This week’s Bookstagrammer introduces Steph, @readwithacapricorn! She is fascinated with the dark fantasy genre, and you can expect aesthetically breathtaking book covers in Steph’s Bookstagram. Posting only anticipated reads and favorite books, Steph welcomes all interested to join the book reading community! In this interview, we’ll learn when Steph started her Bookstagram journey and what it means to her. With no further ado, let’s get into it!
Steph of @readwithacapricorn
TikTok | Goodreads
Why did you start your Bookstagram?
It was July 2021, peak lockdown in Victoria, and I was in the middle of my law degree, bored out of my mind. I had a couple of friends in the book community who had Bookstagram accounts, and I thought I would try it out! I needed a creative outlet, and since I’m not a great writer, I decided the best way for me to interact with the book community was to join in.
Where are you from?
I’m from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia! Where the summers are hot, but the winters are colder (and never-ending, apparently).
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?
I want to bring a safe space and a community for book lovers everywhere. Diversity and inclusion are lack-luster in the publishing industry so I want to ensure that my account is inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
What’s a fun fact about you?
A (not so) fun fact is that I’m a law school dropout! I started after I finished my bachelor’s, got two years in, and hated it, so I dropped out. I started my Master’s in Publishing and Communications soon after and have never regretted my decision.
Who are your favorite Bookstagrammers?
There’s way too many to count but @fromthebookshelfofdreams, @onceuponafaerietale, and @shanayahreads were the first bookish friends I made and will forever be my Booksta inspiration! I also always gasp at photos from @tranquilreads, @journeybetweenthepages and @elenathereader.
What are your favorite books and authors?
The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon, The Bonds That Tie series by J Bree, and The Legends of Thezmarr series by Helen Scheuerer!
Who’s your fictional crush?
Casteel Da’Neer from the Blood and Ash series will always be my number-one fictional crush!
What’s on your TBR List?
A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon, The Bell Witches by Lindsey Kelk, and Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma.
What’s your special approach to content?
I don’t think this is special, but I try to be as genuine as possible. My account only features books that I’m highly anticipating or that I’ve read and loved; I don’t include books I did not enjoy.
What’s your aesthetic / Instagram page theme?
My aesthetic and theme have changed a lot since I started, but right now, I’m enjoying a warm, cozy aesthetic.
How often do you post?
I try to post at least four times a week. Between work, Uni, my internship, and other hobbies, sometimes my posting schedule goes out the window, but I still try to stay active online.
What does your Bookstagram mean to you?
Absolutely everything. I don’t think I would be the person I am today without it. I definitely wouldn’t have decided to shift my love of reading into a career. And I definitely wouldn’t have met so many incredible people from this community!
What’s your favorite bookstore?
Waterstones Piccadilly! I visited it early last year, and I spent a good three hours there.
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books?
I can’t decide!
Which author would you take a selfie with?
Ali Hazelwood. I would most likely pass out from gushing so hard about Lowe from Bride and Adam from The Love Hypothesis!
What’s your favorite book cover?
There are so many, but recently, I’ve been obsessed with the cover for The Songbird and the Heart of Stone – the red really pops.
What’s a book you’ve claimed to read that you didn’t?
I don’t think there is one?? Maybe The Hunger Games because I’ve watched the movies so many times it feels like I’ve read the books.
When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer?
Pretty much when so many of my favourite accounts from well before I became a Bookstagrammer followed me back! Also when publishers started to reach out to send me PR instead of me requesting all the time – unsolicited bookmail is definitely a *pinch me* moment.
Any advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers?
Don’t let a fear of worrying about what others think hold you back. I was so anxious to start posting, but I knew I had a strong group of friends who would support me and encourage me to start.
With many thanks to Steph for being part of this week’s Bookstagram segment, be sure to check out her romantically dark and enticing Instagram feed. You might even get fired up to read her favorite books for the spooky season!
Click here to learn more about last week’s Bookstagrammer Michelle and her cat Ralphie!
For more fantasy recommendations, head on to Bookshop.org for Fantasy Lovers Paradise: Epics, Romances, and More!
