I’m trying something new that I’m kind of excited to share – Bookstagram!
As many of you know I’m not one for social media but lately I’ve been searching for ways to connect with other readers and via the internet is certainly the most accessible.
It started with wanting to blog again and then becoming a patron for a few book podcasts I love. I already supported What Should I Read Next and Currently Reading but I added Reading through Life to the mix. I find the hosts, Sarah and Mia very relatable – they’re INFJs too!
When I looked into some of the member perks of these podcasts, people rave about the bookish communities on social media so I decided to join in. One is a little quiet because it’s still growing and the other is a bit overwhelming with the amount of activity because the group is so massive.
There was still a hole in my desire to find a community of readers.
Let me know in the comments if you support any creators on patreon! Or if there are any book podcasts you recommend.
Enter Bookstagram
That brought me back around to the idea of a bookstagram account. Something many members of these communities are also present on.
At first I was very reluctant to venture into the world of instagram but I started brainstorming some ideas. When I felt like I came up with the perfect username for myself and it was still available I snatched it up – just in case.
My degree is in photography and I do miss using my camera and being creative in that way. So I played around, taking some photos of my recent reads and really enjoyed that.
It was a bit of a spiral from there. I now have an account with some photos and reviews and have been interacting with other readers.
I’m @seasonalmoodreader if you want to be friends on there!
How it’s going so far
Bookstagram seems to be a welcoming community with a fairly easy and open entry point.
The photo shoots are still my favorite part – I’ll share some of them below! I find that writing captions for book reviews helps me gather my thoughts for sharing recaps on this blog too. I’d like to start sharing a version of those reviews on Goodreads as well – something I’m notoriously terrible at.
With the way my September reading month went, I’d like to tamper my expectations around the hype for new releases. That’s very anti-bookstagram, but there were a few books that just didn’t live up to my expectations recently. If I’d gone in with lower ones, who knows how that may have changed my view.
I’m also not sure how deep the book conversations may get on bookstagram but at the moment it is fun to see what others are reading. It also just nice to know how many other book lovers are out there – something I don’t encounter often in my everyday life.
However I am attempting to enter the bookstagram world cautiously – with intention and balance!
My Concerns about Social Media
If you haven’t watched the documentary, The Social Dilemma, I highly recommend checking it out.
My main concerns about using social media revolve around how much attention I give it and how it can warp perceptions.
I want bookstagram to be a tool I use with intention and enjoy. Not something I let take over my free time. I have some strategies in mind to keep it in its place.
Time and Attention
I’m not a super technologically savvy person so there is a learning curve to some of this that takes time. For instance I’m only recently venturing into story ideas – reels still seem way too intimidating. I’m trying to let go of the need to “do it right” and just experiment because it’s fun and that’s how you learn. This perfectionist has to repeat that daily to herself sometimes even hourly!
When I’m not learning a new feature, I set a timer on my phone so I can keep track of how much time I’m giving to bookstagram. This is usually in 10 or 15 minute increments.
My free time is precious to me and it’s amazing how fast the minutes will fly by when you’re scrolling on your phone!
I also take photos and write captions during my free time to post later. This allows me be creatively focused in my own time. Then I can give my full attention to my family and whatever else the day brings.
Perception
My other concerns are harder to manage. It requires being aware, honest with yourself, and reevaluating things as you go.
I WANT to focus on being creative, sharing my love of books, and GENUINELY connecting with other readers.
I DON’T WANT to compare myself to others or find myself judging others – whether it’s how many books they’ve read this year, how many props they use, or how many physical books they have on their shelves.
Even though we have a “real” house now, we’re still minimalists. I also enjoy being a huge library user and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
Most of my reading consists of ebooks or audiobooks because that’s what’s practical for my life. I’m finding there are still beautiful ways to showcase books on a phone or ereader.
It’s important to remember everyone is different. There are tons of ways to be a reader or a book lover and share your experience.
If you’re true to your own voice and style, people will appreciate that and the ones you do connect with will be more meaningful.
I try to remember that is the whole point after all! Not how many followers you have.
Book Photos
Do you use social media? How do you manage the time and energy you give it?
2 responses to “Bookstagram”
So excited for your new adventure! I love that you’re trying to stay true to yourself and your intentions, because it’s so easy to fall into FOMO. Have you tried the Read Me Romance podcast? I can’t remember if I mentioned that one to you.
I already had to have a clarifying moment lol so we will see how it goes ? Thank you! You mentioned it a couple (years?) ago. I haven’t tried that one. I need to check it out. It’s more like an audiobook experience right?