Passion and Patience Is All It Takes - Vidhya Thakkar (Book Blogger)

VIDHYA  THAKKAR


Being an introvert and finding comfort in words, I started writing poems and articles in my diary. No one knew about my blog, it was all unknown traffic that I got that time, until one day one of my college friends found out, and then the whole class knew about it



Tell us about your background and journey. 


Being an introvert and finding comfort in words, I started writing poems and articles in my diary. It was in 2014 that I created my first blog where I shared poems, experiences, and all that I felt. No one knew about my blog, it was all unknown traffic that I got that time, until one day one of my college friends found out, and then the whole class knew about it. They appreciated me and encouraged me to write more. Later I wrote poems for my college magazine, I started creating content for clients, did an internship, and fell in love with social media more. The reason why I choose Digital Marketing as a career. 

I had been blogging for 4 years when I noticed #Bookstagram while uploading a picture on my photography account. I was traveling at that time but that word was on my mind and I couldn’t wait to come back and search for it. Later I found, it’s about reviews, recommendations and love for books. I already had a blog, so I started adding book reviews on my photography account. One of my Online friends suggested changing the name of my account as it was becoming more about books and That’s how Reader_Viddh was born. 

I started reviewing with the 10 books I had and other books I bought on rent. Later, after 6-7 months I got my first FREE review copy from the publisher and I knew it was just a beginning. After one year, I decided to switch my blog to a professional website where I started adding reviews, author interviews, press releases, and many other things that were loved by the audience. The only struggle was I had to start it from the start. With having more than 30K plus visitors on my blog, I had to start with Zero for my website. It was a challenge that I was ready to take. It’s been 2 years of my website and last month my blog hits were 100K visitors. 

Well, It has been a journey full of ups and downs but what I am grateful for is what I learned here, what I am learning in this journey. Every person, every book teaches me something new daily. Well, I lived the joy of reaching 10K, and today 13k followers on Instagram. These small victories motivate me to do more and more. From meeting my favorite author – Sudha Murty to attending n number of bookish events to making online friends who are now a family to the joy of attending JLF ( Jaipur Literature Festival) with bookish friends has its own experience.

It’s been a long journey in the world of book blogging, and I am enjoying it. I am glad I choose my Passion over a corporate job. I always believed in PASSION RULES US ALL and I am glad, I was able to make my passion, a profession.

From working with more than 300 authors to India’s (almost) all the leading Publishers, From being India’s top 3rd book blogger to getting covered by Mid-day, Outlook India, Buzzfeed, Local samosa, Shillong times, I am enjoying every bit of this journey.



What led you to start your page on Instagram and what is it about?


Like I said, It all started with a hashtag called #Bookstagram. I never imagined that this hashtag is going to change my life.Reader_viddh is all about Bookish updates, book reviews, recommendations, and journals filled with positivity.

It has my love for plants to peaceful Buddha, from the joy of books from various genres to my journaling page. It has everything that reflects me.

With this account, I want to spread the joy of reading.



How would you distinguish the term blogger from an influencer?


There is a thin line between blogger and influencer. Every blogger is an influencer in some or the other way, sharing their perspective and making people think. Yes, in some or the other way they are influencing the buying decisions of people. Having a huge impact on the minds of their Loyal audience which will make them trust the product or service more.



Is it financially sustainable to be an influencer today?


It is, but slowly. You need to have patience here. It took me 3 years to reach here.



What do you think influences consumer behavior?


According to me, it’s Honesty that influences consumer behavior. Yes, every blogger or influencer has that responsibility because it is going to influence their behavior.



What is your idea of success or your mantra in life?


A mantra that I always follow is, Passion Rules us all and Have Patience. If you are doing what you love, you will be unstoppable. Whatever you do, do with your whole heart and have patience. It is something that I learned here. Enjoy your work and Most importantly express yourself.



How can someone become a successful social media influencer?


Well, Enjoy this journey, stay true, and have patience. Work more on content and make them reader-friendly that one could connect to.



Which is your favorite book and why?


Becoming by Michelle Obama. Well, it has been like a bible to me, reading one page at a time. There are so many things to learn there. It has its own experience.



Follow me atwww.vidhyathakkar.com or Instagram.com/reader_viddh


Interviewed by - Manav Malik