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Tag: aesthetic
#Bookstagrammer Of The Week: @hayleysolano
Welcome! Today’s bookstagram feature is Hayley/@hayleysolano. She’s got a bright and beautiful aesthetic that will bring some romance into your life.
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Why did you start your Bookstagram:
This is such an interesting question because I never intended on creating a Bookstagram account! My Instagram page is an extension of my blog, An Enchanted Life, which celebrates all things whimsical and romantic with an emphasis on storytelling. As I began sharing content centered around storytelling, particularly beloved classic tales, visitors naturally began classifying my page as a Bookstagram account. It has been so wonderful to be welcomed into such an inspiring community!
Where are you from:
I’m from Orange County, California.
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world:
I hope that when people come upon my Instagram page, they feel enchanted and inspired. The underlying sentiment amongst my content is that you don’t need to live in a castle or wear tulle dresses everyday (although that would be lovely!) to live an authentically enchanted life – the kind of life our favorite literary heroes and celebrated authors inspire us to live.
Fun Fact about you:
Because I was a teenager in the early 2000s, I thoroughly enjoy early 2000s pop culture – it makes me nostalgic!
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
I adore @storybookstyle, @forget_me_not_originals, and @galletas.libros
image via @hayleysolano
Favorite Books and Authors:
There are countless beautiful lessons to be learned from children’s literature. The Secret Garden and Heidi are two of my favorite books. Not only are they magical stories, but I find it powerful that the inspiration within their pages is cultivated by children. I read Heidi for the first time as an adult earlier this year and was taken by how admirable Heidi is at only five years old.
I love authors not only for their stories, but the intent behind them as well. Frances Hodgson Burnett sent an inspiring message about Magic and how to create it. L. Frank Baum wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as a “modernized fairy tale in which the wonderment and joy are retained and the heartaches and nightmares are left out.” They are two of my favorites!
Fictional Crush:
My fictional crush actually isn’t a character in a book, but he is an avid reader – Jess from Gilmore Girls!
image via @hayleysolano
TBR List:
As most storybook lovers would say, there are SO many books I can’t wait to dive into. It has been several years since I’ve read A Little Princess so I am planning to read that one soon. With autumn just around the corner, I’m finally going to read Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. I look forward to watching the movie every fall!
What’s Your Special Approach to Content:
When creating content, I always consider how I hope someone feels when they see my posts. Building content around an emotion you hope to evoke provides a solid foundation for achieving cohesiveness – not just visually but in terms of your underlying message as well.
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
Cheerful, whimsical, and romantic!
How often do you post:
It depends on the week and time of year. If there is special news to share (e.g. a new film adaptation of The Secret Garden was recently released), I post a little more frequently. It’s usually around 3-4 times a week.
image via @hayleysolano
What does your Bookstagram mean to you:
It’s really special because it is a means to connect with kindred spirits all around the world. We have such fun celebrating our favorite stories together.
Favorite Bookstore:
Growing up, I’d visit a local independent bookstore called A Whale of a Tale – it was a delightful children’s bookshoppe. If fictional bookstores count, I would love to spend an afternoon at The Shop Around the Corner from ‘You’ve Got Mail.’
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books:
Belle from ‘Beauty and the Beast!’
Author to take a selfie with:
Marjorie Hart! She wrote Summer at Tiffany, a first account of her experience as one of the first women to ever work the floor at Tiffany & Co the summer of 1945.
image via @hayleysolano
Favorite book cover:
Such a difficult question! Discovering beautiful editions is one of my favorite joys – it’s like a treasure hunt. I’m going to have to go with the Pride & Prejudice cookbook. It includes teatime recipes inspired by the story plus the full text.
Book you have claimed to have read that you didn’t:
The bookstagram community and my blog readers are like friends to me – I’m always honest with them ❤️That being said, some may assume that I’ve read every single book on my shelves which I haven’t yet. I like to reserve a portion for future reads!
When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer:
I feel as though this community found me rather than me finding it. I don’t think there’s been (or may ever be) a moment that signifies “making it.” Just having the opportunity to exchange inspiration with a community of friends is such a gift!
image via @hayleysolano
Favorite fandoms:
The kindred community of Anne of Green Gables fans is always lovely.
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Share stories that have touched your heart and given you inspiring worlds to get lost in. Be thoughtful, authentic, and have fun!
Additional bookishness:
For more bookish fun, I’d love to welcome book lovers to join The Enchanted Book Club, a celebration of storytelling, inspiring authors, and cherished literature! Each month we read a different book and discuss the magic within its pages. There’s currently about 2000 members – we’d love to have more friends join us! Click here to join.
Feature image via @hayleysolano
#Bookstagrammer Of The Week: @kath_reads
Happy bookstagram day! Today’s feature is Kath/@kath_reads. She promotes Filipino authors and her other favorite titles with cozy vibes.
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Why did you start your Bookstagram:
I started my bookstagram back in 2014 when I noticed that most of my friends are getting fed up with me rambling about books on my personal Instagram account, lol. I wanted to meet booklovers all around the world and talk to them about books (and other things we love) everyday, if possible.
Where are you from:
I’m from the Philippines but I’m currently living in Germany.
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world:
I want to inspire people to pick up a book and start reading. I want them to realize that reading can be fun. I wasn’t a reader since birth so I want to remind them that it’s never too late to start and enjoy reading. I also want to help to promote books written by Filipino authors.
Fun Fact about you:
I have 12 piercings (including tongue and tragus) and 4 small tattoos.
image via @kath_reads
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
I have a lot! @lookingforabura, @nerdytalksbookblog, @sumaiyya.books, @lottelikebooks, @theguywiththebook, thatbookishteacher_, @africaanah, @babblingbooks, @bunteschwarzweisswelt, @utopia.state.of.mind, and @bookishrose. I can go on with the list forever.
Favorite Books and Authors:
Some of my all-time favorite books are The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Vicious by V.E. Schwab, and My Fate According to the Butterfly by Gail Villanueva. Some of my favorites authors are V.E. Schwab, Haruki Murakami, Leigh Bardugo, John Green, Bob Ong (Filipino author), and Taylor Jenkins Reid.
image via @kath_reads
Fictional Crush:
Delilah “Lila” Bard (Shades of Magic by V.E. Schwab).
TBR List:
How much time do you have? lol. Some books on my priority list are A Place For Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza, 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami, and The Bone Witch trilogy by Rin Chupeco.
What’s Your Special Approach to Content:
I’m not sure if I have one but I try to be as authentic as possible. I want my content to be relatable and simple. Captions are also challenging so I try to be more natural and affable at the same time when writing one.
image via @kath_reads
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
I often change my aesthetic/theme but I make sure that my photos always give a cozy and relaxing vibes. I love my current theme so I think it will take a very long time for me to change it again.
How often do you post:
I used to post twice a day and follow a certain schedule I made but it became stressful and tiring. Now I try to post everyday or every other day.
What does your Bookstagram mean to you:
It means so much to me. It’s a community that became so much important to me. It’s where I have met a lot of amazing and creative people who eventually became my friends. It’s also my creative space. It’s where I share my love for books and photography.
image via @kath_reads
Favorite Bookstore:
In the Philippines we have a bookstore called Booksale. They sell affordable pre-loved/second-hand and brand new books. Fully Booked (Philippines) is also one of my favorites. My favorite bookstore here in Germany is Saint George’s English Bookstore in Berlin.
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books:
Penguin Random House, Titan Books, and Scribe.
Author to take a selfie with:
Definitely Victoria Schwab and Haruki Murakami.
Favorite book cover:
My top three are The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco, My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh, and Seeds Planted in Concrete by Bianca Sparacino.
image via @kath_reads
Book you have claimed to have read that you didn’t:
The Harry Potter series? lol. I only read book 1 to 4 but for some reason people assumed that I read the whole series. I never claimed it though. And I’m really not sure if I still want to continue with the remaining books.
When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer:
When I received a message from one of the Community Team at Instagram (back in November 2015) telling me that they included me and my account on the Bookstagrammer’s List. I think that was also the time when the term “bookstagram/bookstagrammer” became official. Also, when I started getting messages from people telling me that they love my content, read a book because of me, and that I inspire them. These always make my day.
Favorite fandoms:
Game of Thrones, Studio Ghibli movies, and Shades of Magic.
image via @kath_reads
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Don’t stress about algorithm/numbers. I’ve been there and it’s not really helpful. Make sure you are having fun and staying true to yourself. Share your honest thoughts/book reviews. Engage with other accounts. Make friends. Don’t forget to credit the original creators if you use/repost their photos, videos, or book reviews on your account. Take a break when needed. Bookstagram is not only a place to discover new books/authors. It’s also a place to learn and understand more about other people’s culture. And lastly, be kind.
Additional bookishness:
Being a slow and a mood reader (like me) is not easy but don’t let it get in your way. Also, join a book club (virtual or in real life) or look for reading buddies. Happy Reading!
feature image via @kath_reads
#Bookstagrammer Of The Week: @talesbytheshire
Welcome back! Today’s bookstagram feature is Federica/@talesbytheshire. Check it out to find gorgeous vintage pics of all your favorite books.
Why did you start your Bookstagram:
I decided to start my bookstagram account because I have been a reader since I was little and I felt the need to share my passion with people who would surely understand me. I wanted to create something that would allow me to connect with people like me from all over the world, and without thinking twice I did.
Where are you from:
I’m from Italy, born and raised.
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world:
First of all, I want my bookstagram to be a safe place for everyone to express themselves and be who they really are. My main goal, as I said before, is to be able to share my passion for reading and literature. I want it to be a place where we can exchange opinions, ideas, recommendations, advice, where we can start interesting discussions and conversations that can enrich each other.
Fun Fact about you:
I don’t know if that’s funny about me, but I’m very clumsy and I often put myself in weird and embarrassing situations. The most striking a few years ago, when I mistook one person for another, having a conversation with this one until they politely told me they didn’t know what I was talking about.
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
All the people i follow are my favorites, but if I have to choose a few I say: @a_fictional_affair, @warmcupofmagic, @bits_faeritales, @blackbookoftales, @jessbetweenlines, @liteartha, @danielapardor, @ introverted.bookworm, @pagesofelysian, @chrissyjread, @woodland.poem, @caffeeaulait and many others. Not only they have beautiful and interesting accounts, but they are also wonderful people.
image via @talesbytheshire
Favorite Books and Authors:
I have lots of favorite books and authors, so I’ll list some that are the most precious to me.
Books: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, The Shadow Of The Wind and The Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, Pet Sematary by Stephen King, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Picture Of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights by the Bronte sisters, the Harry Potter books, The Lord Of The Rings series and many more. I’m probably forgetting lots of them! And as for the authors, all the ones mentioned above :)
Fictional Crush:
I loooove Aragorn (The Lord Of The Rings), Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice) and I have a thing for Julian (Caraval)
image via @talesbytheshire
TBR List:
Tooooo long to list it here! But next on my list are The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern, few Italian releases, Emma by Jane Austen, Anna Karenina by Tolstoy and lots of gothic novels (my fave books!!)
What’s Your Special Approach to Content:
I love talking about literature and giving reading recs, but especially getting them! I love talking to my followers under my posts, being able to interact with them, knowing what they are reading at the moment and their opinions. I really like to create new projects that we’ll bring us together as a community and collaborate with my fellow bookstagrammers!
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
I didn’t start my bookstagram with a specific aesthetic in mind, but many of my followers and friends point out to me that my aesthetic would be very dark academia cause of my love of literature and warm tones! I love autumn, gloomy days, and scary stories to read by a candlelight, and I always try to covey that with my pictures!
image via @talesbytheshire
How often do you post:
It really depends on my schedule and my inspiration. I try to be very present and bring lots of content, but sometimes I just can’t. So minimum twice a week!
What does your Bookstagram mean to you:
It means a lot more than I can explain. I’ve met wonderful people, read amazing books thanks to this community, and feel I’ve found my place. The one where I can be myself.
Favorite Bookstore:
I often shop at my local bookstore, trying to support it as much as I can! And if I can’t, then I’ll shop online helping Italian companies.
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books:
All the publishers on this planet honestly! Ahaha
Author to take a selfie with:
100% Stephen King!
image via @talesbytheshire
Favorite book cover:
I have many favorites covers, but the first one that came to my mind is the Bloomsbury Publishing PLC edition of The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell (a book that I love and I always recommend!)
Book you have claimed to have read that you didn’t:
I never claim to have read a book that I actually have never read! I’m always very honest with my followers!
When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer:
Honestly? When I got my first follower! I feel like if you have even one person you can share your love for books with, then you made it as a bookstagrammer! That was my main goal.
Favorite fandoms:
I’m not really into any fandoms! Maybe the Harry Potter one!
image via @talesbytheshire
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Be yourself, post what you like, don’t get too stressed about posting everyday. Just do your thing and don’t focus on the numbers. In other words: enjoy it as best as you can!
Additional bookishness:
I love making and collecting bookmarks sooo much! I also collect Victorian or other old articles and illustrations!
feature image via @talesbytheshire
#Bookstagrammer Of The Week: @atinyreader
It’s that time of the week again! Today’s feature is Sharfin/@atinyreader. She’s got gorgeous book scenes with incredible lighting for every mood.
Why did you start your Bookstagram:
I’ve been into reading for as long as I can remember, but I never really had anyone to talk to about them. Most of my fangirling took place behind the screen where I didn’t even get to interact with anyone. During the few months of break after my A levels, I came across a few accounts on my explore that were dedicated to books. After I got over scrolling obsessively through their feeds, I decided it is the perfect place for me. At first it was somewhere I could garner my creative side mixed with my love for reading, but eventually it became my ultimate dumping ground for all my thoughts and musings!
Where are you from:
I’m from Dhaka, Bangladesh!
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world:
I want to show people that reading isn’t simply a hobby. I want them to be curious and appreciate it in the way it deserves to be. It’s something that everyone needs in their lives. The rich experience and lessons you get to come across in the pages of books can help you grow in a way no other medium can. It nurtures your imagination and ability to think for yourself.
But the best part? You never have to worry about running out of books to read!
Fun Fact about you:
My insta handle describes me quite literally! I’m a tiny person (4’10”) who loves to read!
I also tried out 5 different handles across the first three months before I finally decided to stick to this one.
image via @atinyreader
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
While I love a lot of the bookstagrammers I follow, I’ve drawn inspiration from @britishbookreader, @mylittlebooktique, and @stefiereads from time to time throughout the years!
Favorite Books and Authors:
Top 3 Books: A Man Called Ove, A Thousand Splendid Suns, and The Night Circus
Favourite author:
Fredrik Backman
Fictional Crush:
I think it’ll always be Ron Weasley!
image via @atinyreader
TBR List:
Oh, I’m an absolute mood reader. I literally choose a book at the last moment! However, I do plan to read the Great Alone by Kristin Hannah soon. I also have A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara and Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon on my list!
What’s Your Special Approach to Content:
I love to change things up from time to time and can never stick to a particular theme too long. But no matter how many different things I try, they always end up being very… well “me”!
My approach is to always have fun. I keep in mind that this isn’t my job and I shouldn’t treat it like one. There are no rules, so no mistakes can be made. While I do try to cater to what my audience likes, my own choices always come first. I know it sounds pretty selfish, but it’s worked great for me so far!
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
I move from bright colours to dull hues – and have now even ventured into the dark academia aesthetics. However, they’re all always warm tones that give off cozy vibes and hints of nostalgia which reflects all my feelings towards reading!
image via @atinyreader
How often do you post:
I’ve been posting everyday since the beginning of 2020 (except for a couple of breaks in between) as a challenge I took on myself. I’d normally post 5 to 6 times a week at least, though.
What does your Bookstagram mean to you:
Bookstagram is my solace. It’s a part of who I am and it’s where I’m able to unleash my creative side. It’s a source of my confidence and validation, and it’s also where I feel like I can make some changes in this world, no matter how small they are!
Favorite Bookstore:
I love to buy my books from my local bookshops! International-wise, I do like doing yearly hauls from Book Outlet!
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books:
If money were not a problem, I’d love to get my friends to keep giving me their favourite books. I think it’ll let me get to know them better!
image via @atinyreader
Author to take a selfie with:
Colleen Hoover, for sure!
Favorite book cover:
I love my copy of the Night Circus!
Book you have claimed to have read that you didn’t:
I actually have never done that!
When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer:
I think around the time strangers and friends alike began coming to me for book suggestions, whether it is as a gift for their loved ones or because they want to take up reading themselves. Also, when people have approached me saying that my posts influenced them to get into reading!
image via @atinyreader
Favorite fandoms:
Oh Harry Potter for sure! I’ve joined the Percy Jackson fandom recently as well!
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Have fun and don’t take yourselves too seriously! While numbers and engagement play a huge part in motivating you to stay on, it’s worth nothing if you don’t like what you’re creating.
Also, respect others’ opinions and learn to criticize constructively without shoving your views down people’s throats!
