Calling all spooky season enthusiasts: this up-and-coming Bookstagrammer curates bone-chilling book recommendations especially for you. Laura, the creator of the Bookstagram page @storiesandskulls, highlights thriller and horror novels that will keep you up at night, while also flaunting her shelves full of the wide span of genres she indulges in.
If you’re looking to branch out into the horror genre, or if the horror genre is already where you thrive, you’ll want to hear more about Laura’s Bookstagram journey and all of her creepy yet fabulous recommendations. Read on to find out how Laura uses Bookstagram as a creative outlet for her dark aesthetic.
Laura of @storiesandskulls
Instagram
Let’s get started with the interview!
Where are you from?
I’m originally from New York but have lived in New Jersey for most of my life.
Fun Fact about you:
My husband and I designed our entire house ourselves, so I got to create the home library of my dreams.
Why did you start your Bookstagram? What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?
I wanted a place to share my love for books and my thoughts on what I read with others who have the same passion. With my Bookstagram, I hope people find recommendations for books they may not have heard of or considered reading, as well as a place to connect with others to discuss books.
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
Favorite Books and Authors:
This answer changes a lot! I’ve really been loving everything by Catriona Ward, Blake Crouch, and John Marrs over the last few years. If I had to choose three books that will always be favorites, they are Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Room by Emma Donoghue, and Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones.
Fictional crush:
I don’t know that I’ve had one! I mostly read about really messed-up men who would not make good partners.
5 Books on your TBR:
The Between by Tananarive Due, The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong, If It Bleeds by Stephen King, The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff, and The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon.
What’s a book on your TBR you’ve been putting off reading, and why?
The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark. I try to wait until the hype dies down for really popular books so my expectations can be more neutral.
Name a popular book series that you haven’t read yet but want to?
I’ve still never read the Clown in a Cornfield books, but I’m hoping to read the first one this fall!
Name a publisher/publishing company that never misses with their new releases?
Tor Nightfire always has something interesting coming out.
What’s your special approach to creating content?
The main pictures for my posts are all taken in my home library. I also aim to post honest reviews and share a good number of books that aren’t already widely available on the internet. My goal is for people to find new recommendations and hidden gems on my page.
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
Books and skulls! I love all things spooky and dark, so even when the books I’m posting don’t fit into that category, I’ll add a spooky prop to match my aesthetic.
What does your Bookstagram mean to you?
For me, it’s an extremely fun and creative outlet. The people I’ve met through Bookstagram and the conversations I’ve had are so meaningful to me; I’m very grateful for them.
Favorite indie bookstore:
I love Book Barn in Denville, NJ, because they have tons to look through and donate all proceeds to charity. I also love Alice’s Haunted Bookshop in Mystic, CT.
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books?
ThriftBooks, because they have everything, and my books would be coming from indie stores or libraries.
Author you wish to take a selfie with:
Andy Weir! Based on his books, he seems like such a fun and hilarious guy.
Favorite book cover:
The Viking Press edition of Desperation by Stephen King.
What are your favorite creative avenues to explore when putting together a post for your page, and why?
The only digital editing I do is add a preset to my pictures so my feed looks more cohesive. I love shopping for skulls and Halloween decor year-round and brainstorming how to incorporate them into my posts, if that counts!
What do you like most about Bookstagram?
I love seeing nothing but books when I scroll through my feed. Books make me so happy, and Bookstagram feels like my own little escape from the real world to an extent.
What’s a memorable or favorite interaction you’ve had with an author or follower?
I’ve had some really nice interactions with author Julia Heaberlin, and I was incredibly honored when her publisher reached out to offer me her new book in 2023. She had put me on a list for them, and it felt so cool that an author I really admired hand-picked me to share my thoughts on her work.
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Be yourself and let your personal love for books shine through. Social media makes it easy to get caught up in numbers — the number of books read per year, the number of followers, and the number of likes on your posts — and that can distract from the actual passion for reading and open discussion about works of art that makes Bookstagram special.
Thank you to Laura for giving us a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of @storiesandskulls and for showing fellow readers that they, too, can make an impact on the bookish community. Be sure to follow her on Instagram and like her recent posts!
Looking for more Bookstagrammers? Check out the five-star romance recommendations from Bookstagrammer Kailey here.
Find Laura’s favorite reads and more on our Bookstagrammer Picks bookshelf.
