One Year on Bookstagram
One year ago, today, I decided on a whim to start a Bookstagram— A book-themed Instagram for those uninitiated. I was feeling remarkably lonely in the throes of mothering two kids two and under. I was uninspired and asking myself what I even did anymore that was just for me. The answer was not much. I had quit my day job as a high school English teacher on the tail end of the COVID pandemic so I could stay home with my kid, which turned into kids plural shortly before my firstborn’s second birthday.
So, there I was, at home with a two-year-old and a seven-month-old baby. My days were filled with diaper changes, peeling bananas, nursing, making bottles, taming tantrums, and all together trying to keep two small people alive and well. Oh, and I was reading. A LOT. Like, about as much as I did in middle school where I was putting away a book a day. I wanted to talk to someone about the books I was reading. I wanted to connect and feel less alone. My husband isn’t much of a reader, and certainly not a romance or romantasy reader, so he was out. My friends read, but they also had, ya know, jobs. So, I couldn’t bug them whenever I wanted about the books I was reading. And my extended family views my reading habits the way one views a benign growth. Interesting, but also kind of strange.
Enter Bookstagram. I had come across a few booksta accounts on my own private Instagram, and I thought “Hey, I could do that!” And then I spiraled with anxiety over what anyone who knows me would think about it. Would it be embarrassing? Did I care if it was? I finally decided that no, I didn’t care if it was embarrassing (it isn’t) because I deserved to do something that could bring me joy. So, I pushed past the uncomfortable feeling of creating a public account for something that had, until then, been so deeply personal and private.
I started my account as @reading.and.ruminating— An homage to my diagnosed anxiety disorder and my preferred method of coping. Almost immediately, I made friends. It felt a little like my first day at school as the new kid, but everyone was so welcoming and kind. Here were people who talked about romance and fantasy among other genres openly! Who gushed about books and loved them as much as I did. Who geeked out over their favorite authors, and swooned over their favorite couples.
I quickly fell in love with this space. I posted five to six times a week about the books I was reading, relatable reels about being a reader, and eventually, my journey to being a published indie author. I never got burned out because if I was ever feeling it, I would step back for a day or two until my creativity was back. The entire time, and I mean ENTIRE time, I had a community of people cheering me on. I answered DMs daily, chatting about books and life. Gushing over MMCs or railing against injustices done to the plot. Along the way, I’ve made some truly amazing, long-term friends who I know I can count on for both book recommendations and a listening ear, or a shoulder to cry on.
During my first year on bookstagram, I also started my journey as an indie author. I was so anxious about making the slow switch from being someone who hyped up others’ books to being someone who hypes up my own. I made the switch to @author.megan.bowen soon after finishing the first draft of my debut, Like Home. I was worried about it (even though I knew it was a silly thing to worry about), but it turned out to be an unnecessary concern. The people who had found me and enjoyed my content stuck around for the most part, and cheered me on doubly as I started talking about my first book. I truly found the best cheerleaders and friends on bookstagram.
During my first year, I had a couple reels go semi-viral (about stickers on books of all things), and learned that it’s not all people make it out to be. Not only does the net reach beyond your typical audience (meaning you get some really rude people engaging with your content), but you also don’t get many followers out of it like one would assume. I’ve had a few videos reach hundreds of thousands of people each, and I’m ending my first year at 2,000 followers. Which isn’t a bad thing! But it just goes to show that trying to “go viral” doesn’t always do what you think it will.
I’m happy to say that I’ve had slow and steady growth, and I’ve been enjoying reaching potential readers and connecting with people in a new way. Bookstagram has given so much back to me, filled my cup that was near empty, and allowed me to meet some truly amazing friends (If that’s you, hi and thank you). I am so thankful to past me who took a leap of faith, and I can’t wait to see what year two will bring.
