Chinmayee Bhange interviews Ms. Shruti Kantawala
Picture Courtesy: Shruti Kantawala
Please tell us more about yourself:
I am very passionate about books and everything related to books. I started my bookstagram page 3years back. Over the past three years,I have build my page for sharing my love for Books. I am very emotional person.
How long have you been blogging? Tell us more about the idea behind your blog.
I have been blogging since last 3 years. The idea behind starting this page was to develop my passion into something more concrete. The story behind the name of my handle is also quite interesting; it's the initials of mine and my daughter's name hence reader_sm (Shruti and Mahek).
What genres of books do you generally follow and review?
Historical fiction, Romance, autobiography, memoir, children literature and self help
According to you, what makes a good book? The plot or the author?
The plot
How does a certain book achieve its "Best Seller" status? Also what are your tips to newbies in the Book Writing Platform?
By having a good story, pretty cover and good promotion. A tip to newbies is to be authentic and to be true to your passion
What is it that Book Bloggers should look out for?
Fake people who don't read books but here on the platform to criticize
How much time does it generally take from receiving a book to posting its review? What is the general flow that you follow?
Max 10 days. There isn't any flow which I follow but yes after receiving a book,I can't wait to dive into the world of it.
In this scenario of information overload and binge reading habits, your blogging and instagram posts have opened up a new avenue for book enthusiasts. What is your message for like minded people?
To please continue reading books and sharing your love for them to others. Encourage others to pick up reading books as a habit.
What advice would you share for naive book bloggers?
Be Real and continue sharing your love for Books.
How many books do you read in a month? And how many are on your shelf right now as TBR?
It may vary depending on my time but I can read min. 5 books in a month. And talking about TBR,I better not say anything. It's never ending list.
Any three books which are very close to your heart and why?
Wonder by R J Palacio bcz that book made me realise that we should accept who we are and be happy with it. A thousand splendid suns by Khaled Hosseini bcz I don't think I can give a reason. Everything about that book is just perfect. It starts with us by Colleen Hoover bcz I want someone like Atlas to love me like this. Jokes a part, the character development and love story touched my heart.
Has it ever happened that you felt as if you were one of the characters in the book? Which was that book?
The books which talk about books or readers,I definitely felt the character was me. Nina's character from the bookish life of Nina hills is one of them.
Do your family / friends support you in this venture of book blogging?
Yes absolutely. My husband is very supportive
What’s your preferred medium to discuss books – your blog, Twitter or Instagram?
What tips would you share for getting more likes / followers on Instagram handles for book reviews?
That's the most difficult question bcz nobody can understand the Instagram algorithm so I would suggest that post whenever you feel like but post consistently and quality content.
Social Media is ever evolving. How do you adapt yourself to this scenario?
By keeping myself sane.
Do you think likes / reviews on Instagram handles has a deep impact on the psychology of the readers?
Likes might not be but yes reviews has and will influence readers.
What are your favourite Bookstagram accounts?
@reader_vidh vidhya , @a.readers.corner Ira @storypals mridula
Who inspired you to Book Blogging?
My Husband
Who are your favourite Book Bloggers?
