Welcome to my BOOKSTAGRAMMER SPOTLIGHT, where I show some love to our fellow Bloggers, Bookstagrammers and common Romance Readers. I started this because while there might be a lot of us out there, each of us is different and unique in not just reading, photography, books…everything! A fun way to show some love & learn a little more about the romance community members!! Today’s feature is not only a Bookstagrammer but turned author Jaqueline Francis!! Let’s show some love! ENJOY!
Name: Jackie
About yourself: I am 27 and a public librarian born and raised in Wisconsin! I am passionate about any and all books. When not reading and writing, I enjoy spending time with my family, working on perfecting being a spinster, loom knitting, antiquing, watching British mysteries, and sleeping.
Bookstagram
Logo name? Jackie Reads Romance
How/Why did you come up with it? It was crazy difficult to think of a name for my Instagram so I decided to go super basic and obvious lol.
When did you start Bookstagramming? What was the first thing you did?I started Bookstagramming in April of 2017. The first thing I did was post a picture of myself reading (as one does)!
Why did you start what you started? Influence? I started it after a rough breakup. I tried to think of all the things in my life that bring me joy, and reading romance is one of them! I discovered Bookstagram and the rest is history. I love reading and reviewing books. One of my big influences is @kateolsonreads and of course, the Queen, @theguidetoromancenovels
Did you have any help at the beginning or winged it? I totally winged it. I don’t really try too hard, and that might be obvious, but I’d rather spend my time making good connections than worrying about having the perfect picture. I am, of course, in awe of some of the great photography on Bookstagram! It’s just not a talent of mine and that’s okay.
What is your favorite part you would say and why? My favorite part is meeting new friends on here who I seriously feel like I can talk to ANYTHING about! It has been magical!
What platforms do you use (for things like posts on any of the social media’s? Or at least your favorite ones? I use Instagram, Goodreads, Twitter, and Facebook.
What social media’s are you on? And do you have a favorite? My favorite is Instagram. It keeps it very simple!
Do you have any tips and tricks about blogging? Always try to be honest and always find a few good things about a book, even if it wasn’t for you.
Have you had any bad/negative experiences on Bookstagram? Sometimes I have had some creepy guys message me, and that’s frustrating. This isn’t Tinder!
What have you learned from blogging on a public platform like? Sometimes your followers don’t want to see videos of hot guys in a male strip club. Sometimes they do.
Do you have any goals that you haven’t yet been able to get to, concerning your account? No. I try not to focus on my follower count, and just be happy with the connections I make.
What are some highlights or special moments that have happened, concerning your book blogging career? The entire reason I decided to write a book was because of Bookstagram. If it wouldn’t have been for some very kind ladies motivating me, my book would not exist. To me, that means the world.
Do you think Bookstagram is an effective platform to express your opinion on books? Absolutely! There’s plenty of room to write your opinion or at least link to a blog or Goodreads.
What do you use camera vise when taking book photography? My iPhone 10 XR. It works okay for what I need it for.
Do you use your own props? Is there a fun or MAGICAL way you set it all up? (loc, props…) I honestly do not give it too much thought. Sometimes I throw in some thematically-appropriate shots. Lots of times my backdrop is just blankets.
Do you have advice for new bookstagrammers on how to start, be, and do? Connect with people who you would want to be friends with IRL! It’s so much fun to make new friends from around the world.
Do you have any favorite Instagram accounts that you follow for books, inspiration, ideas…? YES! I love so, so many. Some of my favorites are: @adore_ian @hksbks @ksquaredreads @alifelivedinbooks @lilmommareader @thecurvysavante @writerahart @kate_reads_ @christine.hapa @kristyb_readsromance @theromancemom AND SO MANY MORE!!!
Lets talk about BOOKS!!
Tell us, do you know the exact amount of paperback you own? How about ebooks? (I suggest not to count because I did & I regretted it) I have downsized my physical book collection quite a bit. I have many that are unread but after I finish, they are donated right to the library. I thought I would die without most of my books and I’m still here! I have lottttttsss of ebooks but also enjoy getting them from my public library!
Do you prefer paper or kindle? Kindle
Do you know your first paperback/ebook? My first romance paperback was The Desert Prince’s Proposal by Nicola Marsh.
Do you remember your very first read? I always thought Amelia Bedelia was a badass, but my favorite book from my early years was a Little Golden Book about a pig getting ready for her big birthday party. She took a long bubble bath and had some cake. She was living her best life.
What is it that draws you to a book? (picture, blurb, author..or all?) ALL OF IT! I love a cover with a hot guy, am fiercely dedicated to my favorite authors, and love discovering new favorites!
Do you have a favorite genre you read? And which one? ROMANCE! I love contemporary romance with lots of rich billionaires.
What is your ideal bookboyfriend like? (looks, actions…) My ideal book boyfriend is about 6’4”, bearded, and burly! Not all muscle, though. He has a little chubbiness to him. He has dark hair, maybe a bit or salt and pepper. He is definitely an alpha but a TOTAL sweetheart, too, and will do anything for the woman he loves! He is successful and dedicated to his career but also likes time just chilling with his lady. He also loves to please his woman as often as humanly possibly. He gets off on getting his lady off. 😉
Do you have a real life bookboyfriend? And if so, care to share a pic of two of him? Alas, he hasn’t arrived yet. I don’t know why. It’s not like I have high expectations or anything, LOL.
What is your favorite part about a story? (the beginning get to know each other, the sexy scenes, the middle right before the peak…) I love the happy ending! I think the climax is my favorite part. I can tell if a book is well written if I’m reading the romance and, during that moment when you think “oh no what if they don’t end up together?” you really believe there’s a chance that they may not!
What book are you currently reading? I am reading Midnight Pleasures with a Scoundrel by Lorraine Heath. Who can resist a scoundrel?
Do You have a favorite book quotes from any recent or previously read books you’d like to share? No.
How long does it take you to read an average book? Two days during the week, less on weekends.
How many reads per week do you think you read on an average? Probably 4-7 depending on my scheudle.
Have you ever considered writing a book? If so, why, how, when and who?! Hehe Why yes I have! My first book came out this year! It’s called Returning His Favor. It’s about a sexy ex-Amish guy and a curvy beautiful woman! I have ALWAYS wanted to write books and I’ve always been a romantic. I have been telling myself for years to write a romance, but always procrastinated. Then, over the holidays, I had off work and wrote my book in four days. I am writing the second one now. (I have read this wonderful book & if you like to see my full review -> CLICK HERE
Who is your favorite author and why? (you’re welcome for this one *smirk*) No! There are so many authors I love and adore and I can’t even begin to pick my favorite romance authors. Jane Austen is amazing and Louisa May Alcott is profound. Sylvia Plath had a big influence on me.
Now, the real important question -> What is your favorite book & why! I’d have to say my favorite book is The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.
Do you have any magical words for everyone out there?! Read what you love. Never feel bad about putting down a book that you can’t get into! And follow @theguidetoromancenovels!!! (You’re too kind!!)
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This concludes another BOOKSTAGRAMMER SPOTLIGHT, be on the look out for many more to come!! THANK YOU for reading & now head out and show some love!