Hi Mary! What’s the name of your blog?
The (Not) It Girl.
Where are you from?
Ocean City, New Jersey.
Tell us a little bit more about you and your blog, The (Not) It Girl.
I’ve been a freelance journalist for 35 years, and the industry has changed. I’m “prolific,” meaning I bang out five provocative blog posts a week, Monday through Friday, on topics ranging from relationships, life transitions, travel, sex, current issues and “Lux Redux,” which is anything from fashion, humor, makeup, and design. There is simply no outlet designed to let me write as much as I want and about what I want. The blog has been a God-send, and has garnered thousands of readers since October of 2020.
What’s been the hardest business lesson you’ve learned from blogging?
I still have been as of yet unable to make any money on my blog. I do not sell a product or provide a service, just excellent funny provocative writing. I am simply trying to garner enough readers in order to get my book published.
What does a typical work day for you look like?
I wakeup at 5:00 and make coffee. I post my day’s blog, then check my email and notifications. I do some reading and then start editing my next day’s blog. I meditate for 15-30 minutes, and by 7 I am out the door to go to the gym, and home by 9. Breakfast, French press coffee, then it’s time to really write, for 4-5 hours. I take a break for a late lunch, run errands, and the rest of the day is more writing, the news, and more reading and writing. I travel a lot, so this schedule varies.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out in the blog world?
Never ever try to hold back from your readers. They’ll know it, and catch you on it. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.
What do you think the blogging industry will look like in 5 years?
Like this, but even more saturated.
What’s been your favorite project, or post you’ve worked on?
I told the story about how I fled to Iceland after the death of my husband because my life was in shambles. I experienced a spiritual awakening in Iceland, and I came home transformed. I still had much to work on, but it was a beginning. It was tough to tell the story because I like to project an image of strength, but showing my readers my vulnerability resonated with them.
How do you stay inspired?
Daily life and activities, mostly humor.
How has blogging helped you in your day-to-day life or 9-5 life?
It helps chase the writing demons out. I am a college professor, so it is sometimes tough to keep my writing persona out of the classroom (some blogs can be provocative), but they are very separate lives.
Do you consider yourself a blogger or influencer at The (Not) It Girl?
Blogger. I want my readers to find solace and humor in my words, not with cheesy pictures.
Which social media platform do you wish you knew more about or spent more time on?
I have a Facebook for my blog, but it is run by a marketing team, and I have no idea what they’re up to. I don’t like FB, I wish I had more motivation to play around on it.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what’s the one cocktail you would bring with you to enjoy for the rest of time?
Gin and tonic.
What’s your favorite blogging hack or trick?
None. It’s all hard work, until I have a budget and a staff.
