Looking for a bookish creator who blends great romance and thriller picks with beautiful design? Meet Courtney, this week’s Bookstagrammer!
With a background in graphic design and a love for reading, Courtney brings personality to her content — full of cozy indoor scenes, vibrant outdoor backdrops, and thoughtfully crafted reviews. We sat down with her to discuss what inspired her to start her Bookstagram, the books she loves, and the creative passion she brings to each post.
Courtney of @peachstatepages
| INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS |
Why did you start your Bookstagram? What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?
I started my Bookstagram as a creative outlet and a way to encourage myself to keep reading after I picked the hobby back up again after I had my daughter. I wanted to make sure I still had things that made me feel like “me” outside of being a mom, and it was something I was excited and passionate about starting. I was also hoping to find connection and community, which is what I hope my Bookstagram can provide for others as well!
Where are you from?
I’m from Georgia! My family has lived in several Southern states, and my husband and I lived in Nebraska for a couple years as well before getting the opportunity to move back home to the Peach State.
Fun Fact about you:
My husband and I have the same birthday, and I’m six hours older! We’re turning 30 this year.
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
I have so many favorite Bookstagrammers that I’m lucky enough to call my friends as well. Amanda (@mandaslibrary_), Taylor (@booklovingtaylor), Kat (@thefayechapters), Deb (@debsbooktalk), Nicole (@readwithnicolepdx) and Chelsea (@blackistonbooks) always inspire me with their content!
Favorite Books and Authors:
I read a wide variety of genres, so my favorites are all over the place! I love Talking At Night by Claire Daverley, All The Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham, The Shepherd King duology by Rachel Gillig, Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid and A Court Of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas, to name a few.
Fictional Crush:
Charlie Milford from Business Casual by B.K. Borison.
5 Books on your TBR:
- Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham
- Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
- The Strength Of The Few by James Islington
- Never Over by Clare Gilmore
What’s a book on your TBR you’ve been putting off reading, and why?
Honestly, all of Kristin Hannah’s books because I am not emotionally prepared for the heartache I’ve heard they will bring! But I am committed to reading my first this year (with tissues on hand!).
Name a popular author/book/book series that you haven’t read yet but want to:
I am planning on reading Crescent City this year! I’ve read one of SJM’s series each year since starting my Bookstagram, and it’s finally time for CC. I loved ACOTAR and TOG, so I’m looking forward to it!
Name a publisher/publishing company that never misses with their new releases?
Wednesday Books and Dial Press Trade have had a ton of winners for me lately!
What’s Your Special Approach to Content?
I love bringing branding and graphic design elements to my content. I started out my career as a graphic designer and loved bringing a brand to life, so I enjoy getting to be creative in that way with my own content now! While Bookstagram is a hobby, creating graphics is just another way to bring my passions together in one place, so I have fun spending the extra time on them.
I also try to highlight small businesses whenever I can. It’s something I’m also really passionate about, and support can come in many forms, whether that be shopping small or engaging/sharing/posting about their businesses.
Some of my favorite small shops are The Cozy Peach (@thecozypeachco), Paperback Fable & Co (@paperbackfable.co), The Tiny Bookshelf (@the.tinybookshelf), Modern Magic Emporium (@modernmagicemporium) and Dear Reader Co (@dearreaderco).
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
Fun, colorful, fresh and creative.
What does your Bookstagram mean to you?
The community I’ve built and the relationships I’m continuing to foster mean so much to me. Making friends as an adult is hard, and I’m very grateful to have found such wonderful friends through our shared love of books. I only wish I could see them in real life more often!
Favorite indie bookstore:
I loved M. Judson Booksellers when we visited Greenville, SC for a wedding recently and were able to stop in!
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books?
Taylor Jenkins Reid because she can take her historical fiction stories in so many different directions! I love the world she’s created.
Author you wish to take a selfie with:
I actually already have a photo with my favorite author, Stacy Willingham, and it’s framed on my bookshelf!
Favorite book cover:
The Barnes & Noble exclusive edition of The Knight And The Moth is absolutely stunning, and the sprayed edges + end papers are simply perfection!
What are your favorite creative avenues to explore when putting together a post for your page, and why?
I bring all my photos into Lightroom and use my preset to help them all look cohesive on a regular basis. And then I really enjoy making my monthly wrap-up graphics and quarterly superlative posts!
What do you like most about Bookstagram?
The community, which I know is what most people say, but it truly is the best! Book people are the best people.
What’s a memorable or favorite interaction you’ve had with an author or follower?
Anytime I get a message that someone says they picked up a book that I recommended and loved, it makes my heart so happy! I’ve also had a few friends share that I’ve encouraged them to get back into reading, which is so special to me. You never know what kind of impact you have on others!
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Be authentic and kind in your interactions, honest and respectful in your reviews, and have fun making content that makes you happy. Don’t get caught up in your follower count, and focus on the connections you’re making. And if it ever feels like a chore or you’re uninspired, don’t force it. Take a step back and revisit it when you feel excited to share what you’re reading and loving!
A huge thank you to Courtney for letting us dive into her bookish world! Be sure to follow her on Instagram to never miss her stellar reviews and vibrant backdrops.
Want to read about more Bookstagrammers? Click here.
Find these books and more on our Bookstagrammer Picks bookshelf on Bookshop.org.
