The sayings “there’s no place like home” or “home is where the heart is” may be clichés, but they exist for a reason. Home isn’t just where you may be reading this article right now. For members of the bookish community, home may be your favorite bookstore, or the digital escape of Bookstagram, where many readers find a welcoming online community. Make yourself at home on Britt’s page, @brittyoreads!
This week’s Bookstagrammer, Britt, runs an account that is the perfect place for mood readers; her home library shelves are stacked with the best of fantasy, romance, and many other genres. Britt’s aesthetically pleasing flatlay book photos and carefully crafted graphic posts showcase her fantastic recommendations and favorite reads in a cozy, autumnal style. Read on to receive some of the best advice we’ve received for anyone who consumes or aspires to create Bookstagram content.
Let’s get this interview started!
Britt of @brittyoreads
Instagram | Goodreads | TikTok
Why did you start your Bookstagram? What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?
I started my Bookstagram account during COVID — I think a lot of us did. We had just moved from Hawaii to Virginia, and I didn’t know anyone here. My friend suggested making an account so I could find a community of readers; this was great advice because I definitely found a fantastic community, and I consider so many of them my friends. I hope that my account fosters that environment for others as well.
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Alaska, but I’ve lived all over, so I really can’t claim one place.
Fun Fact about you:
Up until two years ago, I hadn’t lived in one house for more than 2.5 years.
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
There are so many I admire, but I love:
Favorite Books and Authors:
If Tessonja Odette writes it, I will read it — the same goes for Ava Reid, Lyndall Clipstone, Aimee Vance, and Alix E Harrow.
Fictional Crush:
I can’t answer this because I have that thing where I immediately forget most of what I’ve read right after finishing a book. BUT I do love a dirty-talking cowboy.
5 Books on your TBR:
- Down Comes the Night by Alison Saft
- Something Wicked by Falon Ballard
- Good Spirits by BK Borison
- Mate by Ali Hazelwood
- Heart Strings by Ivy Fairbanks.
What’s a book on your TBR you’ve been putting off reading, and why?
I’m a mood reader, so I don’t have a reason not to read a book unless it doesn’t match my mood.
Name a popular author/book/book series that you haven’t read yet but want to?
My entire collection of Meghan Quinn books.
What’s Your Special Approach to Content?
My approach changes quite frequently as I try to keep up with the algorithm’s updates, but I share what I like and what I think others would be excited about. My goal has always been to highlight books you may not come across.
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
Cozy & witchy. At least that’s what I’m aiming for!
Favorite indie bookstore:
Locally, it would be Little District Books, but online, I absolutely adore Heartbound Book Shop.
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books?
From a publisher, Berkley Romance, but from an author, Tessonja Odette — she kind of does that for me already.
Author you wish to take a selfie with:
Tessonja Odette or Alix E Harrow.
Favorite book cover:
How can I even pick just one? If I have to choose, a recent favorite of mine is the Fox & Wit Assistant to the Villain and Apprentice to the Villain editions.
What are your favorite creative avenues to explore when putting together a post for your page, and why? (graphics, editing the photos, creating edits, etc.)
I love putting together a flatlay. I have several boxes of props that I use throughout the year, but I love how it feels to see everything come together in a photo. I only use my phone for photos, and I edit in Lightroom. I love Canva for all of my graphics and book rec posts. Canva has so many options, but I wanted something a bit different, so I bought clipart and a couple of fonts, which are super easy to upload into Canva.
What do you like most about bookstagram?
The friends I’ve made and the ability to find so many hidden gems. Bookstagram has also brought me to an incredible job, which was unexpected but very welcome.
What’s a memorable or favorite interaction you’ve had with an author or follower?
I am so giddy when an author follows me back. I will literally call my husband to tell him.
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Don’t chase what’s popular if you don’t want to; share what you want to share because you love it and want others to know about it. Whatever your reason for joining Bookstagram is, it’s valid whether you want to meet people, build a community, or lurk in the background; there is no right reason, just your own.
A huge thank you to Britt for taking the time to chat with us! Be sure to follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and Goodreads to keep your feed filled with books that match her mood and may match yours, too.
Looking for more Bookstagrammers to follow? Click here to read our interview with Hayley and explore her pink, pearly, pastel aesthetic.
Click here to find your next read on our Bookstagrammer Picks shelf on Bookshop, and see all of Britt’s recommended and anticipated reads there as well!
