Worth Casing Blog Spotlight | Essentially Jess

essentiallyjess-blog-buttonThere’s a fine line between being authentic and over sharing when it comes to blogging, even more so when you are blogging about your family. Our latest Worth Casing Aussie blogger Jess Newman from Essentially Jess, definitely leads the way when it comes to being authentic. Jess’s IBOT (I blog on Tuesday) link up has an impressive following and it’s easy to see why Essentially Jess resonates with so many people.

 

How long have you been blogging for and why did you start?

 

I started three years ago, and it was basically because I wanted to get my name out a little bit before I published my book Diary of a SAHM. I didn’t count on blogging being so addictive though, and it’s brought just as much satisfaction as writing the book did, so I’ve kept going.

 

diaryofasahm cover

 

Tell us a bit about your blog and what we can expect to see in 2014?

 

I guess by definition I fall into the ‘parenting/lifestyle’ blogger category, and I do write about parenting from time to time as well as my life. Mostly I seem to alternate between random, (hopefully) humorous thoughts, deep introspective ponderings about life, and a healthy, and occasionally not so healthy, amount of self deprecation. My goal in writing is to live by my tag line ‘authentic, hopeful, crazy,’ and you can expect to see more of that in 2014.

 

 

Do you have a favourite place or dedicated space for blogging?

 

Does the corner of the couch count? 😉

In other words, not really. I write where I am when the inspiration hits me. A great many posts have been hastily drafted on my iphone in the most random of places.

 

 

What are your must have tools and resources when it comes to blogging?

 

My iphone, ipad and Macbook. I use all three pretty much constantly,  and occasionally at the same time.

 

 

Have you ever experienced blogger’s block and what are your top tips for when it strikes?

 

Yep all the time.

For me it usually happens when there is something I need to write that I just can’t give words to. Or that I’m afraid to write. If I can sit down and hash that out, I can usually get past it and the ideas start flowing again.

It’s getting passed it that is often the tricky part though.

 

 

What have been your blogging highlights and biggest challenges?

 

The highlight is easily the community of people I’ve been blessed to ‘meet’ through blogging. IBOT in particular is great for encouraging me to mingle (in a way) with people who think differently from me, and come from such different walks of life.

 

ibotbutton

 

The biggest challenge is probably finding the line between oversharing and being authentic, especially when it comes to the kids.

 

 

Who inspires you and what’s on your Worth Casing list when it comes to other bloggers?

 

My all time favourite blogger is an American chick called ‘Jamie the very worst missionary,’ who is a hilarious but also so incredibly real.

Locally I’m a huge fan of the cleverness of Twitchy Corner, the humour of Melbourne Mum, and the gorgeous heart of The Bumpiest Path.

 

 

What advice would you give to anyone that is thinking about starting a blog of their own?

 

Bloggers read blogs, so join in with community link ups and meet other people.

And be you. There is room for everyone but only if everyone is being who they are and not trying to be someone else.

 

There’s a degree of responsibility that comes with blogging; there’s a chance that people will follow your advice or take your opinion seriously. It’s so important to be careful about the way you conduct yourself on line, and the things that you promote either purposefully or unknowingly. I think we all have a social responsibility to not only be the best people we can be, but encourage others to do the same, so I’m always trying to keep that in mind.

 

 

If you weren’t in the business of blogging what would you be doing?

 

More housework? 😉

I don’t know honestly. I think I would be writing something. I just can’t imagine not writing. 🙂

 

 

WorthCasingBB

 

More ways to CASE

Essentially Jess

Diary of a SAHM | Facebook | Twitter

 

 

About Mystery Case 462 Articles
Follow Raychael aka Mystery Case on her mystery adventures 'casing' people, products and places to bring you her worth casing favourites.

10 Comments

  1. Essentially Jess is one of my go to blogs when I need some parental inspiration. The book is a great read and every mum can either relate to it or be encouraged by Jess’s heart for her children. I’m surprised Jess’s blog hasn’t been mystery cased earlier! 🙂

  2. I never tire reading about Jess, or in this case, reading Jess’ words. She was one of the very first blogs I visited when I stareted to blog myself and perhaps is one of the few blogs I read every single week today. A good heart, a good soul and a little bit of humour mixed up perfectly with a connection to all that is greater – what more could you ask for in Jess? Josefa #teamIBOT

  3. Aww Jess (shucks) I’ve only just had a chance to see this. You are a definite case worth casing, always there for others and doubly there for your kids and man. Everyone should drop by Essentially Jess, it’s a prescription order for a get well boost.

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