It helped that I dropped a great deal of volunteer work. I was a founding board member of a charter school, which was like having a part-time unpaid job. I also stopped doing their web site (also unpaid), so that freed up a great deal of time. So, yes, I have a ton of work, but I’m organized and a fast writer. Plus having insomnia, a wireless connection in the house, and a laptop in the kitchen helps.

Kondek: You've been on both sides of media relations, both on the marketing side and on the blog side. In fact, when I first got to know you, I only knew you as This Mama Cooks!, not as someone from my own industry. These next two questions address that: as a marketing and communications professional, what are your thoughts on the value and practice of new media relations?
Nichols: The best thing about new media is that it’s cheap, easy and quick to start. I tell small business people I meet that blogs and e-newsletters are extremely affordable ways to reach out and communicate with their customers — no printing, postage, or labels, and a very short lead time. If there’s ever an emergency, like a recall or a scandal, you can get the word out to your clients in a matter of minutes. Blogs are great ways to solicit feedback from your customers, too.

It’s interesting to see all these big companies holding contests for amateurs to create their Super Bowl ads. User-generated content indeed — very cool.

Kondek: And as a blogger?
Nichols: For us “creatives” (writers, musicians, movie directors, singers, etc.) you get rid of the gatekeepers — you no longer have to deal with editors, music companies, or Hollywood to get your stuff out to your audience. It’s that old punk rock DIY thing — anyone can do it! Plus, talk about instant gratification. People love telling you if your video on YouTube is cool or crap.

Personally, blogging has been a great way to start writing again after being home with my kids. In fact, it’s the only writing I can do with them destroying the house, watching Power Rangers with the volume on high, or fighting with each other. Writing a novel would be way too hard in this kind of environment. And I’ve met some wonderful people through my blogs – fellow bloggers, publicists, editors, writers, and readers.

Kondek: How do other mom blogs feel about people like me? Even though it may be repetitive at this point, what pointers can you give about approaching them?
Nichols: I have no idea how other mommy bloggers feel about publicists. Just be honest and open with them. Personally, I like receiving freebies (more booze and chocolate please). It gives me a chance to read books I wouldn’t normally or to try a product I normally wouldn’t buy. Finally, it directs my writing by giving me a topic to write about. It’s not the writing that’s hard but deciding WHAT to write about that’s a challenge.

Kondek: As you know and as our relationship testifies, I believe in sustaining relationships with bloggers and web editors. What advice can you give me and other PR flacks to that end?
Nichols: Just keep in touch, and say please and thank you. The Christmas card was a nice touch, too.

Bottom line though? Don’t treat mommy bloggers like a bunch of dumb housewives and blogging as our “cute little hobby.” Many of us were professional writers and marketers before we stayed home with our kids. We blog because we have a brain and need to reach out to people and share our stories.