Interview with a Blogger

A: I'm speaking with rfbellamie, the writer behind the irreverant Randominatrix blog. This site sees hundreds of visitors every month and has an ever-growing readership. Bellamie, tell me about your blog.

R: Well, Randominatrix began as an outlet for anger that I really don't get to express in "real life." My husband thought the posts were funny and encouraged me to keep writing. Most of my topics come from things I've read or seen. I bookmark sites or jot down ideas and blog when I have the time.

A: How did you attract your readers?

R: Beats me. I never advertised. The blog isn't linked to anything. I know that some people found it through searches, and some are repeat customers, but most hits are unexplained. (Think X-Files.)

A: Why do you think you're popular? What's the appeal?

R: I've always thought that humor is the real window into the soul. If you want to understand someone, learn what makes him laugh. Comedy lets us talk about things that we aren't supposed to discuss. Even if you don't share my views, you can enjoy the post and consider the thought behind it. It's a sneaky way to brainwash the masses!

A: Can we look forward to Randominatrix: The Book?

R: I haven't considered an angry book. I'll sleep on it.

A: What other projects have your attention?

R: I do write outside of the confines of my blog. I've worked as a freelance writer, and I've done some fiction. But my real baby is my collection of cathartic poetry. I'd love to see some of them in print. I'm probably looking at posthumous fame, but I guess that's better than nothing.

A: Can you give us a sample?

R: How about a haiku?

I have been trying / to teach myself about dead / leaves, but it's still spring.

If any publishers are reading this and think it isn't too horrible, please give me a call! Haha.

A: That's powerfully sad. Is most of your poetry negative?

R: I don't think of it as negative. I work with hard themes: mental illness, eating disorders, problem relationships, abuse, childhood demons, questions of identity and faith. They're things that affect each of us, directly or indirectly, and are difficult to process. I believe that we can use words to build a sense of community and stimulate healing.

A: Like the feelings we get when we're heartbroken and a sad song plays on the radio? The sense that we're not alone?

R: Exactly.

A: I have one last blog question. I'm sure that your readers ask this all the time... Are you really "that person?"

R: Oh, yeah. I get that a lot. The answer is "yes and no." There are a lot of things I say in my posts that I wouldn't say outside my home. And a lot of it is satire and hyperbole, obviously. But every post is based on genuine thoughts and feelings. I really do have strong feelings about Japanese animation, Doritos and Mother's Day. So I really am "that woman," I just don't always act like "that woman." I'm sure I'll be asked that question if my poetry ever comes out because it has an entirely different tone. Let me tell you in advance: I'm also "that woman." I'm a lot of things. We all are.

A: Thank you so much for speaking with me. Do you have any more comments before we close?

R: Always eat your veggies, kids! Thank you for asking me to be here, Amanda. This has been fun.

Rfbellamie lives with her husband in the Southeast. You can contact her through her blog, Randominatrix.

Sources: personal contact with rfbellamie.