Genny lives in California with her husband and two kids, where she balances writing with motherhood and loves both. She’s an author, blogger, book reviewer and coffee lover. Stop by her blog, MyCup2Yours, and share a cup!
What inspired the title of your blog?
I love getting together with friends over coffee and sharing what’s going on in our lives. When I started MyCup2Yours, that was my thought; I wanted to create a place where people could get together and “share a cup,” finding encouragement, tips, and inspiration.
What can readers expect to find when visiting your blog for the first time?
Hopefully a comfortable place they can settle in, feel at home, connect with real-life stories about being a mom, and find helpful parenting articles or other tips about writing, books, food, health, family, faith, and friendship!
You are actually quite an accomplished writer. Can you share some of your favorite sites to contribute to?
You are sweet. Writing has become such a part of me; I can’t not write. I especially love taking everyday experiences or snippets of life and putting them into words. (Words are so powerful!)
Some of my favorite sites to contribute to? I’ve been writing / editing for www.5MinutesforFaith.com for a couple years now and I love that site (it’s a sister site to www.5MinutesforMom.com). I’ve also shared part of my personal story (about my struggle with an eating disorder when I was in college) over at www.(in)courage.me, another very inspiring site. www.Mamapedia.com is another place some of my posts have been published and it’s a really good website for moms. I also love writing for www.SacramentoParent.com, a great online resource and print magazine for both moms and dads.
What inspired you to jump into the world of social media to begin with?
When I first started MyCup2Yours, I had been writing specifically in the children’s genre for years, but every once in a while, an idea for a parenting article or story would pop into my head. I’d get on the computer, write it out, and file it away, not sure if I’d ever do anything with it.
Then, a few years ago, as I got more involved in mentor programs for moms and parenting groups, I felt a strong pull on my heart to dig those articles out. A friend of mine with online experience recommended I start a blog and post my writings there. So that’s what I did. MyCup2Yours began with a few parenting stories and articles, but when I saw the response and how many moms were finding connection and support online, I jumped in with both feet. And I’m so glad I did! I truly appreciate the friendships and connections I’ve made through blogging, and the doors that is has opened. It has been an amazing journey.
What advice can you share with bloggers who want to make money writing for a variety of sites?
Just start. Don’t be afraid to send writing samples or submissions to websites or magazines that you’d like to write for. And write because you love it, not to make money. It’s a tough industry, although there are many freelance opportunities out there. My recommendation would be to pick a specific area of expertise that you want to write about (parenting, gardening, cooking, etc.) and start with detailed research to find websites or magazines that pay for articles in that area.
Investigate which sites/magazines are looking for submissions, target your submissions to the appropriate ones, and be open to writing for free at first; it can be a great way to get your name out there and build your resume. Even things like writing for a local newsletter or guest-posting on someone’s blog can give you valuable experience and exposure. I talk to people all the time who say they wish they could write something… someday. I say start now, even if it’s just ten minutes a day, or an hour a week. You never know where it will lead!
Go have a virtual cup with Genny at My Cup2Yours today and spread the comment love on some other popular posts:
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This is a great blog! Hope every is having a great day!
Jenny recently posted..Pick Your Plum for May 16th grab it quickly!
That’s a great blog out there! Love the idea of sharing over a cuppa, that’s what all women need
Amrita recently posted..I live with a monster
Love the name of the blog! What a good idea.
Deidre recently posted..Inspector Climates first blog post
Love it! It’s like having a coffee date with a girlfriend!!
Happy Monday everyone!
Vanessa recently posted..When The TV Fell On Chicky
Twitter: greatfun4kids
says:
Wow. I am very excited to go visit this blog
And also check out those sites she mentioned – what she is doing is what i dream of doing.
I’ve managed to get a regular writing spot in a printed parenting magazine (here in NZ) which I LOVE doing (so exciting seeing my work on paper)
I’ve been wondering how to find online magazines I could potentially contribute to as well.
Thanks so much – Mycup2yours looks FAB!
PS – is there any way to find out how far down the queue we are for our SITS feature day??
Simone recently posted..Off the Wire in a Ditch
Thanks, Simone! And congratulations on your regular writing spot in print! Good for you!!!
Genny recently posted..So excited to be at SITS!
Twitter: thesatevepot
says:
Looking forward to checking it out…
The Lucky Wife recently posted..Kicked Up Crock Pot Cubed Steak
She’s a great blogger! Loved snooping around and linking to other places from her blog!
Oh! I have always liked Genny! I think she is the coolest! : )
Life with Kaishon recently posted..We are each of us angels with only one wing- and we can only fly by embracing one another Luciano de Crescenzo
Can’t wait to have more time to start submitting articles for publication
Going over to check out today’s FB!
Jen recently posted..Bending
Off to check her out…she seems pretty cool.
Melissa @ Completely Eclipsed recently posted..30 Before 30
Twitter: teacher_viviene
says:
Hey! Happy SITS Day! =D
http://www.theblogforbrides.com
http://www.journeyofawoman.wordpress.com
Great advice! Looking forward to checking out Genny’s blog!
Melanie recently posted..Homemade Microwave Popcorn
You are very inspiring
“Just Do It” is a motto that I have learned to live by just recently. Just taking the first step can be the hardest. And you’re right, you never know where it may lead!
Jen-MamaZen recently posted..Fashion Friday- Morning Glory
What an awesome blog! I’m looking forward to visiting Genny every Monday!
Lisa recently posted..It’s Sunday…so it’s cupcakes
Thanks for the freelance tips! It’s something I’m somewhat involved in already, but I love to get more and more advice.
Amanda recently posted..I Made It! Monday Linky Week 20
This is so encouraging. Thanks
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Love the photos and writing advice!
Hatton recently posted..Organic Baby Clothes giveaway
Very interesting, I always wondered how people got into that type of writing.
As a coffee addict, this title totally appeals to me!
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Twitter: Simplywebly
says:
Great blog and happy sits day
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Better late than never-I’m here! Going to check her out!
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Hi, just wanted to wish you the best on your blog! Beautiful photographs! Love Dorangela
Genny, I’m so excited to check out your blog. In Australia we call this having a “cuppa” – not just a literal cup of coffee/tea, but also a chat and connecting point.
adriel recently posted..10 simple ways to lend a hand to stranded moms
I love her coffee theme. I wish I had come up with a name with my love for coffee in it!
Going over to say hi.
Tammy recently posted..Weekend Wrap Up – May 13th-14th
This reminds me, I need to make a pot of coffee!
Glad to see a fellow freelance writer!
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Twitter: GrandmasBriefs
says:
Love the “just start” advice! Off to visit your surely awesome blog!
Lisa @ Grandma’s Briefs recently posted..Letter to my only grandson
I love coffee too.
Twitter: dinade
says:
Great name for your blog! Love to meet and have a cuppa!
Wow, it’s nice to meet a writer like Genny
SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime recently posted..Recognition Day Thursday – Projects That Make You Scream WOW!
Love the title of this blog!
Lovely – I can’t wait to head on over…