Words with a Blogger Wednesday

This week's Words with a Blogger Wednesday

Swati from

The Single Mother's Chronicles

When did you start blogging and what made you decide to blog?

I started in October of 2009, kind of against my will! I am writing a book about single mothers and I had two writing instructors tell me I should start blogging to build a platform...and now, I really love it!

What kind of blog do you have?

My blog is for parents and single parents. I write about daily life as single parent, dating, and interactions with my daughter. I like to mix it up a bit so I try out my short stories too and book reviews...and, of course, I include articles and fun quotes.

Do you make money from your blog?

Not today. I do the book reviews for free. I've had a few people approach me for product reviews but I've held off. I was worried I wouldn't write enough original material if I started doing reviews or advertising products.

What do you do to network/promote your blog to bring in readers?

I am on Twitter Moms, the Mom Bloggers Club, Blog Frog, Single Rose.com, and I comment on other's blogs. I also blog at workingmother.com. And I'm also on Twitter and I have a Facebook FAN page. The more I post and comment and tweet, the more followers I get!

How do you balance blogging and family?

What? Oops.Ok, I need work here....I try to do it when my boyfriend isn't here and my daughter is at her dad's - but sometimes an idea just gets me and then I have to WRITE!

How frequently do you post?

I am trying for twice a week but there have been a few weeks when I didn't achieve that. I try to have articles and things on hand so there; always something new coming out.

Do you own a business and blog about your business?

Nope. I am really focused on writing the book. Though I will be starting a consulting business in a few weeks (business consulting, corporate strategy, human resources, project management).

What do you recommend to blog about?

I think people love hearing the details of how others think and feel as they experience daily life. Not just a listing of what happened - but really how it impacted you and what you felt inside. I also think it's a great place to show your stuff, take a little risk, and try different writing styles!Have your readers influenced you in any way? Oh all the time - I am always amazed by what people say and think - and how kind and giving they are of themselves.

Has blogging changed your life in any way?

Yes! It's so much fun to blog - it ALWAYS puts a smile on my face! I lose myself in it.Who are your favorite bloggers? Well I enjoy so many...of course I love this blog, Tess! And Mrsblogalot (http://mrsblogalot.blogspot.com/), Organic Motherhood with Coolwhip (http://organicmotherhoodwithcoolwhip.com), The Poverty Diet (http://thepovertydiet.wordpress.com/), The Passive Income Queen (http://thepassiveincomequeen.com/)...and seriously, I am out there reading all the time - I am certain I am leaving about 20 others out accidentally!

What is your blogging style?

Very casual but I do like infuse humor when and where I can in terms of life's everyday learning and insights. Really it depends on my mood or what I am writing about - some of the writing gets kind of serious too.

What do you do when you get writer's block?

I wish I had the Golden Egg answer to this one - I get so grumpy and force myself to stay at my computer. Honestly, I think I should just go out and give myself a day off, but I don't. Sometimes when I get back the next day, I say,"Ok that writing wasn't total garbage, I can make something out of it..." My last bought of writers block lasted three weeks - ouch!

Do you have any advice for newbie bloggers?

Yes - jump right in a come play with us!! Other bloggers are fun and definitely will cheer you on. There's a whole other world out there!! Just know you will have frustrating moments, but stick with it and you'll make it.