Interview with the sunny side of life

1.    Can you tell us a little about yourself? your blog , and your aspirations and your hobbies !!

I am Tina – a very restless girl. A creative designer by profession and a writer, painter, cook in free times. My blogs are my diaries where I write almost about everything that I like or experience. I don’t have a particular niche for The Sunny Side of Life – I write almost everything there – fiction, poetry, social issues, book reviews, movie reviews, travel etc. I have a special section in this called ‘iThink’ which has thoughtful articles.

My other blog – Twinkling Tina Cooks is my cook blog. I put up recipes that I prepare, its still in a building stage and I am hoping to put up more posts soon J.

2. How you first got involved in with blogging, are you an imaginative person?

I first started blogging when I was doing my post grads, then stopped it for some reason I don’t remember now. However, I started The Sunny Side of Life in Jan 2011 and the cook blog sometime in June 2011.   On whether I am imaginative or not – it depends on mood. Sometimes I am in mood for creative writing, some time for poetry or some times for fiction. 

3. What do you find most challenging about blogging about your topic?

Since I don’t write about one specific topic or genre I find myself in a better place challenge wise. However, I don’t like writing for the sake of it or to just maintain the blog, I write when I feel like and when I have something to write upon.

4. Tell me about some of the people you have met while working on your blog?

When I was in college almost most of my classmates had their personal blogs and we used to keep reading each other’s blogs and be inspired and motivated. I have started networking with bloggers rather recently – all thanks to bloggers meets and contests and there are many to name.

5. How would (someone) describe your blogging style?

My view – my posts are always honest posts and that’s my style. What ‘someone’ thinks about my posts is also what I want to know.

6. What do you do when you are not working on your blog?

I wish I had a more exciting answer but don’t have it unfortunately – WORK takes up most of the time

7 .Where do you see yourself blogging wise in the next 6 months, and 5 years down the road?

Next 6 months – I want to just post more posts. My October challenge is to hit 100 posts. I am currently on 87. I really want to build up a good cook blog so have to work a lot on it. Processing photographs takes up a lot time and yeah I cook mostly over the weekends.

I intend to make one more blog on reviews, I get so tempted to review products every time I am using a new product (it can be anything) so I am thinking of building a whole new blog and not mix it with Sunnyside.

Five years down the line I have no idea how I’ll be placed. In fact, I’ll be happy if I am continuing my blogs.

8. What networking do you do that you feel helps your blogging business?

I must admit I am very bad at it, rather I am not very bothered on it. I find networking aggressively only to get traffic in your blog weird at times. So I don’t push people to follow my blog. I do have good blogging friends whom I have met through Indi or whom I know otherwise. I want people to read my blog not because I want a lot of traffic but because I want people to enjoy what I write. So I leave it on them

I get most of my traffic through Indiblogger, Blogadda and Google of course. 

9. How do you keep coming up with material/content for your blog? Many people struggle with coming up with different articles/posts and they only have one blog.

I write on random things and many a times it’s on current affairs and my experiences so I don’t run out of content. However, I am always running short of time – after a full day at work & managing a family (mostly the staffs) I hardly get any time and to top it all I am lazy to the core, so I find myself posting with huge gaps. And that’s something I need to work on. That’s why my October challenge of 100 posts.

10. What’s your strategy with your blog in general?

I don’t have a strategy for life what will I have for my blogs. As a person I am impulsive and that’s how I am with my blogs also

11. Any specific tips you have for newbee bloggers who want to make it in the blogosphere?

For newbies it’s important to post regularly and write for the love of writing. That’s how one will get to enjoy blogging. If you have a set mind about reader’s reaction/acceptance then you will become a controlled writer. I was much more regular when I started. 

12. What would you prioritize? Content? SEO? Traffic? Readers?

Content. Always And then readers, traffic and SEO can come later on. I only focus on content.

13. What’s the best thing a blogger can give to his readers?

If I am able to make a reader happy/smile/think my job is done.

14. A lot of people are interested in blogging for the money earning potential. What are some tips for people interesting in making money from blogging? What are some realistic expectations in regards to what can be made?

Well I blog because I like to write. I do have a Google ad sense account and have some ads on one of my blog but I seldom check how much I am earning out of it (I almost don’t earn anything out of it).

I would suggest people to keep this money making blog a separate one and not confuse with the one where they are passionate about writing. I think it takes quite a lot of time to build this as a money making alternative. 

15. What motivates you most in life?

Happiness. I try to find happiness in what I do. Be it work, writing, cooking, family – I try to make people around me happy and yes find happiness for myself in them.

16. What has been your strategy for creating visibility to yourself and your blog?

Almost no strategy. I just post my links on facebook, Indivine or blogadda.

I have a good traffic in my blog with only this and I am okay with it.

17. What was the most challenging moment in your blog content development process and why?

Time. I do write on random things and when I start writing I can post in minutes. But to gather thoughts and sitting down to write sometime takes longer time.

But when I write on social causes or iThink section I put in a lot of research.

For the cook blog it’s a different story – these days if the photos are not styled then no one looks at it, so I keep surfing on food styling, food photography. Post production of photographs take up some time.

18. Everyone has a favorite/least favorite post. Name yours and why?

My favourite post would be a poem ‘Don’t try to change me’. Its written with a lot of thought and things that I have seen around.

Least would be many I guess.

19. Name some of the bloggers whom you look up to and why?

I look up to some bloggers for different reasons. I like Leo’s blog – he is full of energy when he is writing and you can find that with the number of posts that he has. I like Gyan Ban because of great detailing, The Fool for his satires. I like 4^th Sense cooking because of some awesome food photographs. So there are different blogs that I visit regularly for different reasons.

20. What is the story behind the name of the blog.

Because I am a fun person, and the blogs are my fun space I named the personal blog Sunny Side of life – it’s fun, simple relaxing.

And the name for my cook blog is again very literal – Twinkling Tina Cooks.

21. Your connection with Indiblogger and the experience?

Indiblogger was the first blogging forum I joined and met many bloggers through it online and offline. I have participated in many contests (not that I have won many), have been lucky in getting random prizes in certain contests. I still go to Indi to read good posts from Indivine.
22. Which genre do you feel gets the raw deal?

It has to be fiction.

23. Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?

Copyscape or any copyright widget. You don’t want others to copy and take credit of your work.

24. Five adjectives that describe you.

Fun, Enthusiastic, Talkative, Helpful, and yes of course Lazy

25. What book would you say has made the biggest impact good or bad on you?

Hehhe – the bank pass book!!!

26. Do you get easily provoked by positive/negative comments??

No I’m level minded and controlled when it comes to reacting.

27.Do you plan to write a book , as every bloggers dream it is ?

Short stories - yes

28. Are you a judgmental person, Do you prefer to take sides instead of standing neutral?

I find it easier to stand neutral.

29. Your collaboration with other bloggers, are you much into social networking , tell us everything about it ?

I have started networking with bloggers rather recently at indimeets, and other meets. I have now good blogging friends in Sibi, Leo, The Fool, Gyan Ban, Harsha etc. It’s always inspiring to hear others stories/experiences. It also pushes you do more.

30. What genre attracts you the most and which genre you avoid?

I think I really like fiction and social issues. I don’t like the tips and tricks kind of posts or the ‘this-will-help-you’ kind of posts. So I avoid them.

31. Your Views on Contests and increasing plagiarism?

This is a very interesting question. Contests are good platforms to have creative thinking going on and you get to see so many variations possible on a single topic. What I don’t like is people writing on behalf of or for luring the sponsors. I have seen it with many bloggers in many contest where they can’t stop praising the sponsors – I am completely against this trend. When I write for a contest my posts are never specific for the sponsor. I seldom mention the sponsor other than the mandatory link. When it’s about writing for a contest one should focus on the topic rather than buttering the sponsor – that’s what I feel.

Plagiarism is another mess and it’s very difficult to keep your work safe especially in this medium. I prefer using copyspace and online copyright who send the digital finger print with date every time you post so later on you can contest/challenge if you find yourself in a hostile situation.

32. Words for me and my blog.

I found your blog rather interesting. The interview seasons is a great idea, you get to know so many bloggers. I quite liked your Roadies audition post – some really weird topics for GD you got. 

I am quite inspired by the number of posts you already have for 2012. I am hoping I’ll get there soon. Keep writing. Cheers.

Interview with Sarah Malik

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself? your blog , and your aspirations and your hobbies !!

I happen to be a very positive person trying to accompalish things I have planned for myself and living on my own principles.

My blog 'embodying emotions' as the subtitle says encompasses delusions and disillusions of everyday life.

My life and happenings that surround my part of world.

2. How you first got involved in with blogging , are you an imaginative person?

Initially, I was under the impression that blogging was meant only for budding writers and literature students.

It was when a friend who happens to be a writer asked me to read his blog that I understood the art of blogging was open ti each and everyone.

I created a blog as a web-diary of soughts and few months later I was completely hooked on to this world of writing and sharing.

and yes, I am imaginative. Sometimes my imaginations run extremely wild :P

3. What do you find most challenging about blogging about your topic?

Expressing myself in a precise and lucid way.

4. Tell me about some of the people you have met while working on your blog?

well, a lot of people. Blogosphere is a wonderful place to be in.

Most of them have been a motivating factor and helped my improve my writing skills.

5. How would (someone) describe your blogging style?

Someone would obviously know better. I personally like Paulo Coelho's writing style very much and a few posts of mine did remind people of his style, that was one of the best compliments ever.

6. What do you do when you are not working on your blog?

Hundreds and thousands of other things! Life lies in action so the list is tooooo long.

7 .Where do you see yourself blogging wise in the next 6 months, and 5 years down the road?

I have my university exams coming up in 3 months followed by practicals and vivas. So in the next few months blogging will take a back seat.But I will come back with new zeal and ideas! 5 years down I would definitely be blogging in a more mature manner.Improving my writing and expressing skills and devoting a lot more time to it.

8. What networking do you do that you feel helps your blogging business?

I believe that if you write in a way that people connect to it they will come, no matter what.

Also social netwrking sites, connecting with people of a similar blogging genre and blogging web sites help a lot.

9. How do you keep coming up with material/content for your blog? Many people struggle with coming up with different articles/posts and they only have one blog.

 My blog for me is a web-diary. I don't pre decide what and how to write. whenever there is something I feel strongly about or when emotions need to be vented my blog comes to the rescue.

I am not one of those who churn 20 posts a month, for me it could be just 2 posts. So struggling for content never becomes a hurdle.

10. Whats your strategy with your blog in general?

Strategy is that there is no specific strategy. I just write, post and share!

11. Any specific tips you have for newbee bloggers who want to make it in the blogosphere?

Write for yourself and not to gather comments or compliments. I have seen many people complaining that they don't get enough readers even though they write well. But thats how things happen in blogosphere, you connect and people connect back but once you stop they too will automatically stop reverting back.

12. What would you prioritize? Content? SEO? Traffic? Readers?

content comes first, then readers, SEO and traffic come later.

13. Whats the best thing a blogger can give to his readers?

If your write-ups can motivate, bring smile on a dejected face or a thought which seeps deep down into someone's mind then you have achieved the purpose.

14. A lot of people are interested in blogging for the money earning potential. What are some tips for people interesting in making money from blogging? What are some realistic expectations in regards to what can be made?

I have little clue on this. Blogging for money isn't my idea .reading and writing are passions and exchanging them for money would be the last thing on my mind.

15. What motivates you most in life?

A simple fact that - life will come to an end.

16. What has been your strategy for creating visibility to yourself and your blog?

I don't believe in strategies as I said before. When I had started blogging I never knew I could come this long, get to know so many people and make a presence here.

17 What was the most challenging moment in your blog content development process and why?

Never faced any major challenges. And little hurdles come in the way of all task one does.

18. Everyone has a favorite/least favorite post. Name yours and why?

For a creator each one of his creation is special. Whatever I write embodies a part of me.

Still this untitled poem http://www.sarah-malik.in/2010/11/untitled.html written during the initial months of blogging happens to be my favorite.

19. Name some of the bloggers whom you look up to and why?

Firstly It was the writer friend who blog motivated me to create my own space.Then a lot of indian bloggers I read during my initial days and learned how to manage and present my posts etc.off late am unable to read blogs, blame my exhaustive schedule but whenever I visit a blog I make sure I extract good things from there and use it in my own style and way.

20. What is the story behind the name of the blog.

I decided the blog's name at an impulse. I considered it as a place for sharing and venting my emotions and so 'embodying emotions' came to my mind.

21. your connection with Indiblogger and the experience ?

I connected with indiblogger during my initial days of blogging itself and it was one of the reasons I got in touch and privilege of reading many indian bloggers.I have been participating in indiblogger contests too. Its is a great hub of and for bloggers.

22.Which genre do you feel gets the raw deal?

I guess fiction. Although I have experimented least with this genre but I have observed that long stories written in series don't grab much readers.

23.Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?

The followers and the popular post widget.

24.Five adjectives that describe you.

I prefer using oxymoron’s to describe myself..the blacks and whites together :P

25.What book would you say has made the biggest impact  good or bad on you?

A lot of them. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho developed the love for reading in me.Many other books by Paulo Coelho and Orhan Pamuk have left great impression as well.

26.Do you get easily provoked by positive/negative comments ??

Not at all. Although it may sound too modest but I never give too much importance to comments.

27.Do you plan to write a book , as every bloggers dream it is ?

No, writing a book has never been my dream or plan. I believe in keeping passion and profession separate.

28.Are you a judgmental person , Do you prefer to take sides instead of standing neutral ?

yes, A typical aries am I :p Diplomacy isnt my cup of tea!

29. Your collaboration with other bloggers , are you much into social networking , tell us everything about it ?

Since it been only an year or two I make sure I learn from veterans. The busy schedule involving college and assignments doesn't leave much time for social networking but I still try and reply to comments and visit back the bloggers who took out time to read my write-ups. apart from this I welcome special blogging activities and initiatives by blogging individuals or groups.

30.What genre attracts you the most and which genre you avoid ?

I want to try my hand at all genres .Poetry is definitely most attractive. But writing fiction comes as a daunting task.

31.Your Views on Contests and increasing plagiarism ?

Well contests are a great way to know fellow bloggers and connect plus if you win it definitely boosts up your confidence.

Plagiarism is equivalent to theft. I really don't understand why does one need to maintain a blog if you can't come up with original ideas and write-ups.

32.Words for me and my blog?

To be honest I have read just a post or two on your blog but love your blog's title. I will be exploring it more once my exams get over.

Thank you for making me a part of your blog :)

Interview with "Direct Dil Se" Akanksha Dureja

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself? your blog , and your aspirations and your hobbies !!
Answer :Well, I am a girl-next door; a software engineer by profession but my passion lies in literature. Like every blogger, I aspire to write a bestseller someday. My hobbies include sketching, experimenting in the kitchen and of course writing and reading.


2. How you first got involved in with blogging , are you an imaginative person?
Answer : It all started one hot summer night when I was super irritated. I was young, and disoriented. Writing had always been something I loved but I never took seriously. The software giant Infosys Ltd plays a vital role in the making of my blog. It is because they delayed my date of joining and irritated the hell out of me, I started Direct Dil Se, as a means to vent out. I did not even know whether I would ever come back and write a second post! My readers are the right people to ask if I am imaginative or not. But, I guess I am 

3. What do you find most challenging about blogging about your topic?
Answer :I believe life throws challenges to us, only because the one up above knows we can handle them!  I don’t have a particular genre to write about. To be precise, I write whatever excites me or irritates me. And when it is either of the two driving forces behind me, the challenges just give me a way through them.


4. Tell me about some of the people you have met while working on your blog?
Answer :It has been 5 and half years of existence in the blogsvillie. I have come to know so many wonderful people through blogging. It is an entirely exhilarating experience to meet faces behind the blogs and I must say I have never been disappointed. I can’t name a few people, as I have a whole circle of blogger friends, maybe coz I have spent a considerable time here.

5. How would (someone) describe your blogging style?
Answer :Let’s find out who ‘someone’ is and force him to answer that question!

Rahul : Miglani : lol !! 

6. What do you do when you are not working on your blog?
Answer :When I am not working on the blog, I am sulking at a software development full time job!

7 .Where do you see yourself blogging wise in the next 6 months, and 5 years down the road?
Answer :Blogging would always remain special to me. I might be busy, but my blog is a very special part of my life, which I can’t live without.  I write for some magazines as well, and it gets hectic at times, with a full time job. Blogging, article writing, books, full time writing job or whatever might be the form, but I know I would never give up writing. Never ever.

8. What networking do you do that you feel helps your blogging business?
Answer :Blogging is not a business for me. It is a way of expression. I usually post my blog updates on Facebook. Reading other blogs and leaving comments is also a form of networking, maybe the old school way!

9. How do you keep coming up with material/content for your blog? Many people struggle with coming up with different articles/posts and they only have one blog.
Answer :As I said I write about everything that excites me or irritates me! And trust me, there is no scarcity of things/people which do!

10. Whats your strategy with your blog in general?
Answer :I don’t have a strategy. I haven’t ever thought about it really. I survived for more than 5 years without one, so I guess it is not really required.

11. Any specific tips you have for newbee bloggers who want to make it in the blogosphere?
Answer :Tips, well I have many!
i)Sms language is a big NO. Not even if you’re into mobile-blogging. It shows you’re not serious about the language and irritates a hell out of many people.
ii) Networking is important, but content is the most important thing. Never compromise on content.
iii) Leaving a comment without reading a post isn’t being smart. Its stupid and a blogger can make out when you do so.
I can go on and on, on this one, but I should better mind my own business: P

12. What would you prioritize? Content? SEO? Traffic? Readers?
Answer :1-Content 2- Readers  3- Traffic 4-SEO

13. Whats the best thing a blogger can give to his readers?
Answer :Content is the only thing, which will bring back readers. So a blogger should give his/her readers quality content. A personal touch and a reply to every comment also matters. A real connection with the readers can make all the difference!

14. A lot of people are interested in blogging for the money earning potential. What are some tips for people interesting in making money from blogging? What are some realistic expectations in regards to what can be made?
Answer :I am completely against putting up ads on my blog. For me, it disrupts the natural flow and distracts the readers. I don’t make any money out of my blog and I don’t intend to. So, I don’t really have the answer to that question.

15. What motivates you most in life?
Answer :The knowledge that there is going to be a tomorrow, which is still in my hands, to resolve or ruin things!

16. What has been your strategy for creating visibility to yourself and your blog?
Answer :As I said earlier, I have never followed any strategy. I go with the flow, and most of the times, everything happens for good 

17 What was the most challenging moment in your blog content development process and why?
Answer :There are times when work doesn’t allow me to be regular on the blog.  Not being able to manage time is a challenge in itself.

18. Everyone has a favorite/least favorite post. Name yours and why?
Answer :How can I play favoritism with my babies!

19. Name some of the bloggers whom you look up to and why?
Answer :Naming a few would be really difficult. No, I am not trying to be politically correct here. There is a lot of inspiration I get from each and every blog I follow.

20. What is the story behind the name of the blog.
Answer :There is no story behind the name. There is a story behind the url ;-)

Rahul : Miglani : So you want another interview for getting us this answer !

21. your connection with Indiblogger and the experience ?
Answer :I have been on Indiblogger since the time it came into existence. But, for a long time I was not sure how and why should I use it. Today, I am hooked to them! I love their spirit and the meets they organize. Plus, who doesn’t like a few freebies: p

22.Which genre do you feel gets the raw deal?
Answer :Fiction, I guess.

23.Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?
Answer :Follow Blog plugin.

24.Five adjectives that describe you.
Answer :Let me ask that to my readers. It would be fun to read what they answer : D

25.What book would you say has made the biggest impact  good or bad on you?
Answer :The Alchemist.

26.Do you get easily provoked by positive/negative comments ??
Answer :I have learnt it the hard way. Five years is a long time and now positive/negative comments don’t provoke me at all.

27.Do you plan to write a book , as every bloggers dream it is ?
Answer :Yes. Someday. Maybe soon, you never know ;-)

28.Are you a judgmental person , Do you prefer to take sides instead of standing neutral ?
Answer :If I believe in something, with all my heart I’ll always try to defend it.

29. Your collaboration with other bloggers , are you much into social networking , tell us everything about it ?
Answer :It is limited to Facebook, impromptu plans of meeting up for fun and Blogger meets.

30.What genre attracts you the most and which genre you avoid ?
Satire attracts me the most! I tend to avoid Tech Blogging.

31.Your Views on Contests and increasing plagiarism ?
Answer :Contests are okay, but should not be taken very seriously. I’ve started taking part recently only. Contests limit bloggers to a particular topic or genre, which might be both good and bad. Plus, I have seen that the posts, which promote the product/company sponsoring the contest, get special attention.  So, I don’t take them too seriously, although I participate sometimes.I hate plagiarism, truly madly deeply. If only we had a way to stop it.

32.Words for me and my blog .?
Answer :I stumbled upon Desire Vs Destiny recently, and I am glad I did! You’re doing things, the right way  I loved this concept of interviews you’re doing. It is something different and interesting. Blogging is a journey and I am sure you’ve got a long road ahead! Good Luck 

Rahul : Miglani : Thanks a lot for the wonderful answers !Guys like last season this interview is just the starting , I am roping in some surprising entries !!

Akanksha Dureja

blogs from New Delhi