Friday, October 31, 2008

Someone I'd Like You to Meet: Stephanie Precourt from Adventures in Babywearing

Stephanie Precourt from Adventures in BabywearingI met Stephanie Precourt at BlogHer this summer and she's someone who can instantly make you feel comfortable with her friendly cheerfulness. Even with over eight months of pregnancy under her belt she looked great and was so fun to be around.

Married to her husband Jeff, she is mother to three boys (Noah, Carter and Grayson--and if you haven't read their family's story you should, it's really something) and she gave birth to her daughter Ivy in September. Besides blogging at Adventures in Babywearing she also is the managing editor at 5 Minutes for Parenting, writes at Close to Home, Mama Speaks and Chicago Moms Blog--which pretty much boggles my mind. What a load!

So with all of this going on she still found time to be the guest judge for this month's Write-Away Contest and answer a few questions from me. While this is just a taste of what Stephanie's like you'll have to read her fun blog to get an even better sampling.

You’re an editor and contributor at several different sites—how do you judge whether or not to take on a new assignment and how have you added new jobs to your plate?

I often leap before I look when it comes to writing, but most of my sites have been added slowly over time and none of them require me to post often except for my personal blog (Adventures In Babywearing). The others are weekly or a couple times a month, so that helps. As the managing editor of 5 Minutes For Parenting I do have some daily upkeep, but I also have very talented contributors that make my job quite easy. I will have to say that money helps me decide when taking a new job and I have learned when to say no. I feel very blessed to be able to do what I love and make some income from it!

With all of the writing and blogging how do you manage feelings of being overwhelmed? Do you ever feel that way? (Can you tell what's been on my mind lately?)

Just recently the feeling of being incredibly overwhelmed has happened more than usual, for the first time I am experiencing the price of being so exposed. On top of trying to keep up in the online world (as well as having a new baby) there is so much pressure to be connected in every way and learn more about social media and this and that. I have to remind myself to stay true to the voice I want to maintain and not worry about keeping up if it is going to stress me out. This is my passion and if it’s meant to be, then I won’t have to force it.

Maybe this is a dumb question but has it changed with a new baby around?

At first I thought I was doing awesome balancing it all, but after a few weeks it really hit me that I have to put my blogging on the back burner while I take care of myself and my new baby. I have appreciated this mandatory “slow down” period.

How does your husband fit into the picture, especially if you’re traveling or out of town?

He is awesome. I never attend an event unless he is able to be home with the kids. He has already scheduled his vacation so that I can go to BlogHer next year! He is extremely supportive of my blogging and reads my blog everyday.

What’s your favorite thing about blogging?

I think my favorite thing is having an outlet to release my thoughts and keep a journal of my adventures in motherhood and really finding out more about myself along the way. I love the give and take with other bloggers and finding people I really “click” with (no pun intended).

What’s your least favorite?

My least favorite thing about blogging is the fear that I will offend someone. I always hope people read what I write as my own personal thoughts and not as critical opinions of how others should be or live. There is anxiety to keep up and never miss out on anything in the blog world so I won’t fall behind. If you are too caught up in all of that, then you won’t be able to fully live life, and then what is there to write about?
In regards to blogging, at what point did you decide “I love this?”

I think I was hooked from the very beginning. I’ve always been a writer, and it was fun carving my own space on the internet. Once the comments started rolling in though, I must say that helped!

Do you have any advice for beginning bloggers? How about those who’d like to turn professional?

I always advise new bloggers to comment, comment, comment. Get out and read other blogs, make friends, and leave a comment so they know who you are. If they want to go professional, I recommend establishing good content and traffic and attend blogging events. And above all, be yourself. We read because we want to know the real you, and it’s so easy to tell when someone is faking it.

Do you have outside interests besides blogging? What do you do in your spare time if you have a quiet afternoon?

I really love to nap. I try to take one every day. I also spend a lot of time taking care of the household and four kids. I enjoy every moment with them. As for hobbies, I love to shop, knit, and read. And one of my very favorite things to do is going to dinner with my friends.

How do you define success? Both as a mom and as a blogger?

I think I would define it as feeling content and fulfilled from the inside out.

Do you have any pet peeves about blogging?

I am always editing, so I notice misspellings and when words are used incorrectly. I also hate when bloggers start drama. Ugh.

What do you wish you’d known about blogging at the beginning that you know now?

I wish I had known more about the technical things like Technorati and site statistics, etc. I came in kinda late on all of that!

Sponsored by Beauty Products Compared--Looking for the best wrinkle cream? Search the reviews.

Technorati tags: contests, blogging

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

"...feeling content and fulfilled from the inside out."

I love Stephanie's definition of success :).

A wonderful interview that tackles some of the thoughts I've been processing about blogging and how it fits into my life. Your interviews always introduce your readers to some fantastic writers/bloggers, and give me reason to think just a little bit more. Thanks!

:)

Chrisbookarama said...

Great questions and answers. I've felt overwhelmed with blogging lately too. It can be time consuming and addictive!

carrhop said...

I started to read Stephanie a few months ago and just love the tone she has been able to strike in being both upbeat and real.

Great interview, fun to learn more about one of my favorite blog authors!
Blessings!

Munchkins and Music said...

Wow, that is pretty amazing! Stephanie does it all!

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

I must say these were some of the best interview questions I've ever been asked!

Steph

Miche said...

I love Steph too-she really inspired me to make my blog a great outlet for myself rather than just a now and then thing-and I am so glad, because sometimes when the kids are CRAZY getting on my blog and connecting with other moms is the only adult contact I get in a day before the hubby gets home. Thanks for the interview; those were fun questions and answers!

Anonymous said...

Great interview - she's sounds fabulous.

Kim said...

I am de-lurking from my Google Reader to "comment, comment, comment." Thank you for this interview. I am always interested in how the Big Girl Bloggers manage everything. I can totally relate to her "least favorite thing about blogging," as I find myself battling that same fear myself. Good insight.

[Stacia] said...

I will definitely be visiting Stephanie's blog! I was very impressed.

Musings of a Housewife said...

I feel like I know Steph pretty well, and I've met her in person, and I can say that she is exactly who she appears to be online. Thanks for this candid Q&A! :-)

Kim @ What's That Smell said...

Steph is great, thanks for the interview!

Mimi's Toes said...

I must say that I am so proud of Stephanie, and you ask why? Well, I am her mom. From the second she was born and her eyes met mine, I knew that God had a plan for her life and it was going to be BIG. She amazes me and I as her mom have learned so much from her. This was a great interview and has me beaming with pride.

Heather said...

This was a great interview! I'm always inspired by Steph and have learned so much from her over the past couple of years (She was one of the first blogs I read!).

Beck said...

Hey, a blogger I love being interviewed by a blogger I love! Awesome.
And Steph, we share the same hobby. Napping is GREAT.

Katina Sharp said...

Great interview, Steph. I read you every day and think you do a great job juggling everything!

Patois42 said...

I really liked this interview. With all she does, it's like she is Superwoman.