VIP: Susan Heim

When I first started writing books, I wanted another way to reach out to my readers as I came across new information. With a blog, I can offer more content and be more current than I can with books. And it’s a great way to meet other parents, and share our wisdom and experience with each other.

Our Mom Central VIP: Susan Heim

blog: http://susanheim.blogspot.com/
kids: I have four sons. My oldest son is 21 and an engineering student. My 18-year-old is a senior in high school and will be attending college in the fall. And my twins are 7 and in first grade.
twitter: ParentingAuthor

1. What year did you start blogging?
I started my blog, Susan Heim on Parenting, in 2006.

2. Other than blogging and being a mother, do you work?
Yes, I work from home as a writer and an editor. I’ve written parenting books and several Chicken Soup for the Soul books. My next goal is to write a fiction book!

3. Why did you start your blog?
When I first started writing books, I wanted another way to reach out to my readers as I came across new information. With a blog, I can offer more content and be more current than I can with books. And it’s a great way to meet other parents, and share our wisdom and experience with each other.

4. What advice do you have for those starting out?
Be patient. It takes several years to build an audience for your blog. Make sure that you’re active on Twitter and Facebook and other social media sites. Some people will find your blog through Twitter; others will see one of your giveaways on online-sweepstakes.com. You have to go where the people are and not expect them to come to you.

5. Name a few challenges you see or have experienced in the blogosphere
Time (or lack of) is the biggest challenge for me and most bloggers, I think. As I said above, it’s important to be active online, but it’s also time-consuming. You have to make choices as to what efforts are worth your time. I could spend 24 hours a day on my computer if I wanted to. But it’s important to set priorities about what is most beneficial for your blog and your family.

6. What are your favorite and least favorite part(s) about blogging?

My favorite parts are meeting new friends online and trying new products. My least favorite part of blogging is the negativism and competition that I come across sometimes. For me, my only competition is myself. How can I do better than I’ve done before? As bloggers, we need to think of ourselves as professionals and act accordingly. We should support each other. Most of the time, that happens. But there are always a few bad apples in the bunch.

7. What is the wackiest opportunity you have gotten since you started your Blog?

I haven’t really received any “wacky” opportunities, but one thing I’ve always found wacky is trying to predict what will be popular with readers. For example, I might offer a really beautiful or enjoyable book in a giveaway, and it gets less than 100 entries. But then I’ll have a contest offering $5 gift cards for a fast food place, and there are hundreds of entries! To me, a wonderful book is the more valuable prize, but I seem to be in the minority sometimes.

8. What are your top three blogging tips?

1. Be active on Twitter.
2. Always be positive, helpful, and engaged.
3. Partner with great companies, like Mom Central, for product reviews!

9. What are you hoping will happen for you and your blog within the next year?

I’m hoping to attract more subscribers, as well as partner with exciting companies to bring great information and opportunities for my readers.

10. We love link back love! Please tell us 2 or 3 blogs you love and their URLs.

It’s really hard to narrow it down because there are so many wonderful blogs out there. But to me, these three really stand out:

• Kiddies Corner Deals: http://www.kiddiescornerdeals.com
• Frugal Plus: http://www.frugalplus.com
• Simply Stacie: http://www.simplystacie.net

Thanks Susan! We love working with you!