Radhikasreflection by Radhika

I met Radhika more than a year ago and am greatly impressed by her adaptability and versatility to rise to any challenge.  She has exceptional ability to weave words in the most unexpected way so please don’t miss those links to her favourites as they are each a real gem and showcase the breadth of her talent!

 

Please briefly share your personal background?

Daughter of an Air Force Officer, I am the eldest of three siblings who travelled across India accompanying dad on his postings.

Professionally I am a certified accountant technician.

Post marriage and kids life was busy, with home and kids demanding my attention and time.   Working as a teacher for five years was a wonderful experience. I was not very keen to work full time as our kids were growing up and I felt that one parent needed to be home. My husband’s work schedule is quite demanding.

So I converted my love for baking to make it my profession. I now take pride in calling myself a home baker. Baking aromas waft from my oven or the fragrance of the sinful dark chocolate permeates my home often. Conducting baking workshops is something I really enjoy.

Volunteering at a couple of NGO’s where I teach the government school students spoken English gives me a lot of satisfaction.

Then of course my blog! That keeps me pretty busy and creatively occupied.

 

Please share your blogging history?

I just celebrated my second blog anniversary on radhikasreflection with wordpress!!

I really can’t put my finger on why did I start blogging. Though a voracious reader since childhood I hadn’t written much. Just a few articles for the school magazine, a couple of scripts for my class project.

Writing always fascinated me and maybe that’s why it found its place on my bucket list of things to do. Somehow that list got stashed away safely and forgotten. Then one fine day when I was cleaning my closet my glanced fell upon the list and “To start my own blog” stared back at me. Guess that’s when I thought I should make a beginning in that direction. Today here I am, glad to have made that decision.

What blogging advice would you give those just starting?

I am not very good at giving advice to people 😉

I would just like to say that, “The beauty of a garden increases manifold only because of the myriad variety and colors of blooms adorning it. Vibrant, exquisite, delicate or fragrant, all so alluring. Similarly each of us have our own style of writing. Let your writings be a reflection of you!”

 

What do you most enjoy about blogging and what have you learnt?

This is one journey that has been very enriching for me. With just being fond of expressing my thoughts with words, I have traversed and learnt a lot from all my fellow bloggers. I am in awe at the level of literary talent here.

My writing is mostly lucid and a reflection of my thoughts. Anything that strikes a chord within me or an emotion I feel, finds an outlet through my pen. The genuine feedback from the readers also motivates me to write.

Writing has become therapeutic. It helps me untangle the cacophony of my thoughts and mould them into something more sublime and beautiful.

Attempting challenges on WordPress, be it poetry or fiction, bestows on me a sense of creative contentment of delivering within the defined parameters.

Has your blog or writing led to opportunities for you?

On a personal front it has instilled a sense of confidence in me as I am happy to see my growth as a writer. Although I still have miles to go in this journey of words and verses I am nevertheless happy to have started and be moving forward.

On a professional level, not much so far, I have written guest posts for a few bloggers.

This interview by you Kate, I hope is a beginning of sorts! So things look pretty good and hopeful that something will manifest when the time is right.

 

What methods do you use to expand your readership?

I guess there is no prescribed formula to follow to expand the readership.

I do make it a point to read my fellow blogger’s blog and leave my feedback or like it. Guess that has helped to a certain extent. I do not believe in follow for a follow. If I can relate to what the other person writes, then definitely yes!

Like I said earlier, let your writings be genuine.

 

Time management can be a challenge, how do you stay disciplined and organised?

Luckily for me I am a pretty disciplined person and managing time comes easily. In fact, family and friends have honoured me with a tag of “Being on time every time” !!

Which is your favourite post and why?

Hmm….that’s like asking, which is the most beautiful flower in a garden! It’s difficult to pick one isn’t it? But a few of those close to my heart are..

Meet, Mr. Popular!

Radiant

Baking Affair

Sea

Winter

Well, I can go on and on…. 😉

 

What has been your most popular post, did you expect it to be the most popular?

My poem on” Poetry” seems to have made an impression with the readers, as it mirrors my feelings about writing poetry. The response to this was absolutely overwhelming (in terms of likes). It has brought a big broad smile to my face!

Thank you Kate for giving me this opportunity. I enjoyed doing this!