I’m blessed to share the second Straight from the Heart interview today. If you missed the first one with Marybeth Whalen, go read it and then come back here. Back? Good.

Shannon is probably one of the most popular bloggers I know (not personally know — just virtually know). God nudged her to get out of her comfort zone and go to Africa, and she has been able to do so much good through that trip and her blog. Now, she’s gotten a writing gig with BlogHer and a speaking gig with She Speaks. It’s definitely a God-thang that she agreed to be interviewed for my little ol’ site here — so Thanks God!

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

Initially, it was just to start writing again, after years of…well, NOT writing. I still love the writing part, but being apart of the mom blogging community has become a huge part of it for me. I treasure that.

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

I think there is more than one way to honor Christ in your blogging (as there is in all aspects of life). I seek to glorify him; though at different stages in my blogging that has looked different.

Any tips you’d give new bloggers?

Write well and often. Be an active participant in the blogging community (which is actually the topic I’ll be covering at the conference). Don’t try to imitate another blogger; just find your own voice. And don’t take yourself too seriously.

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

Absolutely. My blog is sort of a family affair—the kids and my husband are always offering up blog tips for me! Anytime I write about my husband or, in particular, my two older kids (who are nearing the pre-teen/teen years) I read it to them first. More than once, they’ve asked me not to post something, and I respected that. I think it is profoundly important that a mother respect her children (and her husband) on her blog. Sometimes the easy, funny joke may not be something they’ll wanting a future employer to read someday. I’d definitely recommend that moms use fake names for their children. I do this, because GOOGLE IS FOREVER. I am not to embarrass them, but if I ever do, at least their name won’t show up in a Google search.

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

I did, earlier in my blogging, and that’s a great way for new bloggers to develop a readership and sense of community. At some point, it becomes impractical to do, unfortunately. I read every single comment, and I respond to as many of them as I can.

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

Oh honey, we need to sit down and TALK. Yes, I’ve had plenty of creepy/weird/critical situations arise due to blogging, and frankly, it just comes with the territory. I think most bloggers encounter this at some point, and you just have to not take it personally (easier said than done). I try to remind myself how much grace has been poured out to me, and it makes it a little easier to shrug these things off.

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 been so blessed to meet several bloggers in person. It’s so much fun! I’ve already met Sophie and Melanie, and they are both just exactly in real life like they are on their blogs. Y’all are going to love them.

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

I have, though for the life of me I don’t think I could point you to the link…

{Editor’s Note: I’ll be sure to dig this up so I can share here!}

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

It’s just a case-by-case basis, and it’s actually one of the hardest parts of blogging. You desperately want to respond to everything—they’re all wonderful causes—but you also have to be a good steward of your own (and your family’s) time, as well as your limited space on your blog. I’ve written more about it here.

How do you balance blogging and your other activities? Does blogging take up a lot of your time?

This is my biggest struggle, honestly. It takes up a huge amount of time and energy. It’s a part-time job for me, now, which makes it easier to justify the time it takes, but it’s still a constant balancing act.

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

I’m so excited. I’m not a huge fan of public speaking, but it’s so much fun to talk about blogging! The first session will be pretty tightly prepared (simply because we have massive amounts of information to cover in such a short time). The second session is Q&A, and we’ll be winging it.

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Thank you so much Shannon for sharing! I’m excited about meeting you, Sophie and Melanie at She Speaks. I hope to bring a lot more information here from y’all!

I’ve got three more interviews setup with some other bloggers, but if there’s someone you’d like to see me interview — or if you would like to be interviewed, give me a shout. Thanks for stopping by and have an awesome weekend!