IBB 13: An interview with Sangye Dema of the blog 'My Page'

Some Bhutanese bloggers who used to be active bloggers before are dormant these days. When you know one of such bloggers, you might be wondering what must have happened to them. Mrs. Sangye Dema who blogs at 'My Page' can be a good example. She used to be one of the active bloggers in Bhutanese bloggers' circle. 

  

I have requested her for this interview to share her views and more importantly to call her back into blogging. It doesn't seem fair to let once-active blogger to remain silent and dormant without any updates. Hope she'll resume her earlier blogging pattern soon. 

1. Thank you for your time and welcome to this interview. First of all, can you tell us little bit about yourself and your blog?
Thank you. I am a teacher and had been teaching for the last 20 years. Most of my teaching career was spent in the rural communities. My blog titled 'My Page' came into existence in 2009 where I blog both fiction and real events occasionally.

2. How you got introduced into blogging? Who helped you the most in your initial blogging journey?
I used to read quite a lot during my school days but my interest in writing developed when I was pursuing a diploma in 2006. During that time, my younger brother introduced me to the world of blogging and I started writing bits and pieces on nopkin.com under a pseudonym and later created my own blog. My husband is my greatest critic.

3. Some people say that blogging is a modern way of maintaining a diary. But for some it’s another source of income. What is blogging for you?
Blogging has served as my diary and my stress releasing mantra during the time of personal crises. I have never earned a single penny from it.

4. If some of your students are interested in becoming bloggers, what would be few things that you will suggest not to do in the start-up phase of their blogs?
I would give them a big green signal and ask them to start simple. “Think big but Start small…one step at a time.”

5. Guest blogging isn’t popular among Bhutanese bloggers. What do you think should be done to encourage this culture?
Blogging though is not very popular in the rural communities in Bhutan, I think it is picking up in the urban where people have more access to internet. Bloggers in the vicinity should come together more often and create awareness about blogging.

6. Do you know that bloggers can make some money online by displaying ads of various monetizing programs?
I have no such idea.

7. Can you suggest some changes in the current prevalent Bhutanese bloggers’ ways of blogging to make blogging in Bhutan better?
Every bloggers have their unique technique of blogging. I enjoy going through the Bhutanese blogs because I can relate to them. Bloggers need consistency in updating their blogs.  Bhutanese bloggers do not lack ideas but consistency. 

8. What do you do when you don’t blog? How they help you in improving your blogging skills?
When I don’t blog I spend my time with my little daughter (she is one and half year old). I also volunteer with RENEW at our community level. And most of the time I am preparing my lesson or planning related to my work. 

9. There is a Community of Bhutanese Bloggers (CBB) founded sometimes in 2015 by a group of Bhutanese bloggers. But you are neither a member of it nor participated in any of its events till date. What holds you back?
I know about it and also follow them on Facebook. It is a great initiative. But I have not been able to participate in any of its events owing to other obligations. And moreover the events are held in West where it is quite impossible for me to travel due to the nature of my work and the distance from my work place. But I am hopeful that I will be able to join their events in future.

10. You are a teacher by profession and blogger by passion. How related is blogging with the teaching profession?
Blogging is like spices in my teaching career. I often refer to blogs while teaching. I am still learning from both blogging and teaching.

My Words

If you go back to the date/year in which she has started blogging, you'll feel that she would be one of the bloggers who will having good experiences in blogging. She also has quite a good number of posts in her. And to read her wonderful posts, you can subscribe her blog and follow her in Facebook. 

IBB 12: An interview with a new Blogger from Sherubtse College

She was very reluctant in giving this interview. She was with a view that she just being a not-so-active newbie, anything she gives won't have much weight. When I said that nothing isn't worth sharing and we are special in our little ways, she has agreed to give this interview. 

I wanted to thank you. And hope my readers; both experienced bloggers and newbies alike will learn something from you.  

1. Welcome to my IBB. Thank you for your time. Can you introduce yourself and your blog?

Thank you so much. It’s an honor to be part of your IBB series. To introduce myself, my name is Sangay Lhamo, currently pursuing B.A Media Studies and Dzongkha at Sherubtse College. I maintain a blog-A Glimpse of my Existence-where I usually write about my every day happenings. 

2. You are a college student. How do you manage time for blogging? 

It’s a good question. Being a student or a college student, I don’t think managing time for blogging is a problem unless you are writing on some sensitive issues. In case of me; I just jot down my whole day’s happenings after reaching my room. I don’t need separate dedicated time for blogging. 

3. Name one person who helped you the most in your blogging passion?

It would be Dorji Wangchuk, the then my lecturer here at Sherubtse College. He is the one who actually insisted us or advised us to create a blogger account and start blogging.

4. Do you recommend blogging for a college student? Can you give some reasons?

I won’t recommend it to college student only but also to those who are interested in reading, writing and sharing them with others. We can many new things from this platform and for college students; it’s an out-of-classroom learning platform.  

5. Who is the Bhutanese blogger you knew for the first time?

I knew Passang Passu Tshering as the first Bhutanese blogger. I really love his blog and his blogging skills. I came to know other Bhutanese bloggers from his blog.

6. What you do when you don’t blog? How they help you in improving your blogging skills?

I am not an active blogger. But I am writing and collecting images to document an episode on “My life at Sherubtse”. Every day I am going through every post of other active blogger. Since, I am the beginner. I am learning through them.

7. How often do you communicate with your blog followers via various social media? 

I don’t contact much with my followers. And even I don’t have much follower as of now. But I communicate with the bloggers I am following most of the time through Facebook.

  

8. When was the last time your blog remained not updated for the longest duration?

This is a period that my blog remained without any updates. It’s almost a year now. I have totally forgotten about my blog. But after I have gone through various posts of Amrith Subba, it again inspired me to bring back my long lost passion in writing. 

9. When you follow a blog, what are the things you look into that blog before following it?

Well, most probably I will be checking the number of followers and how often they have posted articles. 

10. If you have read past IBB series, can you give a suggestion to make it more interesting?

Well, to make IBB series more interesting. I would suggest you to do face to face interview and upload it, sometimes if possible.

My Words

My readers, if you want to remain in her circle sharing all the moments she has got to share with her friends, add her in Facebook and follow her blog. Let us wish her all the best of luck in her blogging journey.  

IBB 11: Interview with a blogger from Zhemgang-Sancha Bdr Rai

I have Sancha Bdr Rai in today's IBB episode. He is a teacher by profession and blogger and photographer by passion. He currently serves in Zhemgang Central School as a Chemistry Teacher. 

Out of this interview and answer he has provided therein, it's my expectation that we'll come to know what it takes to be a teacher in one of the remote Dzongkhags and more importantly how he balances teaching profession and blogging passion. 

1. Welcome to my IBB series. Thank you for your time. Can you briefly introduce yourself and your blog?

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. Well, I am Sancha Bdr Rai, a teacher at Zhemgang Central School. And I maintain a blog, ‘Diary that never tell lies’

2. When did you start blogging? Did the main intention of opening this blog remain same all along for you?

Perhaps, passion for writing in me started as early as when I was in class eight. But, the concept of blogging came to me only in 2010 when I was in college. Since, then I wanted to have one. But it remained poignant as there was nobody who knows how to create one. It was in the year 2014, I started to blog formally. Since, then it remained the same.

3. What is the biggest achievement of yours as being a blogger in Bhutan?

The good part of being a blogger is certainly a success in itself. I get to know people of similar interests. The biggest achievement for me can be for getting this opportunity to share my love for photography and writing with many people. 

4. You also share your excellent photographs in your blog. How can you relate your passion in photography with blogging?

First let me thank you for the compliment. Blogging isn’t only about writing articles and poems. I relate blog in many ways. Blog for me is a total of many stuffs and one certainly being photography. I believe that sometimes certain views can be expressed better through photographs than through writings. 

5. In your opinion, what will be the things people maintaining a blog have that other people don’t have?

It is not necessary for all to go with the blogging to live a life. I must say, it is completely independent process. As a teacher and an amateur blogger, reading and writing always add something new unto me. I have different views to live a life even after my departure from this world. 

6. Some bloggers don’t take pride in having good number of followers. Does number of followers really matter for you?

Of course, at times it determines because it gives a platform for anyone - be it bloggers, writers or artists to showcase their forte. For me they do matter a lot. Having more followers and readers fills a big gap; they are like patrons of my thoughts and works. 

7. What are the factors that you think will determine whether a blog is doing good or not?

Certainly, a good command of language/thoughts, the theme and one’s writing techniques would definitely earn more remit. 

8. Name one Bhutanese who used to be an active blogger in past but now no more into serous blogging? 

I cannot remember exactly but there are few. 

9. No one is perfect in this world. So is the case with bloggers. What is the biggest mistake you have committed in your blogging journey?

I think I did not commit any mistakes as such. But there are few clashes with my wife for not being able to give her time. As a blogger or photographers, we get less time for families or loved ones. This is the case with me and this is one big challenge for me as a blogger and a lover of photography. But I am managing it well. 

10. We often fall prey to writers’ block – where we often run out of topics to write in our blogs. What are the sources of blogging topics for you?

This is very certain for all. Perhaps, same happens with me. When I go empty I think of filing up the gap with few photographs. Moreover, as a teacher there are certainly many topics to write but time is really a factor to consider with lesson plans preparation works. 

My Words

My readers, if you want to remain in circle with Sancha Bdr Rai sharing his life a teacher and a passionate blogger, add him in Facebook, subscribe his blog-Diary that never tell lies. You also shares his photographs which at times come elegant and striking. 

IBB 10: Interview with Dawa Knight of a blog Thoughts and Works

I have always known Dawa Tamang a.k.a Dawa Knight as a jolly man who can create jokes out of anything. If you happen to be with, I am sure you'll wish you are in luxury of time. Because time flies very fast with him. 

If you are also a regular reader of his blog, you must have observed how he writes - creating jokes out of anything and presenting in a sarcastic manner. I love his writings. 

And in this episode, I have requested him to share his life story in line with his profession of engineering and more importantly in the line of his passion of blogging. Let us go through what he has got to share with us.  

1. Welcome Dawa Tamang. It was nice experience talking with you during our first Bhutanese Bloggers’ Meet. 

Oh my god, do you remember that it happened last year? That was the time when they were discussing about forming CBB. I hope you liked my quirky jokes. Too bad we couldn’t talk much then. I hope we can meet once again. And thanks for interviewing me, I sort of, feel like a celebrity now. 

2. Can you please introduce yourself and your blog assuming none of my readers have come across you and your blog? 

My pen name is Dawa Knight. I started my blog sometimes in 2007. I just share my thoughts and things I am involved in. I write on various topics, topics which I feel like writing about. So far I have written mostly about what I felt like writing, and it involves my confused thoughts and stories. I do share few of my sketches as well. 

3. Who is the Bhutanese blogger you knew for the first time? Did that blogger inspire you to open this blog? 

The first Bhutanese Blogger I came across was Sonam Tobgay who created then popular Facebook group Blogyul. Some times after him, I came to know Lethro who blogs at Leythro’s Journey.  When I was placed in Bajo, I met Aue Passu who is now more than a friend. Gradually I knew people like Aue Lingi Jamthsho, Riku Dhan Subba and Kushal. Now I know quite a number of Bhutanese bloggers. 

4. Blogging can have different definitions for different people. What is blogging actually for you?

I still don’t consider myself as a blogger. It is hard to digest that term and I am not a professional blogger. Blogging to me is just a hobby because I blog when I feel like writing. 

5. When was the last time when somebody who is unknown to you came and started talking about you and your blog?

Well, I was walking with few of my lady friends in Thimphu when a guy walked upon and asked me, aren’t you Dawa Knight? And I was like, yes I am. But he was more of a Facebook friend than someone who maintains his blog. There were also few occasions whereby people I didn’t know ask me whether I was that particular Dawa citing my blog and writings. I have been meeting such new people during various social gatherings. Some people do like what I write, I don’t know why though, because I know my vocabulary sucks big time. 

6. People say that bloggers are thought leaders. Do you have your view on this statement?

I don’t know about bloggers being thought leaders. I guess it’s just that these days many of our folks are on internet. It depends on individuals. Some may like controversial stuff; some love book reviews; some may go for love, break up and moving on etc. You can’t make a person think on what we write unless they like it. 

7. You’re not a full time blogger. Have you ever thought of pursuing blogging as your full time career?

No man. I write because it has got something to do with my passion in writing.

8. Did you receive any formal training on web designing, SEO or online marketing that are very much needed in blogging?

I studied Web Programming in my college as an elective and read few times on putting up ads in blogs. Initially, I did sign up for Amazon and Google ads. But I realized that they were making my blog looks uglier. And some of those ads were that of contraceptive pills. 

9. You are an Engineer by profession and blogger by passion. What are the major challenges you face to balance the two?  

Yes, by passion I love to blog. Like I said before, I blog when I feel like writing. So, there’s no requirement for balancing. I however don’t get time to sketch anymore. Engineering as a profession consumes a lot of personal time. 

10. What are your plans to sustain in blogging unlike other bloggers who posts few articles and quit blogging all together?

I don’t think I will quit blogging now. Maybe someday, I will quit blogging. But as of now, I am good to go. Yes, I am not seen writing much articles now, but I still believe that I am in the game. 

My Words

My readers, if you want to remain in circle with Dawa Tamang a.k.a Dawa Knight reading his satirical articles, please subscribe his blog or follow him in Facebook. He also actively shares such things in Facebook.   

IBB 09: Interview with a Bhutanese author+blogger, Monu Tamang

Monu Tamang is one of the active bloggers from Bhutan who blogs at The Abyss of Freedom. He has also authored two books and the recent one being Chronicle of a Love Foretold. Monu admits of being an active reader since his primary school days. This has groomed him in becoming an author. His recent book became the fastest selling book from Bhutan that has indeed brought many Bhutanese authors before him by surprise.      

   

What more we can expect than Monu Tamang's stories for an inspiration? I think, especially our youths can have so much to learn from him. 

Therefore, in this episode, I have requested him to share about his life, blogging journey and then more importantly how he has developed overtime to becoming a writer. Let us go through what he has got to share with us. 

1. Welcome to my Blogger Interview Series. Thank you for accepting my request and caring to give your responses.

First of all, thank you very much for inviting me to be part of your IBB series. I always read your interviews with popular and great Bhutanese bloggers and honesty I was waiting for you to invite me. Nonetheless, I am very happy that you invited me, finally. 

2. Can you please tell us how you first came to know about blogging? Did anyone help you in opening your blog?  

It was back in 2011 that I first created my Facebook account. At the same time I had just launched my first book when I was in Mr Pema Namgay’s (the then BBS reporter from Tsirang) office and he introduced me to blogging. He told I can publish my work for free and let million readers read it. That idea fascinated me. He created a blog for me. Then, after posting few posts, I got to know Mr Passang Passu Tshering (the most popular Bhutanese blogger) and he instantly introduced me to Blogyul. I started sharing my blog post in that group and it amazed me when so many people started reading and following my blog.

3. Does anyone from your family know that you’re a blogger? How they support you?

I don’t think anyone of them knows about it except my younger brother who is currently in Delhi. I am not sure whether he reads it because he never talks about it. 

4. Can you give three secrets of your life that you have never shared with your blog readers?

• I published my first book The Joy of Beautiful Dreams out of my ego – to prove that one can publish a book without support of a publishing house – when three Bhutanese publishing houses rejected my manuscript without even reading a page. 
• I wrote a play inspired by William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice when I was in class seven and  short novel (may be a long short story) when I was in class eight. 
• I finished writing Chronicle of a Love Foretold in just three months when I was in third year. 

5. When you first started your blog what was the main problem? How you could overcome it? 

It was to familiarize myself with the different widgets of blog. As I kept using those widgets, I found them familiar and understood their importance.

6. What kinds of comment in your blog really annoy you? 

I am very passionate blogger and any constructive criticism doesn’t offend me. I would rather look up to them as the inspiration to improve further. I am open to any kind of comments. But I hate the hoax and spam that appears in my comment box. 

7. If you were given a chance to go back to the time you created your blog, what would be the one thing that you’ll do with your blog that is different from what you have done when you started it?

I don’t think I regret for what I did when I started blogging. My blog is as much as documentation of my own progress of writing. When I read what I wrote almost five years ago, I find it mediocre which means I improved a lot compare to what I was then. And I just wish to keep growing. 

8. We can also share stories and writings in Facebook. Still then you’re active in blogging. Do you think opening a blog is really important?  

Yes, it is important to have blog, especially for me. Though we can share stories and writings in Facebook but there is that different charm of blogging. It is something indecipherable, something special. May be it has something to do with exclusiveness.

9. You have also written few books. Does your presence in internet as a blogger help you in being an author?

Blogging definitely helped me grow into an author. As I write blog post, it keeps my passion for writing alive and every time I write, I hone my writing skill. I become little better than what I was yesterday.  

While writing my books, I do most of the research works through internet. We get answer for almost everything from internet making my research works less tiresome and immediate. 

Recently, my book Chronicle of a Love Foretold became the first crowd published book in Bhutan. When almost all of the investors were bloggers, I reassured myself that it could be because they knew my passion for writing. So I attribute my heartfelt gratitude to all the bloggers who played vital role in advertising and selling my book. 

10. When your passions of writing books and blogging are considered, how you see yourself in 5 years from now? 

I wish that my blog be read by more young people and get inspired to read and write more. And I can see myself publishing at least another two novels within 5 years. Hope I didn’t speak up too fast. 

My Words

Thank you Monu Tamang for your time. And my dear readers, if you want to remain connected with him, you can subscribe his blog, follow him in Facebook and more importantly grape a copy of his recent novel-Chroncile of a Love Foretold. I am sure he won't fail you in remaining inspired. 

IBB 08: Interview with Rekha Monger of a blog 'I Relate To That'

There are not many Bhutanese women who are into blogging. And Bhutanese women who are into blogging aren't as active as her. If we want more Bhutanese women into blogging, she will be one of the finest source of inspiration for our women folks. 

I am talking about none other than Rekha Monger of a blog I Relate To That. So in this episode of IBB, we are glad to have her as an interviewee. There is so much we can learn from her. Let us go through what she has got to share about her thus far blogging journey. 

1. Welcome to my interview Madam Rekha and thank you for your time spent in sharing your stories with us. 

Thank you so much Sherab. It’s an honor to be part of your IBB series. I’ve loved this series and appreciated you from the start for coming up with this creative spotlight for bloggers. Secretly, I’ve wanted to be part of it. Now that you gave me the honor, I’m delighted.

2. What is blogging for you? What kind of blogger you consider yourself? 

Blogging is a creative outlet from my 9-5 job. Writing and reading is very therapeutic for me which I get to practice through this platform.  I mostly write about the every days in life, every days being the mundane things, like the weather, seasons, books, things that inspire me and helps me grow as a person. That makes me a personal blogger. 

3. How you first entered into blogging? 

I started to blog as a way to document my life and share my love for reading and writing. 

4. Name one person who is responsible for your blog in remaining active thus far?

Well, it will not be a person but a bunch of them. And that bunch being my readers. People who read my blog and leave a comment to encourage my blogging journey. So I’d like to thank all my readers for being with me thus far and I hope the same in the future. 

5. Can you certainly say that blogging helps in improving overall personality of a person? 

What you are, you portray that in your writing. So yes, blogging definitely does help in improving the overall personality. 

6. Who else knows the user ID and password of your blog?

No one.

7. If someone is willing to enter as a co-blogger with you in your blog, will you be ready to accept that offer?

That would be absolute fun. 

8. In your opinion what will be the most important thing needed in person to become a successful blogger?

Finding your niche and being true in your writing is the most important thing required in a person to become a successful blogger for me.

9. Your blog is one of the finest blogs from Bhutan. Do you have any plans to make it even better?

Ugh…Thank you. It gives me immense pride to know this. It’s the fruit to my hard work, dedication and commitment. My blog is a work in progress. I plan to come up with consistent plots. 

10. Let us assume you are hospitalized and doctor says that you’re in your final stage. At that time what you’ll think of your blog?

God forbid that. But thank you for reminding me on the impermanence of life. I’d just be happy that I’ve been successful in leaving my digital footprints. 

My Words

Thank you very much Madam Rekha for your time. And my dear readers, if you want to remain connected with this wonderful woman, you can follow her blog. I am sure that you'll fall in love with her writings and more importantly the way she critically reviews books. You can bank on her blog whenever you require a help in preparing your reading list. 

IBB 07: Interview with Sonam Tenzin of Blog-Of a Himalayan Son

My readers, you must have been thinking I must have given up continuing with my IBB series. You're right. I couldn't interview any blogger for this thus far. But I am going to continue hereafter and in today's episode, I have Sonam Tenzin of a Blog OF A HIMALAYAN SON.  

He's a young blogger, currently a Bhutanese college student in India. His blog posts are usually about his childhood memories-some in prose and some in poems. Let us go go through what he has to share with us about his blogging journey. 

1. Welcome to my interview Sonam Tenzin. It’s always an honour to have someone young and aspiring person like you in my blog.

Thank you. To be honest, ever since you started this bloggers' interview in your blog, I have been expecting my turn. And that it's my turn now, the honour is also mine. 

2. In Bhutan, who all are people that you think shouldn’t be blogging?

Blog, I suppose, is a platform that gives us the freedom of expression. So, I think there shouldn't be any restriction as to who should and shouldn't be blogging.

3. How many people you introduced in blogging?

Honestly, I don't have the count of the number. There are only few friends to whom I helped create their own blogs, that also in blogspot mostly.

4. How do you write in your blog? Is there any time table or something for that?

I write only when I get the substance I like to write of. There isn't exact schedule of when I update my blog.

5. When was the last time that your blog’s page views in a day shocked you?

Unfortunately, it never happened to me. 

6. People say that in blogging if content is king then quality content will be an emperor. What is your view?

I totally agree with the statement. A blog is judged by the number of posts also. But more importantly, the content also matters. It should be worthy of any visitor's time.

7. When you read blogs of successful bloggers, do you sometimes think of getting registered for some short-term training in blogging?

Of course. I do think that way.

8. Name one person who inspired you in opening a blog. 

Spare me this, one question. There are many.

9. When people read your blog articles, how they should think of you?

My blog posts often don't carry serious messages. They are mostly my personal writings of the places and people, I have been to and met and loved. And dates I cherish. So, I like my blog followers and readers to not expect much interesting posts from me.

10. Do you have any plans for your blog?

Actually, I like to update my blog as often as possible. But I am handcuffed with other businesses now a days. And also due to time deficiency, I sadly, have to admit I don't have any plans as such for my blog for time being now. 

IBB 06: Interview with Author of 'Kadrinche, beyond words'

Kinley Wangchuk has authored the recently published Bhutanese novel ‘Kadrinche, beyond words’. Read its review. It’s his first book. If you haven’t read it, please grab a copy and read it. I can guarantee you will love it. The story line is simple to follow and language is lucid. 

                     

To provide more insights, and in those areas where book itself didn’t cover, today I have requested him to share something more about the book through my interview. He agreed it and we’re indeed fortunate. Let us see what he has got to share with us. 

1. Welcome to my interview. Tashi Delek for successfully coming up with your first novel. Hope you’ll write more in coming years.
Kadrinche for the interview, Sherab, and thank you loads for the wishes. While I have passion in reading and writing and desire to pursue it on long-term basis, I am not so sure of its outcome. But I will keep on trying. I hope my candle of passion would continue to burn.

2. The story in your book closely resembles stories of Bhutanese movies Jurwa and Ngyen Dang Dra combined. Is your novel in anyway inspired by them?
My family and I have watched both the movies and we enjoyed a lot. But no, my book was not an outcome of inspiration from the two movies. I never had the intention of writing a story in similar lines. If the story of my book is similar to the two movies, it is pure coincidence.

3. You have given so much good qualities to Wangchuk as much as you have given bad qualities to Karma. Do you think you would have done the same if you were a female? 
We may not have much influence on what we may do and what we may not do. Many actions (including thoughts) are circumstantial, not pre-meditated. Moreover, whatever happens, happens for a reason. The characters, Wangchuk and Karma, are creation of my imagination. While one is good, other is supposedly bad. This situation was created as good and bad co-exist. By this I mean to say, good is good because of existence of bad and vice versa. Without one, other wouldn’t exist.

4. The end of story seems little unpredictably abrupt. Karma wasn’t given enough time to realize her mistakes and seek forgiveness from Wangchuk as well as from her children. Do you think it is fair?
Well I did not notice that deficiency. You can say it is failure on the part of my imagination. But frankly, I didn’t want the story to end that way, meaning I didn’t want the readers to conclude, “all is well that ends well”. I desired that the ending should be more heart-wrenching. But, “KADRINCHE, Beyond Words” is a sequel and there is more in the pipeline. If you have read the Epilogue, you would have noticed there would be continuation in the story.

5. Your book title can be translated as ‘Thank you, beyond words’. Who is the subject?
My book, “KADRINCHE, Beyond Words” is dedicated to 4th Druk Gyalpo on His Majesty’s 60th birth anniversary. It is also in celebration of Reading Year 2015. I hope my small effort would inspire young minds and revive reading habit of at least a few.

6. You have described so much about a company that was near to fall due to so many factors you have mentioned. Do you think such detailed information can be given if an author is someone who hasn’t actually worked in such an organization?
I have created the particular situation more befitting the story line; it is not a non-fiction. I am personally of the opinion that any business student, or for that matter, anyone who has somewhat similar working experiences can actually create similar plot. My past and present employer companies are all good. They have been, they are and they will always be sound in terms of business. I never had the opportunity of trying my management competencies in any entity that has business problems similar to the plot created in the story of my book.

7. People who know you since many years and who have also read this book say that more than 80% of the novel is just about your real life. But you have said otherwise in Disclaimer statement. Are you being honest to your readers?
I am happy that readers are connecting the story of my book with my real life. I have also experienced that stories of most books I have read thus far have certain familiarity and similarity with our real lives. But that doesn’t conclude that fiction stories are non-fiction. Similarly, the story in my book is also fiction. If it is somewhat similar to my real life, it is pure coincidence.

8. Can you give some differences between this book’s first unedited draft and its final edited version?
Yes, the draft was long because the story was unreasonably descriptive leaving no room for the readers’ imagination. However, the editor, Mr. Ngawang Phuntsho, had done a wonderful job in down-sizing and in giving soul to the story. He also ensured that the story is readable by the mass, not just the higher echelon of educated lot. Again Mr. Che Dorji and Mr. Ngawang Phuntsho came up with the most wonderful cover design. I am grateful to the two of them in the measure I can never sufficiently express.

9. Is writing a book and getting it published really very difficult in Bhutan?
Individual skills and personal determination more defines when and what kind of a book a writer would write. I do not see any obstruction in exercising one’s writing skills. However, getting the book published could be a problem, especially if you are low on budget. The situation would be worse if you are writing it for the first time as no publisher would take the risk of investing in your book. For this reason, I published the book on my own. But yes, I had to source fund to do it.

10. Do you have plans to write more books in future?
I dreamed of writing a book long ago but my personal deficiencies pegged me thus far. “Kadrinche, Beyond Words” is my first attempt. Should all go well, I intend to write yet another two books. The third and the last book would be a sequel to my first book “Kadrinche, Beyond Words”. But I have no timeline so far. I hope the interest of readers in reading would continue to fuel my writing passion.

Final Words

Thank you very much Aue Kinley for your wonderful time with us. We hope you will remain gripped with your passion for reading and writing, and then inspiring commoners like us. And didn't you say that you have plan to write two more books? Oh, you have told. So let me wish you all luck for that too.   

IBB 05: Leki Choden of a blog Happiness is where you find it

Leki Choden, a media science student at Sherutse  who blogs at Happiness is where you find it is one of such youthful and inspiring bloggers. The maturity of her vocabulary and flow of her language will be something that every blogger will find reasons to feel jealous of her.

 

                     

She also shares photographic posts which often come better than what professional photographers can do. 

Let us hope that she keeps her passion in both writing and photography well nurtured. There is no doubt she won't grow in them. But before that let us see what she has got to say about her blogging experiences thus far.  
  

1. Welcome to my interview Leki. It’s always an honour to have someone young and aspiring person like you in my blog.
Thank you so much. Truly honored I am for getting an opportunity to write about my blog. I really doubt if a beginner like me can be a source of inspiration. I had you questioned 'Do I even fall in the category?' I truly thank you for having me guided always. I also want to thank you for taking me worth having on such a wonderful forum.

2. In Bhutan, who all are people that you think shouldn’t be blogging?
I think it would be an unhealthy law if certain group or a section of the society were not allowed to blog. Every individual have the right to voice out their thoughts. I would rather say every educated citizen must actively take part in such platforms.

3. How many people you introduced in blogging?
It has only been a year and half since I started blogging. I had tough time coming up with one. Many a times I had it messed up instead. Blogging never was an easy task. Since I had no skill, I could introduce no one into blogging so far. As I keep journeying and refining myself I am hoping to have my friends and relatives presented to the wondrous platform.

4. How do you write in your blog? Is there any time table or something for that?
My blog solely consist of my expressions. I write about happenings in my daily life. I have stories on why I came to Sherubtse. I also keep record of new places I visit. I love photography, as you know it's occupied with pictures, which makes it more of a pictorial blog. I love to capture changing colors of dawn and dusk. I have no time table as such but I try to have it updated as and when possible. The regularity of my post ranges from four to five in a month during the breaks. While in college I struggle to come with a single write up in a month or two.

5. When was the last time that your blog’s page views in a day shocked you?
Honesty, I don't have the habit of checking page views. I did not take a note of it so far. Well, I might have to from now on. More than the page views or the likes, I always had attentive respect to genuine comments on my work. I took in all the remarks by heart. The statements helped me appreciate my own effort and keep on with the task. I worked on to eliminate the flaws and have a better perspective for the next.

6. People say that in blogging if content is king then quality content will be an emperor. What is your view?
I truly believe that a blog must have quality content. A content can be anything only to have the space filled up, while a quality content must be worth the amount of time a reader invest in.  Quality content need not necessarily be a social issue or a debatable subject. Narration of daily activities can equally be one if it can inspire the viewer.

7. When you read blogs of successful bloggers, do you sometimes think of getting registered for some short-term training in blogging?
Unquestionably, successful bloggers inspire me to be better. I truly think I should get registered for some sort of training to make better advancements. In fact I am already planning to get registered for the Voices of the Youth Blogging Internship by UNICEF. It's a three month internship program for young people across the world who will blog at least once a week and participate in online discussions. It would indeed take me to next level, that is, if and only if I get selected.

8. Name one person who inspired you in opening a blog.
If I acknowledge the success of getting the title of blogger to a single person then it is very untrue. I have a number of people who at all times remained very supportive. I had this blog created as part of assignment. No lesser than his lectures Dorji Wangchuk sir’s personal blog had me fascinated. Langa Tenzins creative writings made me feel like it should be more than an assignment. Having stumbled upon Aue Rekha’s blog had me confirmed that I should be a blogger too. Passu Diary, Riku sir, Penstar, Sonam Tenzin, Ugyen Tenzin, Rima madam, Aue Rupa and many others were rays of inspiration. You too have always been there to fix up my page when I had it messed up. You had me motivated to keep moving.

9. When people read your blog articles, how they should think of you?
It is mandatory for a reader to understand that all the writings are based on what I feel. There is no need to relate it with my status or the institution I belong to. What I feel may not be alike to that of a viewer’s expressions but he or she must learn to respect others interpretation.

10. If your little brother wants to open a blog in his own name, what will be your words for him?
I would be glad if the little one wants to open a blog. I would help him in each possible way. I would warn him to be careful about what he write. I will introduce him to a list of senior bloggers. "Blogging is giving an identity to self" would be the only note I would mention for all those who wants to blog. 

Final Words

Thank you Leki for caring us and sharing your inspiring blogging experiences. We hope you'll walk far with it. And my readers, let us keep such a young and inspiring blogger in our circle by following her from her blog or from her Facebook. We don't need any more reasons to remain connected with Leki.    

IBB 04: Kinley Wangmo, another new blogger from Bhutan

Bhutanese Bloggers' Community is increasing. Every day new bloggers are realizing their passions for writing and entering blogging community.  This is wonderful. But when those new bloggers are young and enthusiastic Bhutanese youths, it makes more wonderful.  Youths are suppose to be an embodiment of Generation-Y ideas. 

                     

I have recently discovered such blogger. Her name is Kinley Wangmo, a recent Sherubtse College graduate. She blogs at My Outlook of Life. If you haven't read her blog yet, you must check it out. The way she writes; natural and frank, will not fail to impress you. Since I am also impressed by her, I couldn't avoid to interview and then request to share her stories and experiences of blogging.  
 

1. Welcome to my Blogger Interview Series. Thank you for accepting my request and caring to give your responses.
Thank you Sherab. It is more than an honor for me to be getting interviewed for IBB. I am a new but an inactive blogger. I am not quite sure if I stand fit to be interviewed. But thank you for the support and opportunity.

2. Can you please tell us how you fist came to know about blogging. Did anyone help you in opening your blog? 
I have always been a keen reader and have read a lot of blogs since 2011. Bhutanese were starting to blog and their blogs were interesting ones. I always wanted to write and blog but I was scared as to thinking who would care to read my stories. But then when I was in Sherubtse College, my tutor Barbara Elizabeth Steward made it compulsory for all the students to create a blog. I was the most excited and I had a blog finally. I must say, she helped me a lot in my blog with all her honest feedbacks. My initial posts were mainly news features about Kanglung. I later changed it and today it stands as my say. 

3. Does anyone from your family know that you’re a blogger?
Well, my family knows that I write. And it seems some of them have been reading my blog recently. So, it seems they know I blog.

4. Can you give the three secrets of your life that you have never shared with your blog readers?
Three secrets.

#1 I have so much more written and saved than posted on my blog.  
#2 Whatever I blog have two meanings. 
#3 All my blogs have the closest association to me and it depicts who I am. 

5. When you first started your blog what was the main problem?
The main problem was not knowing what to post next. Many other bloggers were posting social issues and interesting things around them. I had none. So, it’s always a challenge for new bloggers like me- What’s next? What now? Now, I have my own style and my own idea/concept/theme for my blog, I initially lacked.

6. Do you think short-term trainings on web designing, coding, online marketing etc are needed to become a blogger?
I had none of the trainings and I still blog so I don’t think it is necessary. But on the brighter side, it would be an excellent way forward for many if taught.

7. What kinds of comment in your blog really annoy you?
I haven’t received annoying comments as of now and I don’t expect any. But any comments disrespecting my individuality, my family, my friends or my country will piss me off. I believe that if you can’t appreciate then at least don’t depreciate an individual and his voice. Your right to express cannot and should not become a nuisance for someone else. 

8. Bhutan’s present prime minister is also active blogger from Bhutan. Can you say his party won 2013 election just he is popular in Internet?
Honorable Prime Minster is an active blogger and his blogs have always left me amazed. I am not sure if Internet popularity made him win. His presence on social media would have had impact on his political career. Being online means being approachable and democracy for me seems being accessible to your people. I cannot say his party won because of it.  I am not a political pundit so I would just say it might have had an impact on the election results.

9. Do you have future plans for your blog?
I have a lot of plans for my blog right now. I want to write more; express more and if possible entertain people by my writing. I want to make new friends who would read and understand me. I want to inspire people to express themselves. I am also planning to add photographs, short clips and radio dramas I have made in my blog. So, lots of plan is going on in my mind.

10. What will be the one thing that you think person entering into blogging shouldn’t do for first few months?
I personally think you shouldn’t expect too many readers instantly. If you are good, people will read you and if one reads you its okay. You still have to write and express yourself.
It’s my personal view that your first post shouldn’t be a social issue post. Well, I think unless you are a very knowledgeable person who has done a lot of research and have the complete idea about it, don’t pen it. You are posting it on the internet where everyone can see it. Don’t risk your credibility with your first writing.
Lastly, keep writing and keep reading my blog. This is all I can say. Thank you for the opportunity. If you have other queries please let me know. 

Final Words

Thank you Kinley for sharing your experiences with us. Please continue blogging and let us see how far we can travell together blogging. And my readers, if you want to remain in circle with Kinley Wangmo, follow her in Facebook and Blog-My Outlook of Life. 

IBB 03: Interview with a candid blogger Rupa from Trongsa

My program Interview Bhutanese Bloggers (IBB) is going well. I have introduced two seasoned bloggers from Bhutan, Riku Dhan Subba from Riku Dhan Subba's Blog and Amrith Bdr Subba from Amrith Bdr Subba's Diary. Done with two Subba bloggers, hope beginners found some reasons to remain in blogging sharing your inner selves.

                         

Now, away from Thimphu, I have Rupa Gurung from Trongsa who blogs at Colour your Life with Crayons. She is a casual yet very candid blogger. You will realize how frank she is while reading her blog or even her responses for my questions. Let us check it out.

1. Welcome to my Interview, Rupa Gurung. It is always happy to know more about fellow-bloggers.
Thank you Sherab! Nice to meet you and so glad to be interviewed. I do more of listening than talking, but today let me take a turn to speak. I am more vocal on online platforms than live meet ups. I was sharing to one of my friends, saying that I got an appointment with you. He abruptly said raising his eye brow, why not I suggest you to ask about the personal lives so that your post will attract more readers. 

2. Please introduce yourself in the best interest of my readers.
I did B.Ed from Paro College of education in 2013. I am a teacher of Samcholing Middle Secondary School which is probably 33KM away from the heart of Trongsa town. I follow my heart, believe in myself and god. I love football, chocolates; adventures, nature beauty and blogging. Unlike today, 5 years ago I used to be simple and quiet girl. It was a drastic change in my personality. Being the only daughter to my parents who are farmers, you can imagine how determined I should be to help and guide my siblings.

3. When was the first time you heard about blogging? Did you start your blog as soon as you heard about blogging?
When I first joined college, we were asked to create a Gmail account by our tutor. He then introduced to blog on 22nd of March 2010. We were asked to write first impression about Paro College. I found that burdensome and I left untouched after that. In 2012, I went for teaching practices. There I was all alone. Loneliness drove me crazy to watch more and more movies. Out of many ‘One Litre Of Tears’ really touched my heart and inspired me to scribble more in my diary. When I was back to college, I saw a blog of Pema Rabsel, junior friend of mine, being shared on Facebook. I opened it and found interesting. I was inspired and from there only I actually started blogging. Though I lost its content sometimes later, I again built up and continued blogging. 

4. What was the main motive when you first started your blog? Has the motive remained same all along your blogging journey?
My main motive was just to scribble whatever comes in my mind and just to write about me, my feelings about surroundings, families, relatives, activities. I never wanted to pressurize my brain. And my motive remained same all the time. I am never a serious blogger. Sometimes, I wanted to write about politics and issues but I say NO to myself. Your blog is not for debating or for such issues. 

5. When was the last time you had very special moment solely because of your blog?
I have many special moments because of my blog. But the most special one was when I last met Rima (Singaporean blogger) and Ugyen Gyeltshen, blogger who authored the book Dear Seday.

6. Bhutanese bloggers are mostly opinion-oriented bloggers. Do you think this is good in our society?
Well yes this will bring changes in our society. Through their opinions we will be able to know more about that person. We have right to state our feelings. I feel Passu Diary, is always straight forward, Pen Star always with plans, Pig Intestine with hilarious stories, Riku Dhan Subba’s Blog with Nature beauty and issues, ‘i Relate To That’ with wonderful English structure, Sonam Tenzins Blog expresses his feelings through poems, and your blog with blogging tips. I think opinion-oriented blogging is good.

7. If you happen to love someone who is also a blogger, what will be your strategy to make that person know about your feelings?
Alawai…. I don’t know how to answer this question now. I think I will keep on writing down my feelings until he realizes what I write is what I mean for him. He may not know what I write still. So I will share on social networks and keep on tagging him until he leaves a comment on my post haha. Touching my heart, breathing long, but this is not going to happen. I am already dating.

8. If you can go back to the time you created your blog, what would be the one thing that you’ll do with your blog that is different from what you have done when you started it?
Alawai… this is the most difficult question in your interview. It’s impossible to go back but if I was given this chance then I will be creating LABELS for all my post. Today, though I receive minimum of 100 views for every post but the gross page views still remain at the minimal level. Is that because I didn’t create labels? 

9. Do you see any scope for professional blogging and making income out of blogs in Bhutan?
Since blogging is very youthful in Bhutan. I think this will take time. In future we see bloggers who will earn out of blogs. And to happen that, I think we have to wait. Per capita internet connectivity is still low in our country. 

10. A sentence from your heart for Bhutanese you haven’t opened a blog but are capable of opening one.
Blogging is fun. Do something meaningful with your life.

Final Words

Rupa Gurung, thank you very much for your time and most importantly for your stories and experiences of blogging. Readers, if you want to remain connected with Rupa, follow her in Facebook and Blog - Colour your Life with Crayons. 
 

IBB 02: Stories of a visually impaired blogger from Bhutan

We shall never be in short of inspiration. Amrith, a visually impaired person who blogs at Amrith Bdr Subba's Diary is here to share his stories of his blogging journey with us. In spite of having such disability, how far he has come and how he treats his life is something we must really learn from him.
   

  
To give his brief introduction, Amrith Bdr Subba currently works as a Counsellor at Youth Center Division under Ministry of Education, Thimphu. He is a married with two sons. 

  

1. Welcome to my interview Amrith. Hope many of my readers will be inspired by your stories and blogging experiences.
Thank you so much, Sherab. I feel really honored to have this opportunity to share my blogging experiences with your readers. I am not sure if my stories would really inspire your readers. So, once again, thank you.
 

2. You are one and only one visually impaired blogger from Bhutan. Yet you maintain your blog professionally better than many bloggers, what is your secret?
Yes, as of now, you can say that although there are many others who have more IT knowledge and skills than me. I don’t want to call my blog a professional one because basically I have not invested anything in it. I have just tried to incorporate whatever I have learned through explorations and consultations with other friends, and, I know I have a long way to go to really make it professional. Whenever I make some changes in the layout, I just seek feedback from my friends to confirm that it looks presentable. 

3. People say that blogging at WordPress requires quite a great deal of PHP and CSS knowledge. However, it seems you’re comfortable with WordPress. Did you receive any special training on web designing?
I have not received any training on web designing but I have had the opportunity to learn about blogging on Wordpress during the two-week intermediate ICT workshop for the blind conducted by Japan Braille Library in Penang, Malaysia in 2010. I have learned basic programming, HTML codes and CSS. But I use only HTML frequently on my blog. I have chosen wordpress to create my blog simply because it has been found to be very accessible with the screen-reading software which we use, the JAWS. Moreover, Wordpress comes with a great number of accessible in-built features which in fact do not require you to know anything about PHP or CSS scripts. 

4. If you have everything needed for making your blog better, what will be the first thing that you’ll change in your blog?
I am quite satisfied with the way I have organized my blog contents as of now because it gives me enough space to put up whatever I like. But if I really have to change anything, I would love to have a blog logo in the header. At the moment, I have not been able to have a logo for my blog. That’s what I feel. Other than that, I can’t think of anything significant I would love to change at the moment. May be as I go on exploring further, I might discover some new features I might like to have.

5. You have created your own presence in internet world out of maintaining a blog. Does it in any way helps your life?
Blogging has definitely provided me with a safe virtual world where I can interact with so many people. It’s a fact that as a visually impaired person, I don’t have much fun going out to socialize with people, but my blog always opens my door to the virtual world where I don’t feel lonely and isolated. Moreover, I primarily write to create my own memories for future references also may be for my children. Moreover, blogging is my passion and it has been a great pastime for me. I usually write when I don’t have anything to do. So, it has become a great source of engagement for me.

6. If you were not a visually-impaired person, how your blog would be by now? (Sorry if I sounded so insensitive)
I don’t mind being asked anything about my disability. I have learned to accept it fully now. To answer your question right away, I don’t think I would be blogging if I had not lost my sight. I would have been rather driving a truck today because I had always wanted to become a truck driver when I had sight. I was 9 when I lost my vision and yet I had not gone to school. So it is apparent that if I had not become blind, I would not have got the opportunity to go to school. That’s why I don’t regret for losing sight because I still consider it a blessing in disguise. 

7. I remember reading quite a number of posts from your blog that actually emphasized on rights and supports visually impaired people must be given by our society. Does it help?
I feel public must be educated about the needs and rights of persons with disabilities. However I don’t mean that persons with disabilities are currently being deprived of their rights in Bhutan. But I know the level of public understanding of disability issues is low. So as a blogger with disability, I am trying to contribute, in my own small way, to the creation of an inclusive society where all of us can live in harmony. It’s not the sole purpose of my blog though. I just write on such issues only when I feel the need and whenever I go through similar experiences. I feel at least some of my readers are able to understand what I write. This itself gives me a great sense of satisfaction.

8. We know that you have got a very supportive wife. But we don’t know whether she also supports you in blogging too. Does she know your blog’s user ID and password?  
I am really sorry to tell you that my wife is illiterate and hence, she does not have access to the dashboard of my blog. But she definitely supports me in this journey. Moreover, I share with her anything I write about her and other interesting subjects. She just smiles and warns me not to write about anything sensitive that can land me up in jail. In fact, she often helps me in selecting nice pictures for my blog posts as well as takes pictures for me. 

9. If I can remember right you have shared your hope of writing a book during the first CBB conference. Do you have any update on this? 
Well, that is still a hope only. I have not yet been able to decide to write any book although the thought of compiling the folktales narrated to me by my late father is still there. I am still wondering when I should start writing and how to go about it. My colleague Riku Dhan Subba has been encouraging me to publish the selected articles from my blog but as of now, I have no concrete plan to publish a book. I think I will be able to write one at least in the next five years or so. Till then, I would continue writing my experiences piece by piece on my blog.

10. In Bhutan many people open blogs, write few posts and then leave their blogs permanently unattended. Do you have any word (s) for such bloggers?
I know blogging requires a lot of sacrifices, commitment and dedication. I first opened my blog in 2010 but after a few posts, I could not update it, and as a result, I gradually lost interest in blogging. Then after being inspired by a number of bloggers, I rededicated myself to blogging in April 2014. Only then I got the real taste of blogging experience. So to those who have created blogs and left unattended, I just would like to say that if you can continue for at least a few months, it becomes much easier for you to write new posts. Blogging is a really beautiful journey. You don’t even have to be a web-designer or an IT person to manage a blog. Once you know how to create a blog and post articles, you will have ample rooms to explore and learn more. So to all the upcoming bloggers, all the best of luck. Together, we all can make a difference in the society.

   
Final Words
On behalf of all the readers, I would like to thank Amrith for sharing your inspiring experiences. Hope many will be inspired. And readers, if you like to learn more being with Amrith, you may follow him in Facebook or in his blog - Amrith Bdr Subba's Diary.