Interview with Heather Ivester from “Mom 2 Mom Connection”

“Mom 2 Mom Connection”

http://www.mom2momconnection.com

I’ve been a stay-home mom for nearly eleven years, and I’ve tried various hobbies as creative outlets. I took sewing, smocking, and quilting lessons, then I went crazy for a while with scrapbooking. Eventually, those hobbies got expensive (as I kept wanting to buy ONE more thing), and my frustration mounted because I’m just NOT a crafty queen.

Then, in 2004, I had to give up homeschooling (after three years) for various reasons, and I became depressed and felt like a big Loser (notice the capital “L” ). I felt like God was leading me to try freelance writing as a way to connect with others, and I began attending Christian writing conferences.

From there, I started blogging as a way to give me a “face” on the web, as most writers these days correspond with editors by email. A website or blog is extremely helpful if you’re trying to find work as a writer.

I started my blog, Mom 2 Mom Connection, in October 2005.

I love blogging about people who shape my Christian worldview. I also write a lot of book reviews, and I blog tid-bits about my family life and my journey as an aspiring writer.

I have so many favorites, it would be hard to even get started. I constantly learn from blogs of other writers, such as Mary DeMuth’s Relevant Blog,
Girls Write Out, and
The Writing Life.

It’s a good idea to know what your purpose for blogging is before you start. If you want to use your blog as a marketing tool for professional reasons, then keep your posts positive and don’t write anything you wouldn’t want future clients or employers to read.

I learn something new about blogging every day, so my advice is to read a few blogs, figure out what you like, then jump in and join the conversation.

I do if I have time. It’s fun when I know where my commenters are coming from (if I’ve gotten to know them), and I feel like we’re having a worldwide conversation. Not bad for a stay-home mom with a baby on her lap and another one running a matchbox car up her back.

Yes, several of my family members read my blog, yet they hardly ever comment. I can always tell who has been reading it because they keep up with what’s important to me.

People often forget that we mothers are unique, amazing women, separate from our kids! I feel discouraged when I get around family I haven’t seen in a while, and no one asks me what I’m up to. They assume all I do is change diapers and clean up messes.

But I actually have this whole interesting world, the blogosphere, where I have something to offer with no sticky peanut butter attached.

I’m going to start holding “Your Library” discussions for Club MAW (Club Mothers and Wives) www.clubmaw.com soon. I’ll be a moderator leading discussions about books. I love to know what people are reading and why they like or don’t like certain books.

I don’t have a laptop yet, so I blog at our desktop computer in our living room. The best time for me to write is VERY early in the morning, before anyone else gets up. I personally think it’s good for a marriage if a husband and wife go to bed at the same time, so I don’t write at night.

I can also write some while my older kids are at school, but I usually get busy with housework and errands. So I prefer to write in the wee a.m. hours.

I first heard about blogging from Stacy Harp of Active Christian Media. She invited me to become one of her book reviewers. From Stacy’s reviewing team, I met a ton of other bloggers who are also interested in Christian books.

The smell of rain, holding my babies, walking along the beach, reading books out loud to my children, hot coffee in my favorite mug, captivating novels, Japanese culture, the Bible, petting my cats and dog, traveling ANYWHERE fun, and hearing incredible speakers like Beth Moore. My husband is a constant source of inspiration, always full of great ideas.

I love connecting with kindred spirits, often through books, and seeing how we’re all grasping the significance of God’s love for us.

I write the “Book Buzz” column for Christian Women Online magazine. I love interviewing authors and sharing with CWO readers about great inspirational books. Come join us!