Our favorite part of the week is back, #bookstagrammer of the week! This week we spotlight @the_readers_nook. Their magical aesthetic will make you want to grab your favorite fantasy novel ! With a dreamy timeline, we are excited for you to read the interview with @the_readers_nook !!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCC2K24g2HM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Why did you start your Bookstagram?
I honestly didn’t know “Bookstagram” was an actual community until I started looking for fellow book lovers to talk all things books with! I also wanted a way to express my artistic side, as well as connect and learn from writers since I’d love to one day publish a book. Bookstagram was a fun and welcoming space that checked all those boxes!
Where are you from?
I was born in Florida, but lived in Texas for a while. But Texas having so much beach (the desert) and no water was too much for me I guess! I’ve been back in Florida ever since.
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?
I’d love for it to be a fun and safe place for others to talk about books, ask for recommendations, be inspired and just smile when they see or read something. I’d love to promote the truth that it’s never too late to start something new and are passionate about. It’s never too late to learn a skill or talent. I’d never done any digital art until starting my account and now it’s one of my favorite artistic outlets!
image via @the_readers_nook
Fun fact about you:
When I was a kid I loved the Lord of the Rings books so much I tried to learn Elvish. I would write Tolkien’s language on all sorts of items like secret messages! My love for the series still continues today and my family groans each year when I tell them it’s time for a movie marathon watching all the extended editions.
image via @the_readers_nook
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
There are so many! Some of the first I was inspired by and then got to connect with are @myfriendsarefiction, @xenatine, @darkfaerietales_, @elizabeth_sagan. @seabrookereads is the sweetest and we have fun talking about books! And @lulumoonowlbooks, @booknerdbecky and @thereaderandthechef have gorgeous accounts and even more beautiful souls!
Favorite books and authors:
To quote Danielle from Ever After “I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens.” But I’ll try! The Infernal Devices, anything by Sarah J Maas, The Lord of the Rings. I loved Stephanie Garber’s Caraval series. So magical and descriptive. I love the shadowhunter world Cassandra Clare created. And love the beautiful writing of Alwyn Hamilton, Sabaa Tahir and Renee Ahdieh. Also Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys.
image via @the_readers_nook
Fictional Crush:
I have a few! Aragorn forever. Will Herondale and Dimitri (Vampire Academy) when I first really got into reading YA. Rhysand may be my all time favorite, but I also love Rowan from Throne of Glass and Legend from Caraval.
TBR List:
This is an ever growing monster that has taken on a life of it’s own. It has become especially unmanageable since joining Bookstagram! With so many old and new books gracing the accounts I follow, I’m constantly adding a new book. It’s a great problem to have. Some books I’m looking forward to reading soon are A Darker Shade of Magic, The Boundless and A Song of Wraiths and Ruin.
What’s your special approach to content?
When I first started I think I began doing what I saw a lot of others doing. I was learning and figuring out my own style. I discovered I loved taking digital or hand made graphics and adding them into my photos. I like to bring something whimsical and enchanting to each picture.
image via @the_readers_nook
Aesthetic/Instagram Page Theme:
I have no idea! I think it’s ever changing and evolving; just like me. I hope the theme is “inspirational”, “cozy”, “magical”. Something even someone who doesn’t read much would appreciate.
image via @the_readers_nook
How often do you post?
When I started I posted every day. But if I’m honest that was too much for me and I quickly had a burn out. Creating new content that often just wasn’t realistic for me right then. So I went to every two or three days. It definitely hinders engagement, but my main priority is good content and just connecting with others in the community. Now I post when I have something I’m excited to share or have a book tour.
What does your Bookstagram mean to you?
If I’m honest it means a lot. It gave me an outlet I never dreamed about. It’s given me opportunities I’m so very grateful for. It’s allowed me to build relationships with some amazing people I otherwise would never have met. I’m so thankful for it!
image via @the_readers_nook
Favorite bookstore:
I love any and all bookstores, but tend to go to the ones closest to me. I love Barnes and Noble’s big selections, cozy vibes and coffee! I also went to Tattered Cover in Denver while visiting once and loved it. For special editions online, Fairyloot puts out some gorgeous ones.
image via @the_readers_nook
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books?
Part of me wants to say Fairyloot because they come out with most beautiful editons! But I’ll have to say Barnes and Noble because they have nearly everything and even have special and signed editions.
image via @the_readers_nook
Author to take a selfie with:
Since I can’t say Tolkien, I’ll say Sarah J Maas. Her writing is so dynamic and compelling. She breaks and heals your heart in all the best ways. I’d love to meet her and take a photo!
Favorite book cover:
Such a hard question! Six of Crows for its hidden detail. And The Clockwork Princess is stunning.
Book you have claimed to read but you didn’t:
I don’t think I’ve ever claimed to have read one but didn’t. But there is one I keep saying I’ll read and haven’t! Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. I hear amazing things, but every time I pick it up it seems so daunting! I’ve heard it looks worse than it is and flows easily so am hoping to dive into it in the near future.
image via @the_readers_nook
When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer?
I haven’t! That thought has never entered my mind. And with the way Instagram and social media is constantly changing it’s really hard to stay consistent and know what works and doesn’t. I try to just have fun with it, create content that makes me happy and others smile and attempt new things. There is always room to grow and I love that. But if making it means finding joy in books, meeting wonderful people and getting to create, then I have definitely made it there, at least.
Favorite fandoms:
Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Shadowhunter, Throne of Glass, Game of Thrones, Grishverse!
Advice for aspiring bookstagrammers:
Try new things until you find your own style and what makes you happy. Your personality will show through in your photos. Engage! Comment on fellow bookstragrammer’s photos. Ask questions. Ask for advice. Sometimes I had no idea what was a legitimate collaboration request or not. Some sweet bookstagrammers helped point me in the right direction! Be kind. Don’t take negativity to heart. Have fun!
Thank you so much, @the_readers_nook! Join us next Friday for another awesome #bookstagrammer!!