have never pitched a single company *brag* because I always deliver when I'm asked to help with a brand promotion and I bring in a wide variety of readers (I think). Also PLEASE don't talk about the brands you do work with. This is not a pissing match. I'm a Wii gal and I love sports. It makes sense I'd get to go to the Pro Bowl. If you like knitting, I don't care that you got a sponsorship to knitting company USA. Just be yourself.

There are so many things that you put out there about yourself. Are there subjects that you keep off limits strictly for those closest to you?

I refuse to talk religion or politics. There is no middle ground on those topics and it was the best advice I've ever gotten. I also don't talk sex and romance because my daddy reads my blog (my mom might I have no idea) but I know my dad has no interest in my sex life.

Looking forward where do you see yourself and your blog going in the next few years?

Well, it's going at a pretty steady pace. I actually had to hire out so that all I have to do is write. All the techy stuff I always did myself I don't have time to do anymore. My ultimate goal is to finish the two books I'm working on. One is hilarious and one is serious and I know for a fact that publishers won't look at writers these days unless they have a solid blog following and good social media numbers. I'll never slow down. My readers might vanish but I'll never slow down. (They won't vanish, I'll cry and no one wants me to cry.)