Create content you can be proud of, says Priya Shiva

Over the last six years, Priya Shiva has honed her writing skills and grown beyond the mould of a food blogger, experimenting with words.

For Priya Shiva, her day begins with a hot cup of ginger tea in her balcony. Then she hustles through the day balancing her familial and household chores with content creation. She tells us about her process of writing and growth as a writer.

Looking back, where did it all begin? 

It all started with me trying to make my mark on the World Wide Web.

What's in the name? 

Priya Kitchenette is the name of my blog and the tag line is a taste of my world. Kitchenette means a small kitchen and I wanted a name which people could relate with me.

What is your USP in this cluttered space? How does your content give you an edge?

I started with food blogging but I'm no longer limited to it. I have done everything that was in my bucket list from creating content that stands out, exploring photography, working with brands as a food stylist, mentoring newbies through workshops, starting my own media firm and being known as a published author.

Please take us through your content creation process. How do you stay relevant and relatable?

I keep my content simple and add a dash of creativity with images. I have expanded my blog towards writing about my travel experiences and poetry. I make sure to break the monotony by bringing unique content. 

How do you make moolah with your efforts?

I have monetized my blog in various ways. I have Google and sponsored ads running on my blog. I also do paid promotions for brands through my and social media. Apart from this, I write product reviews and other content for brands and conduct blogging and writing workshops as well. I have also published a book on poetry called Ballad of Love and Longing.

Also Read: With photos, Pratik Prajapati invites people to look at the world as he imagines it

How do you maintain editorial objectivity with the influx of brand briefs?

I only accept campaigns from clients who are ready to give me space to include my idealogy and creativity in writeups and posts.

One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile

I started blogging in 2013 and used to blog one recipe every day which I continued for 365 days. This feat was recognized by India Books of record. It was a major turning point for me as a blogger as my passion for writing became my profession.

Weirdest brand brief/request ever

I once received a request to write a poem for a diaper company. At first, I thought that it was a prank being played by one of my friends but later realized that it was indeed a PR agency, which handled the social media marketing for the brand that had approached me. I did not take up the work but it did sound fun!

If not blogging, you would be?

I would have been stuck in a monotonous cubicle from 9 to 5.

A day in your life...

My day begins with a hot cup of ginger tea which I enjoy sitting in my balcony and talking to my plants. Once I pack my kid off to school, I enjoy a Bollywood fitness class which is my workout regime. I continue the day by petting my fishes and spending some time writing poetry or blogging. I get busy again with my kid listening to his stories and playing chess or badminton with him once he's back from school. Rest of the time keeps me busy in monotonous household chores. 

Message/tips for upcoming bloggers

Keep your content simple, ethical and relatable with your readers. Create a niche for yourself to stand out and create a content which you can be proud of.

Your Favorite Influencer

Nagi Maehashi who writes at RecipeTin.

The Future you foresee for your Personal Brand

My writing has matured over these six years. I'm already writing my second book and seeing myself growing as an author.