Eye-catching and oh so colorful, Julie’s Bookstagram posts are surefire standouts in any feed. Her page, @flying.reader, is a digital book journal showcasing a wide variety of romance recs, from fantasy to sports. Posts and pages alike are colorfully annotated with highlighted quotes, trope breakdowns, and delightful commentary. Bursting with personality, it’s a haven sure to make any romance lover feel right at home. Smitten yet? Read on to see if you and Julie are the perfect Bookstagram pair.
Julie (@flying.reader)
Instagram | Goodreads
Why did you start your Bookstagram? What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?
I started my Bookstagram to connect with people who enjoy reading the same types of books as me and also to get lots of book recommendations! I also realized I needed to find a creative outlet outside of my normal job that would have me excited even on a bland Monday morning. And the vibrancy of Bookstagram was just perfect. It lets me combine my love for range books and doodling/drawing which both are so therapeutic for me.
Where are you from?
I live in Norway, where the winters are long but cozy and the summers are short but beautiful.
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
There are so many amazing people on Bookstagram that inspire me everyday! I’m happy I’ve made some real connections and friends that I can rant about books with. Some honorable mentions are Lucca (powers_books), who has the best recommendations and feed; Alexandria (booknookwithalx), who’s one of my closest friends on Booksta; and Sam (samanthaannewrites), who just published her first novel [Somehow Still You]!
Favorite Books and Authors:
One of the first romance series I fell in love with back in 2015 was the Off-Campus series by Elle Kennedy, so she will forever be one of my favorites. After that I’ve been sucked into the worlds of Abby Jimenez, Sarah Adams, Christina Lauren, Rebecca Yarros, Stephanie Garber, and Liz Tomforde, just to mention a few.
5 Books on your TBR:
Since I’ve recently re-entered my romantasy era, I’ve got these five books waiting patiently on my TBR shelf: Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu, Fear the Flames by Olivia Rose Darling, The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole, The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst, and Reckless by Lauren Roberts.
What’s a book on your TBR you’ve been putting off reading, and why?
I’ve been putting off reading Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros since I’m so excited to read it, I’m a little scared I’ll be disappointed. Or I just know I’ll never get to read it for the first time again so I want to savor it. I think it’s about time I read it soon though…
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
I think my Instagram page really reflects my love for all things pastel and girly. Even with a few fantasy reads scattered around on my shelves. I like my posts to be vibrant and eye-catching and I hope people are able to see how much time and joy I put into my posts and my feed.
Favorite book cover:
This might be slightly controversial, but I’m very tired of covers with cartoon-style people. I used to love them, but now I think they’re overused, and I totally understand the confusion for unsuspecting parents in stores trying to find books for their kids. I’m not a big fan of real people on covers either, though that better fits the 18+ content inside. I’d rather see more landscape and fun elements on the covers. And my absolute favorite are the covers of the Once Upon a Broken Heart series by Stephanie Garber.
What are your favorite creative avenues to explore when putting together a post for your page, and why?
I love using Canva and Procreate for my posts. I think adding text and doodles/elements makes it so much more fun to look at and also to make. The possibilities are endless, and I can spend hours into the night making those posts.
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Focus on having fun! If you’re scared to start because you don’t know what kinds of posts you want to make, just try a bunch of different things and styles! My account looks nothing like it did in the beginning and I’m constantly finding new things to add or do to my posts. It’s all about having fun along the way. Take the time to connect with people and form friendships. Find indie authors and people that inspire you. Bookstagram makes everyday life a little brighter and better :)
Thanks to Julie for speaking with us! Be sure to follow her on Instagram and Goodreads to find your new favorite love story.
Love a good scare? Click here to read our interview with horror enthusiast Laura.
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