Blogging for most of us is liberating. Our blog is a reflection of our soul and our heart. We think with our mind but we blog with our heart – Direct Dil Se.
Today in our Blogger Journeys Series we have with us Akanksha Dureja – A Rockstar, Networker, Avid Blogger, and writer of Direct Dil Se
Ask any of her twitter fan followers and they will tell you that Akanksha is a full time SRK devotee. She’s also a software engineer, a proud feminist, and a realist who turns into a writer just when the clock strikes 12. Her dreams are about beautiful beaches, lush green valleys, curvy roads and getting paid to travel and write about her escapades around the world is what she day dreams about.
Diamonds are not her best friend. If you want to sweep her off her feet, give her a travel-voucher to an exotic destination instead.
So without ado, let’s hear it from Akanksha and her blogging journey.
Can you tell our readers about yourself and your blog?
Well, I a software professional by the day and a writer by the night. My blogging journey began way back in 2007 and it has been like a fairytale so far. I write about social issues, travel stories, book reviews and a lot of other things as well. Basically, anything that excites me or irritates me finds a place on the blog.
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| Akanksha Dureja trying to Woo SRK with a DDLJ Pose. |
Describe how did you first get involved into blogging? What inspired you to start your blog?
As long as I can remember, I was fond of writing. It evolved into blogging one depressing summer night, eight years ago. I was bored and sad,all at the same time. To overcome the negativity, I thought of penning it down so I could let go. And the blog was born. It was like an online diary of sorts in the beginning, and has evolved with me through the years.
Which genre and niche do you write on? What do you love most about blogging?
I write about social issues, book reviews, travel stories and a lot of other things as well. Basically, anything that excites me or irritates me finds a place on the blog.
What is your blogging style and philosophy?
I am not sure if blogging can be categorized by styles. It’s a form of expression, a freedom to express the heart out.
Who according to you should take up blogging as a full time career?
Only someone who has a passion for it.
As a blogger, what aspects do you expect newbie bloggers to work upon?
The most important aspect is content. How much ever the SEO guys shout that one can’t make it without SEO, I still believe the old school ways that content is the king, and it will always be.
With more and more bloggers joining taking up blogging as a career, do you think blogging will become yet another rat race?
I think it already has. Sigh.
Can you name some of your favorite bloggers and explain why they are your favorites?
There are many favourites and to name a few would be impossible.
What do you find the most frustrating aspect of blogging?
Brands and PR Agencies asking for posts and not ready to pay a penny for it.
Is blogging your profession or just a hobby?
It’s not a profession yet, but it’s much more than a hobby.
What do you do when you aren’t working on your blog?
I would either be at my full time job or traveling the world.
How frequently do you update your blog and are you satisfied with it?
A couple of times a week. I am satisfied because I know I can’t manage more than that with a full time job.
What was the most challenging moment in your blogging journey so far?
There are new challenges everyday. But, starting a blog was the biggest challenge. Once you do it, things start falling into their places and the passion takes you forward.
What is the biggest difference in your life post-blogging?
Writing liberates my soul. A creative soul needs a way to let it all out and that is what blogging did to me. I was always a nocturnal, but now instead of wasting the night hours aimlessly, I know I have a blog to update.
Did you have any professional help or did you created the blog yourself?
I did it all by myself for the last 8 years. Then Blogging.co.in took over in migrating from Blogger to self hosted.
What’s your blog promotion strategy? How do you ensure you keep acquired new readers and how do you retain your existing readerbase?
I don’t really have a strategy. I only do what I know best (that’s writing) and everything else follows.
What message would you like to give to the bloggers of the world?
Stay Happy and Keep Writing. Remember, Content will always be the king!
What would you say that is the greatest satisfaction of being a blogger?
To be able to express in words what the heart feels is a joy. Knowing that there are people who will read and maybe, ponder over it, is something that takes that joy to another level.
- Your feedback for blogging.co.in?
Here’s a detailed feedback – : http://www.akankshadureja.com/2015/11/towards-self-hosting.html
Have a Question for Akanksha? Simply Ask with a comment 🙂
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