Happy one year bookstaversary to @theespressoedition! What a wild ride the past year has been (and there’s a great big giveaway to celebrate it)!
Today feels extra exciting for me. I can honestly state that in the past year, bookstagram has changed my life. That might seem like a big statement to make about an Instagram account, but to me, it’s so much more than that. On January 21, 2020, I made my first post on @theespressoedition. I couldn’t believe the kindness and response that I received on just that introduction post. Within a week, I’d made more friends than I could have even thought possible. Within a month, I had lost any and all interest in my previous Instagram account.
It took very little time for me to find comfort and joy in this community. While there are so many unique individuals on the platform, they’re all bonded by one common denominator: a love of books. I feel like I can be myself, embrace my nerdy side, explore even more creativity with photography, and just enjoy talking about books. This bookstagram account was what began to nudge me towards a rebrand – and for that, I’m incredibly thankful. I’ve never felt like I fit with the previous niches I was trying to mold myself into, but this one feels like coming home.
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My bookstagram friends asked me some really fun questions in time for my one year bookstaversary and I’m sharing the responses here!
what is the Best opportunity that came out of having a bookstagram account?
Without a doubt, it was getting to interview my favorite author, Joanna Ruth Meyer (read the interview here). Honestly, being able to actually connect with the authors whose books have made such an impact on me is totally surreal. I geek out any time one of them replies to a photo, follows me, or answers a DM. I am a total fangirl, squealing while holding my phone!
what are my Tips for arranging a cute bookshelf?
This is a tough one because my own bookshelf is still pretty sparse. Up until the past year, I didn’t buy books. I just… never felt the need to when the library existed. The books I did own were from high school or even earlier in my life. Now, my rule is that I can buy books but only if I’ve already read them, loved them, and swear to read them again. So with all that being said, I say to style your shelves with the help of other knick-knacks (candles, succulents, pins, mugs, etc.) and mixing up whether the books are side-by-side or stacked on top of each other. This makes it visually appealing. ALSO, dust jackets are awesome if you want to spice up the less-than-exciting covers. I recommend the dust jackets from The Bookish Shop. I have 3 sets of them now and love them.
How have books helped me through living with a chronic illness?
Whoa. Well, for anyone who doesn’t know already, I have gastroparesis. It’s a nasty disease that affects my digestion. There have been periods of time that I’ve dealt with flare-ups for days or weeks, keeping me stuck in bed. That can be a really depressing experience, but reading makes it a lot more bearable. I can read when I have the strength to sit up, but I recall days of just curling up in a ball and listening to an entire audiobook (that’s exactly how I read all of Five Feet Apart). I feel less lonely, I can escape from my frustrating reality (part of why I love fantasy so much), and it keeps me occupied during the downtime. Books are a spoonie’s best friend.
what is The best part about bookstagram?
Easy, it’s the community. These people are hands down the most supportive, encouraging, relatable souls I’ve ever met in my entire life. When I was part of the fashion community, I always felt out of place. I wanted to talk about my obsession with Gilmore Girls, vent about the heat in the summer, and nerd out about the newest Marvel movies, all while reading fantasy novels. There are so many kindred spirits on bookstagram and I’m so thankful for it. It’s my tribe, for sure. I’ve also made some true, life-long friends because of it!
What’s the best way to get people to engage with posts?
My formula is as follows: create a cohesive feed (using presets and taking photos in the same setting always helps), write engaging captions with questions at the very top (try to get creative with the captions too and make sure they relate in some way with the photo), and make sure you are engaging! Reply to all your comments, comment on other photos on your feed, send DMs, reply to stories, get people interested in what you’re doing. OH! And use a mix of big and small hashtags that relate to your photo and then go through the recent photos under those hashtags after you post to find new accounts to interact with!
My favorite book/series OF ALL TIME?
Now this one is just mean. I’m going to do the top 3 books and top 3 series to make things less challenging. My 3 favorite books: Into the Heartless Wood, Early Departures, and The Bookish Life of Nina Hill. My 3 favorite series: Wicked Lovely, the Twilight Saga, and the Shades of Magic trilogy.
What inspired me to start bookstagram?
I had shared a few bookish posts on my previous blog’s Instagram page and had a really great response. I think the very first time I shared, I used the hashtag #bookstagram and when I went to begin engaging on it, I saw so many pages that made me think, “I should really do something like that.” I had been wanting a place to get more creative with my photography, just have fun, make new friends, and be myself. I started chatting with Esther and at one point I made mention of starting my own page and she gave me so much encouragement that I just went for it! I brainstormed a name, took some photos, planned my feed for the first month, and then BOOM! @theespressoedition came to be.
What’s my favorite book I discovered because of bookstagram?
Not a book, but a series: Shades of Magic, definitely! I saw those books all over and decided to give them a try. After reading the first book, I went and bought the trilogy. I buddy-read the rest of them with Kait and fell in love with the world. That’s definitely my most recent fandom. I have t-shirts, mugs, and a poster as well. It’s just so cool!
The best lesson I’ve learned from bookstagram?
“You will want to fill your entire home with bookish goodies.” Okay, I kid (but not really). Maybe just that I’m not alone? For most of my life, I’ve felt like the oddball nerd who would rather stay inside with my faerie book than go hiking or whatever my other friends were doing. I thought I’d find my tribe in fashion blogging and that felt off too. It’s just so nice to feel like I belong somewhere, finally. That there are other people like me. It makes me wanna cry with happiness.
what advice would I give to someone wanting to start their own page?
Be creative, intentional, and have fun. Don’t expect to grow overnight and don’t expect to get engagement without putting in the effort. People grow differently as well so don’t compare your page to others. Do it because you want to either connect with others or have a place to show your pretty photos. Really have fun. I mean that one. Enjoy writing captions or hyping up your favorite books and making connections with others!
related posts
Welcome to The Espresso Edition // Why You Should Have a Cozy Multipurpose Room // How to Make The Most of Your Buddy-Read
To celebrate my bookstaversary, I’m hosting a giveaway!
I will be giving away a custom-made The Espresso Edition candle from Janzy Wax Co., your choice of a bookmark from The Seasonal Pages, a mug of your choice from Wicked Whimsy Boutique, and a $25 gift card to Bookshop! The rules are super simple: follow my bookstagram, subscribe to my newsletter for an extra entry (where I’ll be announcing the winner), and leave a comment on this post saying you entered. It’s all really easy to complete in the form below! Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Katie Harding says
Awww I love this! I’m not a book influencer, but I really do love reading! It helps me switch off for a bit everyday and get lost in a good story! Thanks for sharing
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Ahh I definitely don’t consider myself any kind of influencer haha. But I do love blogging about my love for reading! It makes me so happy to share this love with my audience – and bookstagram has definitely become an amazing community too! I’m glad you enjoy reading as well. It’s wonderful!
Isa A says
Seems like an intriguing project! I liked the fact that during your blogging journey and exploring you found your ultimate passion and hot comfortable with it. And also you found yourself a very productive way to distract yourself and keep you engaged from all else. Keep it up. And thanks for sharing x
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s funny, because it definitely didn’t start as any kind of project. I just wanted to join the community because it looked like a fun way to connect with others about my love for reading. I had no clue it would end up becoming such a huge part of my life or that it would ultimately be what convinced me to rebrand my business. It’s been a whirlwind of excitement in the past year!
Lucy says
Happy Bookstaversary lovely! I love reading and I loved reading which of your books are your favourites x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Stephanie Whitman says
Thanks so much, Lucy! I’m so thankful for all your support! 🙂
Claudia says
YAY! Some of my questions made it into the post — love your responses. Thanks for hosting the giveaway, and congrats on your Bookstagram anniversary! Oddly enough, one year ago today was the day I decided to turn my psychic medium side-hustle into a full-time gig. SYNCHRONICITY!
Stephanie Whitman says
All of them did, I believe! You asked great questions, so thank you! 🙂 How fun is it that we both turned our passions into profitable businesses? I love that. Congrats on a year of your business!!
Ruth| Ruthiee loves Glamour says
Happy bookstaversary Stephanie. I only came across your blog few weeks ago and I do love your blog from the theme to your lovely writeups. I am glad you have achieved so much in one year. I’m excited to see where your blog will go this year. Cheers to more bookstaversaries!!! Xxx!
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s really kind of you, thank you! It’s been fun to see what bookstagram has brought into my life (a LOT of joy, that’s for sure) and that’s only one element of my blogging career. Crazy to think I’ve been at this for almost 6 years and I’m just now really discovering my passion!
abzstylz says
I love how warm and cozy your pics are!! Loved your tips on arranging your book shelf. They will come in handy since I’m currently redecorating. Happy Bookstaversary! 😊
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s so kind of you. Thank you 🙂 I definitely work to always have a cozy, almost autumnal feeling to my feed on Instagram and my photos on my blog!
rebecca says
yayayayyayyyy!!! I love your migration to full time on The Espresso Edition and have been looking at yours and some other bookstagrams more often lately to get recs! Thanks for all the inspo, Steph <3
xx rebecca // thecrystalpress.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Thanks so much, Rebecca! It’s been a fun – but nutty – transition. I had no clue when I launched my bookstagram last year that it would really help me find what I wanted my blog to be about long-term. Such a neat journey!
Jennifer L Prince says
Aw! I love how reading has helped you through some really tough times. I’m sure when you can’t do much that reading is a way to take your mind far away. I really need to devote more time into delving into books.
Stephanie Whitman says
It definitely has! Reading is my number one form of self-care. It’s always been really important to me. I’m grateful that it’s something my parents cultivated when I was really young. They certainly encouraged my bookish nature and that makes me so happy!
Kelly D says
I entered. Happy Bookstaversary!
Stephanie Whitman says
Thanks for entering. Good luck!! 🙂
Lizzie says
Happy Bookstaversary! This was such a fun post! Loved reading about how books transformed your life and helped you with your health <3
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Hehe thank you so much! It was honestly really fun to write about as well 🙂
Sarah Lindner says
Happy Anniversary and congrats on all the awesome opportunities and growth that came from the journey! xoxo, Sarah
Stephanie Whitman says
Thank you! It’s been a wonderful journey and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
bn100 says
Happy bookstaversary!
Stephanie Whitman says
Thank you very much!
Sarika says
Happy bookstaversary! Loved this post and thank you for sharing more about your journey. Congratulations on all your successes and I can’t wait to all that you continue to do! 💖
Stephanie Whitman says
Thank you for all of your kindness! I really appreciate the encouragement. I can’t wait to see what comes next 🙂
Olivia Ruffin says
I really cannot express enough how proud I am of you!! Youve come such a long way! I am so so so SOOOO happy to see you thriving! You made me make one of my new years resolutions to read more, almost done with my first book 🙂
Stephanie Whitman says
AHHHH OLIVIA!!! THANK YOU!!! This means so, so much to me. You’ve always been so insanely supportive and I can’t even express how much I appreciate that. Love you lots, girlfriend! And I can’t wait to find out which books you enjoy this year 🙂
Neely says
I had no idea about your illness but I’m so glad you found something like this! Happy anniversary!
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m so surprised by that because I feel like I overshare about it (and I’ve commented about it on your blog posts countless times) haha! But I am grateful for my blogging career and how it has helped me through all of the challenges. And bookstagram is such a special community!
Emily says
Happy Anniversary & CONGRATULATIONS. This is a really lovely post, and although I’ve just stumbled on it today, I’m going to give the bookstagram a follow because I really love reading and you mentioned a couple of books I’ve had on my TBR list for a while!
Stephanie Whitman says
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate your encouragement and the bookstagram follow 🙂 I hope you get some reading inspiration from my page.
Cassidy says
Happy Bookstaversary, Stephanie!
I also have Gastroparesis, so I really appreciate you sharing that! It is always nice to connect with others.
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s such a rare thing to find someone else who even KNOWS what that is, let alone has it. It breaks my heart that anyone else has to go through this, so for that, I’m truly sorry. However, I will say it’s nice to not feel so alone. Sending lots of love your way!
Amanda Dover says
I just popped over to your Instagram to check it out and it’s amazing! I love your style! Congrats on the bookstagram anniversary! Hope there are many more to come!
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s so kind of you. Thank you so much! I’m really grateful to have a platform that allows me to be wholly myself and to get creative!
Nicole Kauffman says
Congrats! Also – not sure why but I’ve never thought to listen to an audiobook when I’m not feeling well! Fellow spoonie here and I usually watch something if my head is up for it. Otherwise I’m just bored and depressed!! Definitely going to do that. Love your blog/IG!
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh wow! Hopefully, this has given you some new ideas! I sometimes can’t even keep my eyes open when I’m not feeling well, but I don’t always want to sleep. Listening to something gives me entertainment and allows me to relax fully. It’s great! Sending you a big virtual hug!
Sarah says
I used to read much more often and feel like I never have time for it anymore. I do miss it though and want to get back into it. I truly do love it! Congrats on the one year anniversary!
Stephanie Whitman says
How funny, because I actually just wrote a post about that today! I hope you get a chance to check it out 🙂
Amber Chandler says
You are so strong, I’ve battled something similar and it’s life changing for sure. Congrats on all your success!
Stephanie Whitman says
It breaks my heart that anyone else has to deal with that. I’m so sorry to hear. I appreciate your kind words!
Linda says
This is so amazing, Stephanie! Congrats on the bookstaversary and now I’m going to go follow you over on the IG so I can see everything you’re reading much more quickly. 😉
Stephanie Whitman says
Thank you so much for that! You’re so kind 🙂
Dynal L Roberson says
I entered. I Love reading, thanks for the opportunity and keep up the great work!
Stephanie Whitman says
Best of luck to you! The winner will be announced this Friday in my newsletter! 🙂
Kelly Woods says
I entered. So kind and generous of you. Thank you
Stephanie Whitman says
Best of luck! The winner will be announced tomorrow 🙂
Sylvia Davis says
I am no influencer but I am an avid reader! I love escaping to far away places 🙂
Stephanie Whitman says
Haha I literally will never be an influencer. I’m a blogger through and through! YAY for being a reader. Reading is such magic, isn’t it?
Tiffany Greene Elliott says
I entered. Happy Bookstaversary!
Stephanie Whitman says
Good luck! Thanks so much for entering 🙂
GINA ROCK says
I entered. Thank you!
Stephanie Whitman says
Absolutely! I’ll be announcing the giveaway in my newsletter and I can’t wait to see who wins!
Marcie says
This is such a wonderful resource! I do a ton of driving so always end up listening to audio books, though there’s nothing better than cuddling up with a good book! Congrats on the anniversary!
Stephanie Whitman says
I absolutely love audiobooks! I think they’re wonderful and I listen to them nonstop 🙂
Genesis says
Your story is such an inspiration! It can be so hard to find a place in the world where you feel like you fully connect with the people around you and I’m so glad that you have finally found that place in Bookstagram! Thanks for sharing some of your story today 🙂
Kait says
Bookstagram sounds like such a wonderful community! I love how everyone welcomed you, and you were able to make so many friends so quickly. Your account is so wonderful and happy. Clearly I need to find where my community is hiding out online!