August 28, 2015

Blogger Interview with Sherry Ellis from Mama Diaries


With the start of a new school year, I thought it was the perfect time to interview Sherry Ellis. Her blog is called Mama Diaries and all of her posts feature cute stories about her kids. Sometimes her pets even get in on the shenanigans. 

 Let’s chat with her! :)


1. Hi, Sherry! Can you tell us about your blog Mama Diaries?

Mama Diaries began in 2010. It’s pretty much a daily account of the goofy things that happen in my life as a mom. It started as a way to capture all the memories of my children’s childhood, so that I could share it with them when they’re older. I also thought it might be nice for readers of my books to get to know a little about me on a personal level. I never thought I’d get to meet so many awesome writers and bloggers by doing it!

2. I truly enjoy your funny and often heartwarming posts. Do your kids know you share the funny things they say and do on your blog? If so, have they ever asked you not to share something?

Yes, they do. And yes, there have been many times they’ve asked me not to share things. On quite a few occasions, after something funny happens, one of the kids will follow with, “You’d better not blog about that!” I respect their wishes. You probably notice there are not a lot of posts about my teenaged daughter. That’s the reason.


3. All teenaged girls like their privacy. What was your very first blog post?

My very first blog post was on March 2, 2010. It was aptly named, “The Beginning.” You can find it here:  http://sherryellis.blogspot.com/2010/03/beginning.html

5. For those who may not read your posts, can you tell us a little about your kids? And your dog, Schultz, who often makes an appearance?

I have two kids – an eleven-year old son (Bubba), and a fourteen-year-old daughter. They are both great kids – very smart and creative. Bubba, who is the main subject of my posts, has an amazing imagination. His way of seeing the world is quite entertaining. Then there’s the dog – Schultz. He’s our hundred pound German Shepherd. When he was a puppy, there were more stories about him, because he was always in trouble. Now, not so much. But every now and then he’ll do something crazy that I have to share. (He never objects to my posts!)

6. What are the top 5 most-viewed posts on your blog?

Online Marketing Symposium

Guest Author, Virginia Wright

No Rest for the Mama

Lost Youth

Sunshine Award and Guest Blog Post

7. What do you love most about parenting?

A parent-child bond is really special. I’ve been able to watch my children grow and experience life. I’ve seen their personalities and interests unfold. I’ve been there through their ups and downs. That bond that we share is what I like best.

8. Share your number one tip to bloggers just starting out.

Get involved with the blogging community. Find bloggers and start commenting on their blogs. Pretty soon you’ll be building relationships, and you’ll have some terrific new friends.


Hyper Round:

1. Favorite time to post blogs? 1:00 PM
2. Blogger or Wordpress? Blogger
3. Do you host guests? Yes
4. Where are you when you’re blogging? At my home computer




BIO:

Sherry Ellis is a freelance writer and award-winning children’s author.  Her books include Ten Zany Birds, That Mama is a Grouch, and That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN!
     
Sherry is also a professional musician who plays and teaches violin, viola, and piano. She has appeared as a soloist in Germany and was a semi-finalist in the 2004 International Viola Competition in Paris, France.

Sherry lives with her husband and two children in Atlanta, Georgia.

You can learn more about Sherry Ellis on her website, www.sherryellis.org.


LINKS:
Twitter / Facebook / Website / Amazon / Blog


Thank you for answering my questions, Sherry! I’d love to have you back as a guest any time!

Please leave a comment for Sherry! :)


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78 comments:

  1. sherry fundinAugust 28, 2015 at 7:35 AM

    Wow, Sherry, sounds like you are a busy and talented lady. It is nice to meet you. I will be visiting you momentarily. :-)
    sherry @ fundinmental

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisAugust 28, 2015 at 7:51 AM

      Thanks for stopping by! Yes, I'm extremely busy. I need to figure out how to clone myself, because I really could use about five of me! ;0)

      Delete
  2. Alex J. CavanaughAugust 28, 2015 at 7:39 AM

    And it's fun that Bubba is now answering questions for us.
    Getting involved and making friends is definitely the key.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisAugust 28, 2015 at 7:52 AM

      I'm sure readers have enjoyed many of Bubba's answers. The blogging community is very supportive. I've made a lot of great friends through being involved with it.

      Delete
    2. Chrys FeyAugust 28, 2015 at 12:30 PM

      Yes, I was very honored that he answered my question. ;)

      Delete
  3. Sherry EllisAugust 28, 2015 at 7:50 AM

    Thanks so much for having me as a guest, Chrys!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chrys FeyAugust 28, 2015 at 12:30 PM

      You're very welcome, Sherry! Sorry I'm late. This is the earliest I was able to get on. I had a lot of errands this morning.

      Delete
  4. Pat HattAugust 28, 2015 at 9:45 AM

    Bubba and the animal crew sure provide plenty of material to blog about haha and yep, the more on is involved the more fun they will have in blogland

    ReplyDelete
  5. Christine RainsAugust 28, 2015 at 10:05 AM

    Wonderful interview! I love reading Sherry's blog. It never fails to make me laugh. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Shady Del KnightAugust 28, 2015 at 10:06 AM

    Hi, Chrys! Hi, Sherry!

    Point #8 is key. A new blogger on the radar is a friendship waiting to happen. By putting yourself out there, in play, giving as much or more than you take, you multiply your chances of finding satisfying friendships, each with the potential to last a lifetime. I am very grateful to Sherry for taking a chance on me. Actually, Sherry and I were like old friends even before we met. For four years she and I had been blogging in the same circle and reading each other's comments on the blogs of mutual friends. Recently we finally started following each other. I think Sherry will agree that it has been a rewarding experience. In a blog world filled with aggressive, in-your-face types, I appreciate Sherry's laid back temperament. I love her subtle sense of humor revealed in the anecdotes she shares. I have come to know and care about her family. Sherry is an asset to the blogging community and I am honored to have her as a friend.

    Thank you, dear Chrys, and thank you, dear Sherry!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisAugust 28, 2015 at 11:30 AM

      Shady, I just want to give you a big hug! You and your wonderful comments just made my day! I am honored to have you as a friend. It's people like you who make blogging such an enjoyable experience!

      Delete
    2. Chrys FeyAugust 28, 2015 at 12:33 PM

      Hi, Shady! Thank you for stopping by and for leaving a wonderful comment. I enjoyed reading about your lovely relationship with Sherry. Sherry's blog is great. If I'm stressed, her humorous stories make me laugh and release so me of that stress.

      Delete
  7. UnknownAugust 28, 2015 at 10:18 AM

    yes to #8!! I was a little shy at first so it took me time but I didn't realize how rewarding putting yourself out there could be :) so glad I did, I've met great ppl!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisAugust 28, 2015 at 11:31 AM

      It's really nice to connect with people you wouldn't normally meet. I'm so glad you've had great experiences with the blogging world!

      Delete
    2. Chrys FeyAugust 28, 2015 at 12:34 PM

      The two of you are on the top of my list of favorite blogging peeps. :D

      Delete
  8. Murees DupèAugust 28, 2015 at 10:45 AM

    Sherry is amazing and her posts are always entertaining.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisAugust 28, 2015 at 11:31 AM

      Thanks, Murees! I really appreciate your comment, and all the others you leave on my blog. I'm glad our paths have crossed!

      Delete
    2. Chrys FeyAugust 28, 2015 at 12:34 PM

      I agree. Thanks for visiting, Murees! :)

      Delete
  9. Rachna ChhabriaAugust 28, 2015 at 11:03 AM

    I just love Sherry's funny posts. She sure is a busy lady :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisAugust 28, 2015 at 11:32 AM

      Thanks, Rachna! Yes, I am very busy. I can barely keep track of myself! :)

      Delete
    2. Chrys FeyAugust 28, 2015 at 12:35 PM

      Sherry's posts are the best! :)

      Delete
  10. Suzanne FurnessAugust 28, 2015 at 12:55 PM

    Great interview. Whenever you drop by Sherry's blog there is always something to make you smile. Family life is never dull!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisAugust 28, 2015 at 2:22 PM

      You are right about family life never being dull!

      Delete
  11. Hilary Melton-ButcherAugust 28, 2015 at 1:38 PM

    Hi Chrys and Sherry ... good see you both together - interviewing and letting us into a little more background about your kids and Schultzy dog .. I love Sherry's Garden posts and always check in there.

    Cheers to you both - and that musical ability is just brilliant - cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisAugust 28, 2015 at 2:23 PM

      Nice to see you here, Hilary! Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
    2. Chrys FeyAugust 28, 2015 at 5:33 PM

      Hi, Hilary! I love reading her stories about her kids and Schultz, and I had a feeling everyone would enjoy a bit more background on both. :)

      Delete
  12. Yolanda RenéeAugust 28, 2015 at 1:46 PM

    Your posts are always heartfelt and sweet, Sherry, and such a great way to share the experience. Wish I'd had something like that when mine were young. Although, maybe now I should post about the boomerang experience. I can't get rid of them (uh, I mean I still can't say no) LOL
    I especially love when the dog is involved in your posts, too funny, and oh so typical. Congrats on all your success.
    Great interview as always Chrys!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisAugust 28, 2015 at 2:24 PM

      Thanks, Yolanda! I wonder if I'm going to have the boomerang experience in about ten years. ;0)

      Delete
    2. Chrys FeyAugust 28, 2015 at 5:33 PM

      Thanks, Yolanda!

      Delete
  13. Lisa ThomsonAugust 28, 2015 at 2:08 PM

    Hi Sherry, your blog sounds like so much fun!! I'm going over there to check it out. I agree with your #8 answer. It's surprising the relationships that are built around blogging (like with Chrys!). Nice interview, Chrys.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisAugust 28, 2015 at 2:24 PM

      I think blogging is a great way to connect with people. And there seems to be a lot of writers. It's nice to learn from each other, too.

      Delete
    2. Chrys FeyAugust 28, 2015 at 5:34 PM

      Blogging is a great way to connect with people. :)

      Delete
  14. Beverly Stowe McClureAugust 28, 2015 at 2:33 PM

    Great interview, ladies. So nice to meet you, Sherry. Wonderful idea to blog about things your children do. I can see where they might object to posting some things. Makes for interesting reading.
    Have a nice weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chrys FeyAugust 28, 2015 at 5:34 PM

      Thanks for visiting and commenting, Beverly! Have a great weekend. :)

      Delete
    2. Sherry EllisAugust 29, 2015 at 11:24 AM

      My kids are certainly entertaining, and I'm sure a lot of people enjoy reading their antics. Thanks for visiting. Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  15. Deanie Humphrys-DunneAugust 28, 2015 at 2:59 PM

    Very nice interview, Sherry! As you know, I love your blog, too. It's always fun to find out what's happening at your house..)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisAugust 29, 2015 at 11:24 AM

      Thanks for stopping by, Deanie. There's never a dull moment at my place!

      Delete
  16. diedre KnightAugust 28, 2015 at 4:28 PM

    Oh this was outstanding! Sherry I thoroughly enjoyed the interview and was truly amazed at the ease in which you share your life with such impressive expression! Loved every one of your 'sample' blogs and hope you don't mind if I hang around for more! Everyone should smile this much:-)
    Lady Chrys, you hit it out of the park once again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chrys FeyAugust 28, 2015 at 5:35 PM

      Lady Chrys. I like the little nicknames you make for me. :D Thanks for being you! You make blogging more fun. I look forward to your comments every time. :)

      Delete
    2. diedre KnightAugust 28, 2015 at 7:10 PM

      Ha! Bless your heart :-) I look forward to your blogs every time!

      Delete
    3. Sherry EllisAugust 29, 2015 at 11:25 AM

      Thank you so much, Diedre! I'm glad you enjoyed the sample posts!

      Delete
  17. Hart JohnsonAugust 28, 2015 at 5:51 PM

    Nice interview, both of you! Sherry, my kids are 6 years ahead of yours almost exactly and the elder was ALREADY a teen when I began blogging, so I hear you there. And I refer to my husband as HWMNBMOTI because of a specifica command very early (He Who Must Not Be Mentioned On The Internet--so when I mention him, that's what I call him *shifty*)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisAugust 29, 2015 at 11:27 AM

      Haha! My husband sometimes threatens to respond to my posts and call himself, "The Husband."

      Delete
  18. Liz A.August 28, 2015 at 6:39 PM

    Of course the teen won't want you to post anything about her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisAugust 29, 2015 at 11:27 AM

      Teens can be sensitive like that. I'm afraid the day is coming soon, when Bubba will feel that way, too.

      Delete
  19. AnonymousAugust 28, 2015 at 7:57 PM

    Nice to meet you, Sherry! I've continue to be impressed about how supportive the blogger community is, and especially of children. :) Isn't it great?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisAugust 29, 2015 at 11:28 AM

      The blogging community has a lot of great people in it. I'm so glad I've met many of them.

      Delete
  20. Janie JunebugAugust 29, 2015 at 7:16 AM

    Sherry is one of my favorite bloggers. Her books are adorable and worth purchasing.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisAugust 29, 2015 at 11:29 AM

      Thank you, Janie! A big hug for you for the marketing sales pitch! You are one of my favorite bloggers, too - and an excellent editor!

      Delete
  21. DMSAugust 29, 2015 at 2:10 PM

    I always enjoy visiting Sherry's blog and finding out what has been going on with her, her kids, and her dog. Such entertaining stories! I can imagine a teenager would want to censor what is posted. :)
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chrys FeyAugust 30, 2015 at 1:14 PM

      I enjoy visiting her blog too. :)

      Delete
    2. Sherry EllisAugust 31, 2015 at 9:27 AM

      I don't think I'd want my mom blogging about me if I was a teenager, either.

      Delete
  22. TBMAugust 30, 2015 at 11:01 AM

    Howdy! I love the stories on Sherry's blog. Each time I visit, I get a chuckle. And it's great that she listens to her kids when they say, Don't blog that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chrys FeyAugust 30, 2015 at 1:13 PM

      She is a great mom. And a fun one too as is evident with her posts. :)

      Delete
    2. Sherry EllisAugust 31, 2015 at 9:28 AM

      I have to respect the family. We have a great time, and I'm glad people get a chuckle out of some of the stories.

      Delete
  23. Tracy CampbellAugust 30, 2015 at 2:16 PM

    Hi Chrys, thanks for having Sherry to your blog. And Sherry, I enjoyed learning more about you. And all of your books are wonderful too! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chrys FeyAugust 30, 2015 at 5:41 PM

      Hi Tracy! Thank you for visiting and commenting on Sherry's interview. :)

      Delete
    2. Sherry EllisAugust 31, 2015 at 9:29 AM

      Thanks, Tracy! I always enjoy your comments over on my blog.

      Delete
  24. AnonymousAugust 30, 2015 at 3:36 PM

    Great interview! I visit Sherry's blog occasionally and her kiddo is hilarious and so creative! I would write more about my kiddo, but right now she's just snark and attitude, so I don't want to bring people in on my annoyance haha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chrys FeyAugust 30, 2015 at 5:41 PM

      Snark and attitude can be fun, though. ;)

      Delete
    2. Sherry EllisAugust 31, 2015 at 9:29 AM

      Haha! Snark and attitude can be fun, but it sounds like your kiddo probably wouldn't want you blogging about it.

      Delete
  25. Mary KirklandAugust 30, 2015 at 3:37 PM

    I agree about commenting on other blogs. That's how most bloggers get readers. Great interview.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Sandra CoxAugust 30, 2015 at 5:28 PM

    Great post, ladies:)
    Sherry, I didn't realize you were also a professional musician. Very impressive.
    Chrys, I just downloaded your editing tips. You are always so good about sharing. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chrys FeyAugust 30, 2015 at 5:36 PM

      You're the first to mention you downloaded one of my PDFs. Thank you, Sandra! :D

      Delete
    2. Sherry EllisAugust 31, 2015 at 9:30 AM

      Music is my main job and my passion. I'm so lucky to be able to have jobs I enjoy!

      Delete
  27. Rick (Ratty)August 31, 2015 at 2:11 AM

    Mama Diaries is a very entertaining blog. I've been reading it for a little while now.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Misha GerrickAugust 31, 2015 at 5:08 AM

    I enjoy stopping over at Mama Diaries. Love the sweet little stories she posts there. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  29. sageAugust 31, 2015 at 11:46 AM

    Sherry's blog is one of my favorite... One day, I hope to vote for Bubba for President!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Jeffrey ScottSeptember 1, 2015 at 1:30 PM

    What a great interview. Sherry sounds so cool. I once learned to play viola. I've been dying to re-educate myself at some point.
    And of course being a children's author is absolutely fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisSeptember 4, 2015 at 8:48 PM

      Hi Jeffrey, thanks for stopping by! I love the viola. It's my favorite instrument!

      Delete

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