Viralogy

Contact: ratepper [at] gmail.com
Twitter: @thepumpernickel
Websites: http://plightofthepumpernickel.blogspot.com/
Career: PR professional at a small DC area media firm
Passions: “About writing.  My first coherent ‘what-I-want-to-be-when-I-grow-up’ dream was to be a writer, and I’ve been doing it ever since.  Only time will tell if I’ll have the guts to pursue it as a career, but it’s looking more and more likely every day.  I’m also passionate about music; I started playing violin at age 5 and sang in an a cappella group at Wash U.  Also, art is a big part of my life.  If there’s a piece of paper near me, I will doodle on it.  In college, I cartooned for the school newspaper (A dream of mine is to write and illustrate a children’s book.  I already have the concept and some preliminary drawings.).”

When I was a child, I didn’t really have any “big” dreams for the future.  I just loved playing video games, basketball, and going to the pool.  Rachel was one of those kids that dreamed big.  She wasn’t thinking about President, astronaut, actress, or model, she was dreaming about writing.

Unfortunately, she got side-tracked from her true passion because she was pushed to do the “stable” career.  She entered the sciences and math because she was good at it, but she didn’t love it.

Rachel recently had an epiphany and is right back on track pursuing her passion for journalism.  I know from reading her blog that she is well on her way and I can’t wait to read her on print (although, I don’t really read print so I guess I mean on the Times dot com).

One last thing.  After listening to her sing during this interview, please email her to let her know if you liked it. Lets encourage her to share her amazing talent with the world through her blog!

Enjoy!

Conversation Breakdown

1:11 - Why Plight of the Pumpernickel and why did you start blogging?

Rachel was a full-figured baby so her mother called her “pumpernickel” as a cute nickname.

She started blogging October of 2008 as an outlet for self-exploration and as a release from the pressures of a new city, a new career, and just getting out of a relationship.

2:03 - What tend to be your most popular posts?

Definitely TMI Thursdays: The Slashed Finder

Twittersphere video I mention in the interview: Twouble with Twitters

4:07 - How can women blog about their relationships and keep it classy at the same time?

Never mention names or specifics about current relationships.  To be on the safe side, wait at least 5 years to write about a relationship you had and talk about the guy you were with.

5:38 - What are your passions outside of writing?

Rachel loves music and art.  In college, Rachel cartooned for the school paper and will begin writing comics for Plight of the Pumpernickel.  She was also a part of an a capella group.

6:50 - Rachel sings some a capella for us!

Song: Gotta Be

7:46 - Are you part of an a capella group right now?

Rachel is currently not part of an a capella group, but we have to encourage her to start doing it again!

8:21 - What is in store for the future of Rachel Tepper?

Rachel wants to be a writer.  She had an epiphany about two months ago, where she realized that out of everything she is currently doing, writing on her blog makes her most happy.

Her goal is to be a journalist.

9:26 - Where does your motivation or inspiration come from?

“The desire to be true to myself”

I think Rachel tells such a wonderful story about why she is pursing journalism so vigorously right now.  To fulfill your childhood dreams must be one of the most wonderful feelings anyone could ever have.