Hello and welcome to Bookstr’s Bookstagrammer of the week, @halfwildbooks! Born in Glasgow, Scotland, this bookstagrammer is motivated by her desire to make friends in the reading world. Since a lot of readers I know are introverts, the following she has built is truly a mark of her passion, and of course, her good book choices. Here’s what we now know about her, coming to you directly from @halfwildbooks herself.
Why did you start your Bookstagram?
Reading is wonderful, but it can be a lonely hobby if you don’t know any fellow readers. I’ve always longed for bookish friends, and I spent years watching BookTube videos and commenting on Goodreads reviews, but after a while, I wanted my own space. I decided to create HalfWildBooks as a place to share my love for books, and hopefully meet some fellow readers.
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?
I want to create a safe space for readers to come and share their honest opinions. I want to inspire others to read diversely and have a list of LGBTQIA+ fantasy books to read, and maybe to pick up a few they have never heard of.
IMAGE VIA @HALFWILDBOOKS
What’s Your Special Approach to Content?
I like to create mind maps with content ideas for both reels and posts, and then take it from there. Doing that always helps get my creativity flowing!
What does your Bookstagram mean to you?
It means the world to me, it helped me get my first full-time job, and create friendships I treasure. It’s grown my confidence so much too!
IMAGE VIA @HALFWILDBOOKS
Any advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers?
It sounds so cliche, but just have fun. I used to get bogged down by those who said you have to post X amount of times a week and follow all these guidelines to be seen, but you don’t. The second I stopped reading those posts and focused on what I wanted to create, my account started to grow. People want you to be authentic! Oh, and don’t be afraid to slide into people’s DMs, replying to people’s Instagram stories is how I’ve met my best internet friends!
When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer?
I never had any big goals for my bookstagram, but the day FairyLoot sent me a DM and offered me a job was one I’ll never forget. I think I cried from sheer surprise and gratitude. I’m part of the curation and logistics team and have been with them for almost a year now. It’s such a dreamy company to be a part of.
IMAGE VIA @HALFWILDBOOKS
A List Of Favorites By @halfwildbooks
Author to take a selfie with:
V.E. Schwab, Sabaa Tahir, R. F. Kuang, Robin Hobb and S.A Chakraborty, I love them!
Favorite book cover:
I adore the new covers for The Graceling Realm series by Kristin Cashore, they look beautiful!
IMAGE VIA @HALFWILDBOOKS
Favorite fandoms:
I wouldn’t say I was deep in any fandoms, but I love the Grishaverse fandom, especially when Shadow and Bone launched on Netflix, everyone was so excited, it was so special to be a part of the buzz.
Favorite Bookstore:
I love Toppings & Co in Edinburgh, the place is like a maze with ceiling-high shelves that you need a ladder to climb up. It’s every bookworm’s dream and I’m always finding an excuse to visit, even just to sit with a drink and read in the corner.
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
Ah, this is so hard! I’ve got to show some love to @vickiereads, her posts are gorgeous and always inspire me. Also, @musingsbysophie and @poppypages are beautiful accounts!
IMAGE VIA @HALFWILDBOOKS
Favorite Books and Authors:
The Mistborn Saga by Brandon Sanderson, Legendborn by Tracy Deonn, Seven Devils by Elizabeth May and Laura Lam, House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas, Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, Red Rising by Pierce Brown, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab and so many more!
Fun Facts About @halfwildbooks
What is a fun fact about you?
I lived in Canada for four months as part of a study abroad program and I am desperate to go back! It was divine, although very, very cold!
IMAGE VIA @HALFWILDBOOKS
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books?
Hodder, they have been publishing some of my favorite books this year: The Prison Healer, In the Ravenous Dark, and Little Thieves, just to name a few.
Any additional bookishness you’d like to share with us?
I’ve always been reading fantasy, although when I was younger I was really into urban apocalyptic tales of teen zombies like Generation Dead, and vampire books. I’ve never experienced the teen rom-com phase! I also have three pets named after fictional characters, and I’m obsessed with them all!