In preparation for She Speaks at the end of this week, here’s another Straight from the Heart interview with Melanie from Big Mama. She’ll be presenting with Sophie and Shannon in some bloggy sessions I’m so looking forward to. Honestly she deserves a better introduction than this, but Doodle has consistently been talking for the last 15 minutes and I can’t concentrate! So on with the good stuff

When you started blogging, did you have a purpose for your blog? Has that purpose changed since the beginning? How?

I started blogging because I thought it was a great way to remember this stage of life. Caroline was two and said or did something funny every day. I didn’t want to forget any of it.

My purpose has ultimately stayed the same. I want it to be a record of our lives that she can look at when she gets older, but it’s also become a huge outlet for me because of the community I’ve found that is so supportive.

Have you always been open about your faith? Or reserved about sharing? Intentionally? Unintentionally?

I’ve always been open about my faith. I don’t write about it in every post, but I hope that it comes through in who I am and how I respond in different situations.

Any tips you’d give new bloggers?

Be careful what you put out there. The internet is FOREVER.

Do you share information about your children? Do they realize you blog about them?

I definitely share information about my daughter. She knows about the blog and will even say something and tell me “That needs to go on the blog!” I’m sure as she gets older I will be more and more careful about what I write about her. I would never write anything that would embarrass her or share more than what she is willing to share.

Do you feel obligated to respond to every one who leaves a comment on your blog? Have you ever been overwhelmed by comments?

I try my best to respond to at least a few comments every day. I don’t ever feel overwhelmed by them. I love them! I honestly think they’re the best part of the blog. My readers are so smart and funny!

Have you ever had to deal with rude or negative comments on your blog? If so, how did you deal with them?

Yes. Unless the comment is completely offensive then I just leave it up. I usually choose to just ignore them unless I feel that they have misunderstood my point.

Are there any bloggers you met online first and then in person? Was it strange or different meeting them in person than reading their blogs?

I’ve met Sophie and Shannon in person after reading their blogs for over a year. It didn’t feel strange at all, but rather like being with old friends. They are just as funny and genuine in person as they are online.

Do you have your testimony written? Have you considered sharing your testimony on your blog?

I shared my testimony on my blog back in October of 2006. I may post it again one of these days because I didn’t have very many readers back then.

How do you decide when to respond or ignore questions, comments or calls for interviews?

Honestly, I don’t get that many requests for interviews or anything. I do my best to respond to every email or offer I receive. I love that people take the time to contact me.

How are you feeling about the sessions your going to be leading at She Speaks? Pumped? Nervous? Prepared? Winging it?

I’m excited. If you had asked me a week ago I would have said I was totally unprepared but I spent the weekend planning out my portion of the session and am ready. Most of all, I’m excited to meet all the fellow bloggers who will be there! I can’t wait to put names with faces.