Blog Interviews: Julia from Hooked on Houses!

Today's Blog Interview is with Julia from Hooked on Houses. Right off the bat we have a lot in common because I too am a house "freak". I love following what is for sale and all the details. When my husband and I bought a house two years ago I literally had to pry myself from the MLS even after we found something and closed on it. I just can't get enough. That is why I decided to get my real estate sales person license! Well enough about me... here is Julia's interview!

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Looking back, how has blogging influenced your business or personal life, how has it changed the way you do and see things in your everyday life?

Blogging has reminded me of why I wanted to be a writer in the first place. I write for a living, and it had become a chore. I started the blog as an outlet for just having some fun with writing again, and it worked!

How do you fit blogging into your "in person" responsibilities (work, family, play)?

I don't fit it in very well. It tends to take over if I let it because blogging is so much fun. I try to create several blog posts ahead of time on the weekend to publish during the week, and that helps.

Do you view blogging as a "job" or a revenue producing project for yourself or your own small business?

I do make some money off the blog, but I've never really thought of it as a job.

If you don't mind sharing… how long have you been blogging for and what is your blog's "post" count to date?

I started blogging on a whim at the end of January 2008. I've written about 340 posts in the past year and just passed the million-mark in number of visitors--an end-of-year goal of mine that I reached a month early!

Do you have goals or upcoming changes slated for your blog in 2009? If so, can we have a sneak peek?

I plan to give my blog a makeover as soon as I have the time and can hire a professional to create a design for me. I also hope to do a regular feature on houses in the movies since my series on Christmas-Movie Houses went over so well.

What is a goal of yours outside your blog for 2009… either personal, entrepreneurial or otherwise?

I'd love to write a novel in what spare time I have. I have some ideas floating around in my head and pages of notes that I keep adding to.

What are three things about you that we may not know from reading your blog?
1) I write for a living and the topics have nothing to do with houses. I mostly write for business and marketing textbooks, but I've also had some short fiction published.
2) I'm shy in real life and will do anything to get out of talking on the phone!
3) I'm sort of a nut about keeping my house organized. I've considered becoming a professional organizer but never took the plunge.

What are three blogs that are inspiring you these days (if you can even narrow it down to three!)?
1) I wish I could photograph things like Kim does at Daisy Cottage
2) ...decorate as well as Brooke does at Velvet & Linen
3) ...cook like Marilyn at Simmer Till Done

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Thanks again to Julia and congrats on reaching your goal of ONE MILLION visitors!

Don't forget in the month of January I have asked some fellow bloggers to participate in a interview about their blogs, their life and their goals for 2009. (If you are interested in participating but did not receive an email from me... please email me at goodlifeforless (at) gmail (dot) com right away! I would love as many participants as possible and it will only take a few moments!!! All I ask in return is that you link to your interview on your site once it is live on mine.)