Kartika was a full-time lecturer and climate research scientist for 23 years before having a career break to restore her health. A remarkable journey opened another door. Since 2021, she has devoted more time to writing nonfiction, some of which has appeared in online magazines. Her favorite niches are life lessons, daily life, and lifelong learning, which may relate to others. Her essay collection, “Gambaro!” is expected to be published soon. In 2025, she enrolled in a UCLA Extension's Memoir Writing course to help improve her ongoing memoir. She served as the lead organizer of the Japan Writers Conference from 2023 to 2025. She also runs businesses in Japan with her spouse.

To maintain her well-being, she regularly practices Reiki, meditation, and yoga, as well as walks with her beloved dog. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, or cooking.