Name: Debbie Anderson
Blog Name: San Diego Momma
Blog Address: http://sandiegomomma.com
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Share your brief bio:
I’m a freelance writer/editor, book lover, and hopeful author of a middle-grade fantasy novel. I write for a variety of outlets including SavvySource.com and Vitals.com. I’m a partner in the video company, Two Funny Brains. We write and produce brand videos that speak to women.
Tell us a little about your family.
I’m a 44-year-old (HOLY CRAP) mother to two girls, ages 6 and 8. I’m married to a Rock. He is stable and strong. I am not.
How do you prioritize time between your family and your blog?
The truth is, I’m horrible at prioritization. I unfortunately have no good answer for this, other than: your blog will always be there, your kids will not. Just tell me to shut up now, because I do not heed my own advice.
How do you relax?
I read and browse the Web for fun, NOT work.
When did you start your blog?
I began blogging in 2001 at the blog-that-shall-not-be-named (I was WAY too personal on that blog). I began San Diego Momma in 2007 to be just as personal, but with more fictional names.
Why did you start blogging?
To write. Always and forever, to write. It’s my passion. Blogging kept me accountable to writing for others than just myself.
How did you choose your blog name?
I choose San Diego Momma because (wait for it) I was a mom from San Diego. I never gave it too much thought. And ironically? It was this quick decision that led to major SEO and opportunities, because the name was eminently searchable. I had no idea.
What keeps you motivated and inspired to blog?
My need to express. There is nothing else. If I don’t “feel” the need to share, I don’t.
Where do you see your blog and yourself in 5 years?
I want to CREATE stuff. I want my voice and my writing to make me money. I will always maintain San Diego Momma, because its only purpose is to allow me to share my truth and express myself, nothing more. However, I plan to leverage my blog into other areas, like Two Funny Brains, and the web series (BlogTHAT!) I wrote with my friend, Jessica Bern. I want to take my need to write and parlay it into moneymaking (don’t we all?).
Biggest life lesson learned since blogging?
People are not always who they portray themselves to be.
What is your secret to success?
Two words: KEEP GOING.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you first started blogging?
What you write online will always be out there, you git.
All bloggers encounter writer’s block. How do you get past this?
I don’t always. BUT, I write just the same. I just show up at the cursor and write. Because in the end, who am I writing for? Me.
What has been your sweetest success story?
Meeting my best sister-friend, Jessica, through blogging. We recognized that we were kindred spirits and launched a variety of projects together that we hope will illuminate the world of blogging while poking gentle fun at it.
What has been your most popular posts?
About annoying social media types
About body image
About my depression
Me in a bathing suit, God help us all!
Who are some of your favorite California bloggers that inspire you and that you enjoy reading?
I love Ginger at Ramble Ramble and Maggie at Flux Capacitor. Of course, I love my sister wife’s blog. She’s one of the funniest women I’ve ever met.
How long have you lived in California?
I have a long and complex history with California. I moved back and forth for years (starting in 1968 when I was born in Oakland). My dad moved the family between states for years and I lived in different NoCal and SoCal cities and in Chicago and Denver and etc., etc., throughout my childhood and adulthood. I lived in LA when I met my soon-to-be husband in 1997 and moved to San Diego for good in 1998.
Where is your favorite relaxation location in California?
Rancho Bernardo Inn
Do you belong to any other social media networks to promote your blog?
I belong to Facebook groups, but other than that? No.
Have you attended any social media conferences? If so, which ones? I’ve gone to BlogHER twice (BlogHer ’10 and BlogHer ’11), Creative Alliance twice (in 2010 and 2012) and Bloggy Boot Camp once (in San Diego in March 2011).
(If yes above ~ What was the most helpful thing that you have learned from attending a conference?)
Life is a series of events, and success doesn’t happen overnight.
Share your favorite quote or inspirational thought:
I’m sorry to keep pounding this into your brains, but KEEP GOING. Things don’t fail, people quit.
Tell us something that most people would be surprised to learn about you.
I’m a Republican – in the fiscal sense, not the social sense (I’m still imagining everyone hating me now.)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We’re all in this together. Let’s support, not subvert.
Do you send out a monthly newsletter? How can we get on your mailing list if we are interested in more information?
Nope. I’m not that organized (read: creative, crazy personality).
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