MC VIP: Shannon @ The Mommy-Files

Our Mom Central VIP: Shannon Gosney
Kids: Brian (8), Dallen (6), and Sam (3)
Your Blog URL: www.themommy-files.com
Twitter: @themommyfiles
What year did you start blogging? 2008

In addition to blogging and being a mother, what other jobs do you have?
I am also a full-time student going back to school to get my Certificate in Paralegal Studies. I am a single Mom of 3 boys.

Why did you start your blog?
I wanted a site where I could talk about Motherhood and connect with other parents and grandparents in the blogosphere. I have met some amazing bloggers and PR reps, in addition to many others. My blog gives me a forum to share blessings and challenges that I experience in my family. It also gives me a place to express my creativity through food.

What advice do you have for those starting out?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I had so many different people help me when I first got started. I have become very close to many of those individuals. Be real on your blog. Don’t just say what you think people want to hear, but also be sure to maintain a professional appearance.  

Name a few challenges you see or have experienced in the blogosphere.
I have seen bloggers treated badly by other bloggers – bullied even.  That is so not cool! I have also been talked badly about (and even unfriended) because I was friends with a person who was bullied.

What are your favorite and least favorite part(s) about blogging?
I love meeting the bloggers at the different blogging events. I also love the relationships that I’ve developed with the different brands and companies in the past few years. I never imagined having so many awesome companies approach me to check out their companies or products.  We have received so many blessings through The Mommy-Files!

What is the wackiest opportunity you have gotten since you started your blog?
The wackiest opportunity was this past year at BlogHer ’11. I was sponsored by 3M and I had the task of going around the conference and interviewing different people, asking them trivia questions about water. It was fun recording the different reactions and answers!

What are your top three blogging tips?

1. Be real. Don’t ever stop being who you are, because that is why your followers read your blog.
2. Share the love. I know things can get crazy busy, but make an effort to get to know other bloggers out there.  Make new friends and leave comments.
3. Don’t ever give up. I went through a period of time where I felt down and just didn’t feel like blogging. I recently became active on my blog again and forgot how much I enjoyed it and how much it helped me to get through life’s challenges.

What are you hoping will happen for you and your blog within the next year?
I hope to become an Ambassador with more companies and focus more on food and recipes this upcoming year. I also hope to publish more personal posts. I want to get back up to a Page Rank of 4 again and move up to a 5 eventually!

We love link back love! Please tell us 2 or 3 blogs you love, their URLs, and Twitter names.
Tanya – Mommy Goggles – @mommygoggles
Sheena – Sophistshe - @sheenatatum
Jennifer Leet – The Dirty T-Shirt - @jentifa

Thanks, Shannon! We love working with you!