Triple Life (#Wattys2015)

Ch 43

"So, Annabelle Wingley, how does it feel to be known as the Blog Girl?" Ms. Sanchez, the show presenter asked me.

"It feels kinda exciting but kinda scary. When I was anonymous, it was easier to write anything I liked and I wasn't getting bombarded by fan mail or anything of that sort but after the revelation, I am getting so many interviews and got to give out press conferences- it's scary. I've got to censor what I write now but I promise that my snarky sarcastic style will not be burned out." I chuckled.

Ms. Sanchez gave a small laugh "That would be great or all your readers would be disappointed. Speaking of your readers, how do you think their reaction is to your revelation?"

"It's not something I've given much thought before. Of course, I've imagined different scenarios before I was revealed but I am glad to see that the reaction is positive. However it gets too much at times when they realize I live near them or when they see me in the street or something. There was this reader of mine who is in the hospital, I met her few days back and she nearly cried when she saw me. The meeting was so emotional because she says my blog posts make her have some humor in the hospital. Sometimes, the revelation is a good thing because you hear stuff that make you feel so warm but sometimes it honestly gets too much to bear." I replied.

"I see. How are your family dealing with the revelation?" Ms. Sanchez asked, smiling at my parents.

"They are dealing with it quite well though it was quite shocking for them to know that I am quite famous. I mean, I would be too if I just see in the TV and newspaper that my cousin is a famous blogger. My parents, grandparents and guardians have been supportive. I feel sorry for them because they got to deal with the fan and media at times too." I smirked.

"That's true. Why and when did you start blogging, Annabelle?" Ms. Sanchez asked, looking curious.

"Uhm, that's a trip down memory lane, isn't it? I started blogging I guess in middle of middle school, when I was 12. I had just read some blog posts on the internet and they were interesting. I remember I was thinking 'Hey wouldn't it be nice if I started blogging too?' That's how it started. It started with a rant on how I think parents should be more creative when getting kids to eat veggies they don't like." I laughed.

"Seriously? A rant on how you think parents should be more creative when getting kids to eat veggies they don't like? That's how the you started your journey on being Blog Girl? It's quite funny, Annabelle." Ms. Sanchez chuckled. The audience around us laughed too.

"Ah ha yes, Chloe. It's quite embarrassing but hey, it did pave way for me to become the blogger I am today, didn't it? Then gradually I started blogging on various topics and slowly my blog's reader base grew and many people were like 'Wow! You're so inspirational.' , 'You helped me overcome this, thank you so much.' , 'I know how you feel, I've been through this too.' etc. I eventually told some of my closest friends in middle school. They too contributed to expanding my reader base. Thank you so much Leena, Gina and Ushmita. I love you guys so much!!! So, that's how Blog Girl's blog managed to be one of the most popular teen blogs in the world today." I reminisced fondly.

"That's lovely. What was the turning point of your blog? Which post helped your reader base to slowly expand itself?" Ms. Sanchez said, turning to the camera.

"Oh the turning point was a post on problems teens face everyday. I think it hit home to so many people and that was what caught their attention. It happened when I was 13." I replied, looking at the camera.

"Great topic to blog about. No wonder it was your turning point. What do you have to say for fellow teen bloggers and for ones who want to start blogging?" Ms. Sanchez asked, looking interested.