I never had a voice. I mean I had a voice, but not really a voice. I simply didn’t have much to say.
I used to hate writing. I was told in high school that I clearly had no future in English and to concentrate on art instead. The highest I ever scored on a paper was a C. Writing simply was not my thing.
Neither was speaking. I shied away from performances and public speaking, preferring the solitude of art and later, graphic design.
I knew who I was, and the words vocal, writer and speaker never described me.
But then, I started this blog, and everything changed. I changed.
Suddenly, I have a voice.
What is that voice?
It’s imperfect. It’s passionate. It’s sarcastic. It’s sometimes profanity-filled. It’s angry. It’s adoring. It’s complicated.
It’s me. And it’s getting louder.
Would it make for good TV? I think it might.
No, I think it would.
{What the hell was this post about? It was written for the producers of “Project Mom” Who are they? They are the team hoping to make a reality TV show about moms who blog. Interviews will be held at BlogHer on August 6 and 7. Though I hate the idea of reality television, I am intrigued by the idea of a show on mommy bloggers and the community who helped me find my voice. I want to explore the possibility. Wish me luck.}
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{ 105 comments… read them below or add one }
You are the reason I read any blog. I never laughed so hard than at your “proudest parenting moment” when Lily said “Fuck it.” You have always been my favorite and I think you should abso-freakin-lutely be on the show!!!
Best of luck to you! I’m sure you’ll do fantastic in your interview; you have a lot to offer. BTW, you are a beauty! Love your hair.
You would make for some GREAT tv! I’m a fan already. :)
And I do believe I took that picture…and I love it…and that makes me feel good.
Mama Kat´s last blog ..Girl Fight!
Why, yes. Yes you did. It’s pathetic how infrequently I appear in photos!
You would be AMAZING at this! I seriously hope that they nab you RIGHT UP!!!! xoxoxoxoxo
Loralee´s last blog ..How to and not bring a baby to a blogging conference
I was smiling as I read this post. And then I saw your picture and my grin got even bigger.
To the producers of Project Mom:
If you are reading this, know that it would be short-sighted NOT to seriously consider Jill for this project. I say this as her friend, her fan, and as a fellow mom-blogger who has read more bad posts than she can possibly count and knows stand-out content written by a genuinely engaging person when she sees it.
Do yourself and your show a favor. Ask Jill to be a part of it.
You won’t regret it.
Francesca´s last blog ..Sunday Shout Outs!
Fingers crossed and all good wishes sent out to the universe :)
Jill – I find your blog very funny, I think you’d be a great reality TV character…but whatever you do, if it involves having your kids on TV, just say no!
I have such mixed feelings about the whole thing- obviously the kids are the most important factor in all of this. To even hear more about the show, you had to apply– if there is any doubt it my mind over how it would impact my kids, I wouldn’t proceed. I just wanted to get to the next step…
awesome. i know you will do what’s right for your family…
i was once a fan of the Gosselins when they first started their show, then you could just see the family deteriorate, it was so sad! now i can’t watch any reality tv that has kids under 18 on it, it freaks me out
I totally agree. My first reaction when I heard of this was NO WAY IN HELL. And, then I found out that somebody I respect a great deal was involved and my opinion changed. Perhaps there is a *right* way to do this. Or, not. But I hope so.
Your blog is one the first ones I started following. I love that you are “just one of us” and tell it like it is. You represent what so many of us truely are, and would LOVE to say. Thanks for keeping it real!! You will WOW them,I am sure!!
I feel the same exact way. I think this could be the first GOOD reality show. But, only if you’re on it.
Best of luck, Jill!!! I’m not watching it if you are not in it!
mrs.notouching´s last blog ..Because…
How exciting!! I would totally watch it! Good luck and you appear to pretty photogenic so I think that would give you a pretty good shot!! People like to watch pretty people!!!
Donda´s last blog ..Look Better with Jacqui
I just discovered your blog and it makes me laugh. I’m not like any of my “mom friends” and your blog makes me realize that there ARE other moms like me out there and that I’m not alone. I would so watch a reality show with you on it!!
The best of skill in your interview. I can then say “I knew you when” if you do make it.
Christopher (AKA: CaJoh)´s last blog ..Summer Lovin
and SERIOUSLY popular. For a reason.
Go for it!
xo
Ann’s Rants´s last blog ..Project Mom Casting- Motherhood deserves more than Eggs Benedict for Mother’s Day
Break an EGG!
Wait, that’s right isn’t it?
Oh whatever…go get ‘em!!
x
jenny talia´s last blog ..the crew
Good luck! I think you would do a great job!
Melissa´s last blog ..getting to know you
Dude. You will be PERFECT! I wish I had the balls to enter, to even consider entering. But I do not. So I hope you make it so that I may live vicariously through you and your monster sized balls. Good luck to you. All of you:)
Yours is the only blog I read and yours is the only reality show I would — NO WILL — watch. You are hysterical and loving and represent all us mothers. You would be perfect.
Cant wait to watch!
I would watch it, if you were on. :)
OHmommy´s last blog ..A letter to my son on his 8th birthday
Though it’s definitely not something for me, I wish you total good luck.
patois´s last blog ..I Wont Forget You
Pick her, Project Mom folks. She is made for the job!!!!!! She’s the Scary Mommy in all of us!
Good luck! I’ve been toying with the idea of it too.
AmyBlam´s last blog ..Friday Flip-Offs 7-23
This show idea is fascinating. I wish I hadn’t gotten in on the mommy blog thing so late. I will probably always be a small-time blogger at this point. But I’m in awe of what you’ve accomplished with yours! It’s amazing and I love reading. I will watch if you’re on the show – definitely!!!
I am a mom in training (with a baby due in December) and enjoy reading some of great mom blogs out there as I get ready for this new adventure. Jill’s blog is one of the funniest and most honest in my personal blog roll. She would be a great addition to your show!
Before I knew about this opportunity, I was the one pushing you to take Oprah’s spot (member? on Twitter? OK, maybe you don’t but I did). I heart you Scary Mommy and you are one of my heroes. Best of luck Mama!
Your Mommy Friend Lori´s last blog ..Mommy Frenemies
I heart you too, Scary Mommy- best of the BEST of luck to you!
Lauren´s last blog ..Im baaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!!
I appreciate your sense of humor and I think that other mom’s appreciate it too. That’s why we all follow you. I think it would transfer to TV well.
donna reed´s last blog ..More silence on Saturday
Jill I think you would be great. Good luck!
Jennifer´s last blog ..Fit B4 40 – Saddling Up
Scary Mommy + tv show = reality television worth watching.
Too subtle?
(grabs megaphone and yells): Producers, pick Jill! Pick Jill!
Jen´s last blog ..Life Size Paper Doll
you would be AMAZING. look at all your fans- we adore you!
like i tweeted you… you have TITANIUM balls and are absolutely awesome. i wish you luck and hope your voice continues to carry and inspire. xoxo!
That’s awesome! I’d never EVER have the guts to try out for a reality show! Good luck ~ you’ll do great!
Jill, I would SOOOO watch you on TV, as watching you HERE is super compelling!
(If our family life wasn’t massively complex right now, the possibility of hanging with you would make ME want to try out for the show!)
Go get ‘em, Gal…I’m (and clearly many others are) rooting for you!
Cheryl´s last blog ..Makes My Monday- Muggin with the Mutt
I say go for it, sister! Go all the way!!!!
Dawn (Bee and Rose)´s last blog ..How Do Ya Like Me Now!
I’d stay up late to watch you any day. As my overloaded DVR can attest, that is the HIGHEST of compliments.
Formerly Gracie´s last blog ..Five Wedding Day Survival Tips
You’ve given rise to the voices of many women. TV would be lucky to have you. I’d skip Jersey Shore to watch you. Well, I’d DVR it.
I think you would be wonderful in this program. You have an HONEST, saucy wonderful voice that needs to be heard. You were one of the first bloggers to respond to a question I posted. I was so pleased that you took the time to help me out and share what you knew about this crazy blogging stuff. I would watch you at the opening of a grocery store so a TV show is a no brainer. Good luck, but honestly I don’t think you need it because they would be foolish if they didn’t choose you!
Kathryn´s last blog ..I’m a party animal…on Twitter
Oh good luck! I would totally watch this show if you wee in it.
Allison @ Alli n Son´s last blog ..Homemade Granola
Jill, you’ve got enough charisma to fill 3 studio audiences at once. They’d be crazy not to pick you. YOU’D BE FUCKING AMAZING. Yep, that’s right. (ok, and funny and insightful and common-sensical and all the other fab things about you.)
Kirsten´s last blog ..Nothing new under the Sun
HOORAY for you! i’m sending all of the good thoughts i have your way!
Minnesota Mamaleh´s last blog ..Minnesota Mamaleh- The Hardest Word
To Jill and to all the others whom it may concern regarding this project…I am new to Scary Mommy but signed up for updates via e-mail after reading 2 posts, but it wasn’t just the posts and that’s why I’m voicing my support. It’s also for all of the support and type of engagement that Scary Mommy gets in the comments to her posts, and I would imagine that any producer is looking for a ready-made audience like the one here. We’re already tuned in, and I imagine we represent a mere fraction…
Thanks for what you do!!! From one scary to another…
Karen
Luck to you!!!!
I’d love for you to be featured, as I think you’re an awesome mommy blogger – very down to earth and real. Not perfect, which makes the rest of us real mommies feel much better.
Shawntel´s last blog ..Im Baaaaaaaaacccckkkk!
You would be great! And I relate to this a lot (except to the being on a reality show part since think I’d die if people saw how messy my house was or listened to me argue with my husband about fixing broken toilets). I hated writing anything personal in school and I always considered myself to be shy and introverted. On some levels those last two things are still kind of true – but now I realize that I was just a late bloomer. And my blog helped me even more than age. I just know exactly what you mean. Looking forward to seeing you fight with your husband on TV about taking out the garbage!
Kate Coveny Hood´s last blog ..My Childhood in Pictures
I think you would make a great addition to Project Mom. You often give me the courage to say “To heck with people and post what “I” want to post on my own blog. Good luck Jill!
Missy´s last blog ..Monday Musings
I’ve heard about this, but I wonder how they’ll do the show? I mean, will it be a conglomeration of a lot of mommy bloggers or just focus on one? Because certainly the mommy bloggers can’t all live together in a house or something, right? Then that would take the “mommy” out of mommy blogger, and you’d just be a woman blogger. If the kids aren’t there, where would you get your blog fodder? ha ha
Good Luck! You’re a shoe-in!
Texan Mama´s last blog ..Weekly Winners- July 18-24
First, you really inspire me. I was the exact same as you. I suck at english and sometimes its hard to express how i feel when i write, but blogging changes all that. I wish you the very best of luck at Project Mom! I think you would be great!!
Hanan´s last blog ..saturday stumbles 7-24
I just found an email from Jan 10 addressed to me, vodkamom and other online luminaries.
So why have we fallen out of love? Why aren’t we twitterettes? Ok, going to rectify now and follow you. Sorry I was out of the loop. (again)
Suzy´s last blog ..LA Sign Of The Times 62
Oh wait, I forgot to say you would be amazing at this mom blogging reality show thing. Seacrest out.
Suzy´s last blog ..LA Sign Of The Times 62
I would totally watch the show if you were on it! I enjoy your honest take on life and parenting. And this is coming from someone that doesn’t even have children of my own yet.
You’d be fantastic. Despite your dislike of reality television, which is like so insane, I’m going to pretend that you didn’t really say it.
Marinka´s last blog ..Gentle Reminder From Young Ladrinka
How awesome is that! I love your post and think you would be perfect. I would totally watch the show, I am sure you would be very entertaining :) Good luck!
Best wishes!!
Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..In 250 years- my dog will be automated
Blogging has changed me in the same way. I was shy. Blogging brought out my social side. I love it. I think you would be perfect for the show! I can’t wait to her how this turns out!! If you make it, I will not miss one episode!
Good luck Jill,
I think you’d be great fun to watch on Project Mom, just looking at the picture and that smirk says it all. I’d definitely watch you, never a dull moment. You crack me up with your personality. Go get ‘em!
If they don’t pick you, I doubt the show will be worth watching. Same goes if they do pick you and for whatever reason you choose not to participate.
Good luck Jill!
Like many others, very glad you found your *voice*. It’s a fan-freakin’-tastic one indeed!!
Naomi´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Summer
Love your blog, I am sure that you would be great on TV! Funny you do not look like a “Scary Mommy”. Is that someone elses photo?;) Best of luck on your quest to be on project mom.
ZippyChix4´s last blog ..Laura Mercier- Make-Up for Mumsies
You would be great!!!!
ack! This is all so exciting! You’d be great for the show, Jill. Best of luck!
Heather of the EO´s last blog ..helping- a picture story
Awesome! Good luck!! I hope you get picked :)
Jaden´s last blog ..Summer Reading List Book 2 of 10- Relentless Review
Good for you, Jill! I think that you would be awesome!!! You totally have my vote.
Jen´s last blog ..My Husband Needs to Play More Videos
I so get this. Blogging absolutely helped me find and hone my voice as well. If I ever get that damn book done, it will be because of blogging.
Miss Britt´s last blog ..Have you ever thought “this woman should be on a reality TV show”
good luck!
i think you’re awesome. i so enjoy your candor and the way you deal with the meannies.
just read your “blog tips” advice too – great stuff!
Much luck to you!
Melanie (ModernMami)´s last blog ..Sharing Memories of La Playa with My Girl
I would not watch it unless you were part of the project. You are one of my most favorite reads!
Best of luck.
And if you are not chosen? You can have a Julia Robert’s moment as in ‘Pretty Woman’ and tell the producers:
“BIG mistake. HUGE!”
Kelly´s last blog ..Niche-a-Whaa
You did it! Go for it, honey! You’ll be brilliant.
TheKitchenWitch´s last blog ..Seared Salmon with Jalapeno Ponzu
Everyone loves your voice. Literally. And, those producers would be silly to not snatch up the whole package. I’ll be seeing you on TV, Jill! :)
You have a fantastic voice…and wow, some beautiful hair!
Liz @ Peace, Love & Guacamole´s last blog ..Breaking out
Good luck! You are original and unapologetic in your commentary. That’s what keeps me coming back and I think that’s also what would keep people watching. Fingers crossed for you!
Is there anything more real, more loving, more funy or more confusing or more entertaining than motherhood? Nope – and you always give the real scoop. Good luck!
Brittany at Mommy Words´s last blog ..How the Tooth Fairy Works in Our House
Your commenters are way more supportive of the whole ‘being on a reality television show” thing. I’m impressed!
Loralee´s last blog ..Hmmm…What do you think of me being on a reality TV show about mom bloggers
that would be SO awesome if you get! you totally deserve it! you have always been the most creative person i have ever known, but i never appreciated back then how well you can write. good luck!
Wonderful! Luck, luck and luck to you (said while knocking on wood and spitting three times- it’s a Russian thing)
My only concern is will the show be on cable, we ain’t got it, we ain’t ever gonna get it and if I try to force the issue my husband might throw out our TV all together! (He’s a monster like that)
Yuliya´s last blog ..When the going gets tough- it’s tough not to have a cookie
Good luck girl! I’ll be watching;)
Nap Warden´s last blog ..After the rain
That would be awesome!! I think you’d be amazing on TV….I’d have to get my American Mom to tape it for me and have it flown to England!!!!
Emma´s last blog ..Fundraising for Kilimanjaro
Good luck. You would be perfect for this.
Seattledad (Luke, I am Your Father)´s last blog ..Let Freedom Ring
You so deserve this. You are one of the reasons I started my own blog. I love saying FUCK with you and I really love that picture of you! Very glam lady!!
Rachel {at} Mommy Needs a Vacation´s last blog ..The Maid that doesn’t clean…say whaaaat
I do wish you good luck! I believe blogging has helped me in so many ways although I don’t know about reality tv. I think I’m a little too scary for that! ;)
momma, get this, i went to boarding school and was told the exact same thing. the teachers there were awful and wanted me to write like them. isn’t the whole point of writing to find your own style?
love your hair; i think i want to do blonde for a while. i have lots of curly hair like you, what products do you use? you have to get frizz like me?
vanillasugar´s last blog ..sour cream pancakes w- candied bacon
and yes, you would rock it out on tv…go for it.
vanillasugar´s last blog ..sour cream pancakes w- candied bacon
Reality could be something better than a movie or a sitcom–those always turn out to be rather lame. Good luck!
Lori Z.´s last blog ..Weekly Worth A Listen- Soundtrack Lovelies
I think you’d rock on TV!
Jennifer, Playgroups are no place for children´s last blog ..Cool
Here’s a bit of luck, hope it helps.
I would love a reality show about real moms like yourself. You always have me cracking up and screaming at the laptop “this chic totally gets it” my husband finds that quite amusing.
Good luck not that you need it
Lots of luck to you Jill, you would be perfect for it!
Stephanie@Geezees´s last blog ..You say Ketubah- i say KetubotModern Jewish Art
There are so many awesome bloggers going out for this, I can’t wait to see it.
They’re looking for all levels, across the board,different types…everyone stands a good chance.
I enjoy Scary Mommy, but I especially like how funny you are. That’s huge for me in why I come here.
Good Luck!
Yay for entering Jill! :) I just did last night, too… super late and almost missed the deadline but I finally submitted my post!
Your entry rocks, pretty mama! Can’t wait to see you again NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!!!!! Yay! xoxo
Good luck! And I know what you mean. . I never did well with “the voice” either. Funny how those things change.
adhocmom´s last blog ..My Blog Post is Late And The New York Times Says I Can Blame The Heat!
Voice is all about breaking the rules. They just don’t get that in school. Write on sister! And good luck!
I have to admit when I first heard about the whole project, I was very flip about it. Not sure I would even want to watch myself, much less encounter all of the drama that would surely come from a reality show about bloggers. Surely it would be painted in the most horrific light, I thought.
But now hearing that you are interested in it, I’m intrigued. See you have such influence! {along with voice}
Robyn OHSH´s last blog ..Cadillac Ranch
I, for one, would love to see you on TV! And you have camera-ready hair. I’m jealous.
They’d be crazy not to pick you! Finger’s crossed!
Carabee´s last blog ..Because My Brain Just Cant Come Up With More
I don’t get it. Just don’t understand it at all. Maybe it will be the like Real Bloggers of The Something Or Other.
Jack´s last blog ..She Is My Girl
Jill – that is a BEAUTIFUL picture of you! Hope it all works out.
Oh my gosh jill. I feel so thrilled for you. I will pray!
life with kaishon´s last blog ..One Thousand Ninety Five Days
You would be BRILLIANT on reality TV! And I would totally watch.
Sara Plays House´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday
i would watch any show you’re on. yours is one of my favorite blogs in the universe. they would be crazy to not at least interview you. and ps you look gorgeous in that picture.
alexis´s last blog ..you should be so impressed right now
i love this post and i love your voice! much much much luck!!!
alisha´s last blog ..“911 what’s your emergency”
Wait a minute! Go back to the C papers. Have you sent a link to your blog to your old English teachers with a message that says, “Na na na na nahhhhhhhh!”?
You would be perfect! I can’t wait for the series to debut!
When do you find out???? It HAS to be you! You’d be AMAZING!!!!!
Good luck!! Even though I was a professional writer BEFORE becoming a blogger, I feel the exact same way about finding my voice. Part of it was from the way motherhood grew me up fast–the rest from having the freedom to say whatever I wanted about whatever interested (or angered or inspired) me. I’ll be rooting for you to get cast–and hope you have a blast at BlogHer10!
Deb´s last blog ..Early birds and cuckoo birds