An Interview with CP Sarahsponda

Some of you may recognize this CP from her prize winning article, "My Interview with Kat Von D of Miami Ink". Even if you don't, however, you'll find her to be a fascinating person, whose writing is worth checking out. And now, meet Sarahsponda...

Eric Pudalov: What do you like about Austin, TX as compared to other places you've lived?

Sarahsponda: Austin is a city that is truly eclectic in its own right. It's a large college town, but is also a city that focuses on the needs of the Austinites. There's always live music covering every genre, a melting pot of ethnic foods, beautiful lakes to spend an afternoon at...the diversity of all the population make it a great place to call home.

EP: How did you discover AC? What positive (or negative) things has it brought you?

S: If memory serves me right, I found AC through another online writer. I have had nothing but positive experiences through Associated Content. I appreciate the website as a creative outlet for any and every topic available to write about. AC breaks the barriers of strict guidelines when it comes to writing, and allows writers to express their writing talents. Best of all, you're paid for it!

EP: It seems you haven't published anything in a short while. Has AC taken a backseat to 'real life'?

S: I love writing for AC, and it is truly my safe place to land when I have additional time to write. As a full-time freelance writer and virtual assistant, I am currently working on alternate projects that take me away from publishing on AC.

EP: Do you have 'professional' writing experience (other publications, or things you've gotten paid to write)? Do share.

S: I have created hundreds of pieces of web content, all paying jobs, although many of these materials were ghost-written. I am, however, a Field Editor for Taste of Home magazine. I love to cook, and have had several recipes published in their monthly magazine as well as their annual cookbook.

EP: You seem very much into animal rights; have you been actively involved in that field at all?

S: I am very passionate about the preservation of humane treatment towards animals. I volunteered at the local Humane Society in Watertown, South Dakota, and am also a member of PETA.

EP: You have several articles relating to the LGBT community; is your city receptive to 'out' individuals?

S: I am very blessed to live in Austin, as there are multiple outlets for the LGBT community. From local LGBT bars and clubs, to the annual Pride Fest, Austin has truly become a safe-haven for those who live the LGBT lifestyle.

EP: What's a random fact about yourself that you haven't stated in your profile or otherwise?

S: I am related to President Ford through marriage; my great-grandfather held several gold medals in the Senior Olympics for archery; and my ancestors were neighbors and best friends with Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.

EP: Being a somewhat politically active person, are you concerned about the upcoming election?

S: I consider myself a very politically active individual. I am concerned about the current welfare of our country. We are seeing marginal job loss, widely fluctuating stock markets, and homeowners who are losing their dream homes. Military veterans are returning from overseas to a country who is lacking in rehabilitative services. The upcoming elections are crucial to the stability of this nation. This is the year where we can make a large change in the diplomatic system, and create some stability and hope for our futures once more. It is imperative for those who can vote to make their voices heard. We need a change!

EP: What have you found to be the best way to promote your writing (on or offline)?

S: Honestly, through contacting friends and family through e-mail and phone calls. Posting information on websites that are personally frequented are great ways of advertising, too, as you're already comfortable with the website format and those that frequent it. To create content that I truly want others to read, I make sure that I research previous interviews (especially if it pertains to a celebrity) so I am not asking the same questions.

I also make sure that I ask questions that I, as a fan, would really want to know. I have found that when I write this way, the questions that are asked often become the keyword searches placed by other interested fans. In many instances, the content promotes itself.

EP: What other sites have you been published on?

S: As previously stated, most of my works were created as a ghost writer. I do have some publications on Q-Netwerk.com, Rochelle Nicole Magazine, and Taste of Home Magazine. I also wrote the poker articles for Pamela Anderson's official poker website (which, sadly, is now defunct).

EP: Many people have read your interview with Kat Von D; are there other famous people that you would be honored to interview?

S: I have been fortunate enough to interview Ross "The Intern" Mathews from The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (please see my profile for the article!). I am a huge fan of Kelly Clarkson, so I would be honored to interview her as well. A few people on my interview 'wish list' are: Victoria Jackson (from SNL and Celebrity Fit Club fame), Wendy Kaufman (yes, the Snapple lady), Rachael Ray, Paula Deen...the list goes on and on! There are too many wonderful talents to just name a few. I love to interview those that come from humble beginnings and work hard to get to the top!

EP: Random question: tell about a crazy dream or aspiration you've had.

S: I don't know when or how, but I've always dreamed of seeing my name in a major publication. Associated Content has truly given me a great start!