Featured Newbie Blogger – The Kids Are Grown, Now What? @MsMissy62
Each week at the Newbie Blog Hop, we choose a Featured Newbie to interview and get to know a little better. From the blogs that linked up in Week 15, the chosen blogger is Melissa from The Kids Are Grown, Now What?
Let's see what she has to say about her blogging experience, then let's all go follow her…if you haven't already!!
Tell me a little bit about yourself and your family.
I have 3 adult children. My oldest, Michelle, lives with her husband and my spectacular grandson in Texas. My son, Eli, lives across town and just adopted a cute as a button lab puppy. My youngest daughter Ryan lives with me so she can take care of her rapidly deteriorating mother! We live in Western South Dakota and have a crazy Maine Coon named Molly.
How long have you been blogging?
I have been writing for over 30 years but this is the first time I have used the blog format.
Why did you start blogging? Is this also why you continue blogging?
I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis earlier this year. I have not been responding to treatment and as a result I lost my job. I turned to blogging as a way to supplement Ryan's paycheck. I can always blog from the toilet!
Who does your blog appeal to? Is this who you thought would be your target audience?
I create and post gluten free recipes because my daughter was diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity early this year. My recipes can be used by anyone, not just those with food allergies. So I guess you can call it a foodie blog!
What direction do you see your blog going in the future?
I hope that my blog really takes off with tons of followers and I would really like to be able to help my daughter out financially.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far with your blog?
Gaining followers has been hard. When you start something new you want it to be successful right away. We definitely live in the culture of immediate gratification. I know it takes time and I have really been putting myself out there.
What do you love about blogging?
I love writing. I love creating recipes and converting gluten filled recipes to gluten free. I get a sort of high when I see a post take off and get tons of hits.
What do you NOT love about blogging?
NOTHING!
What types of product reviews and giveaways do you feature?
I have been doing a series of gluten free snack reviews. I will be partnering with a local business soon to do a giveaway featuring some of her super yummy gluten free spice mixes.
What was your favorite product to review?
Glutino pretzels!
What advice do you have for those wanting to get into this or up the value of their giveaways?
Be patient. Don't take it personally when someone turns you down. Look at everything as an opportunity to learn.
Besides your blog, how else can people find you?
Share your top 3 favorite posts from your blog.
Black Friday – Did You Bring a Knife or Gun?
What We're Cooking – Chocolate Chip
Share your top 3 favorite blogs to read and why.
The Bloggess – She rocks my world! She makes me laugh so hard that I can't breathe! **I am SOOO with you there!! She'll trap you in her website and you'll be there for hours too!!**
Shiksa in the Kitchen – She has awesome recipes and some of them are gluten free!
The Angry Black Woman – I am addicted to politics and the same things that piss her off do the same for me.
Do you have any bloggers that you consider to be mentors?
No but the position is open to anyone that would like to apply!
How do you find time to blog?
It's my life! When I am not running to the bathroom I am blogging or reading blogs!
What else would you like us to know?
I would like to thank you for featuring me and I welcome all new followers!
What is your best advice for a Newbie Blogger?
Find as many hops as you can to post your blog on. It's a great way to gain an audience. Twitter is your friend and a great tool, use it!
Remember that the Newbie Blog Hop opens every Tuesday at 9PM CST and closes at midnight every Friday. Come back on Tuesday if you are new to blogging so you can link up and get to know your fellow newbies. We have a Triberr tribe (send me an email if you are interested in joining) and a Facebook Group.
GoingCrazy!!WannaGo??!! is planning to start some blogging tutorials soon – if I can stop myself from signing up for giveaway events..yikes!!
Leave me a comment if there is something you would like to see!!
What a great idea, interviewing other bloggers. The thing I love the most about blogging is meeting new and interesting friends. I feel like I know Melissa now! I am a new blogger and I am going to sign up for the newbie blogger hop. Blessings!
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Welcome!! We are so happy you found us!!