(Nigerian Tribune Interview)-My journey into blogging, the rewards,my role models.....

This is my first print interview..Thanks to the Nigerian Tribune..Want to know all about my foray into blogging..kindly read and ofcourse your opinion is highly
valued....

Emeh Achanga, a dual national of Nigeria and Cameroon, is the Chief Executive Officer of Miss Petite Nigeria Blog. The graduate of Law from the University of Buea, Cameroon, in this interview with TOYIN KOMOLAFE speaks on why she decided to quit her job to become a blogger. 

YOU once said that you don’t like the 9-5 work routine, was that why you went into blogging?

I guess my resolve to be independent and self-employed made my foray into blogging a lot easier. I delved into blogging because it was an avenue to do what I love doing, which is to write and be informed. So, when I made the decision to quit my 9-5 job, blogging just came naturally as one of those things I could do.

If not blogging what would you have done?

I would be a creative writer. I’ve never seen myself doing anything else.

Asides blogging, what do you do?

I do a lot of freelance work for individuals and companies. Writing scripts, working with magazines and a whole lot more which is related to the creative industry.

How rewarding will you say blogging is?

I would say when I started blogging, I didn’t know it was possible to earn money from it. It’s been so rewarding that I get a lot of referrals due to my blog. Apart from making money directly from advertising, I get recommended by those who know my blog. Most rewarding is the fact that I have a voice, a platform to air my views, entertain and disseminate information. Knowing that people click on my blog daily because they believe in my platform is the most rewarding part of blogging to me.

There are a million and one entertainment blogs, what will you say is the unique edge of your blog?

I think I let my personality shine through. Once people visit my blog, look at the design and my read posts, they have an idea of the personality behind it. So, there is a connection between the readers and I which is a very vital aspect of blogging. You have to connect. Also, I live up to my log line, “I disseminate information faster than “Usain Bolt.” I do not copy and paste and if do, I give credit. I also think the fact that sometimes, I let people into my
world via my personal blog diaries makes me stand out.

Is there any blogger you look up to?

I actually look up to a couple. Linda Ikeji, Myne Whitman and Bella Naija. I’m inspired by people who do not jump on the bandwagon because it’s lucrative or trending. They went into blogging when all odds were against them. Myne Whitman as a writer and blogger inspires me with her originality.

What challenges come with blogging?

Generally, I would say plagiarism. It has eaten so deep into blogging that I have seen blogs that are a complete clone of others in terms of content and all. People who copy and paste without giving credit or mentioning their sources are a big challenge.

Is there any childhood experience that helped shape you

Growing up with a father who was a strict disciplinarian, educationist, teacher and a writer shaped me. He made me learn a vocabulary every single day and stressed the importance of reading at a very young age.

What will you tell anyone who wants to go into blogging?

Blogging entails original and interesting content, patience and serious work. If money is your motive for delving into blogging, you would likely be disappointed. People see through commercialism. It puts readers off especially when you start. Let your passion shine through and money will come later.

What inspires you?

Waking up every morning inspires me .It shows I have a purpose because so many people don’t have a chance to fulfill and live their dreams. So, I try to make each day count.

Advice for youths

Never be carried away by the glitz and glamour you see on TV. The real world is different. Work hard and work smart. Also hone your skills and do what you enjoy naturally, that way it wouldn’t look like work at all.

Full interview here  >>>READ