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 beautiful soul and fellow bookstagrammer/friend of mine! ENJOY!
Name: Kara Rotella
About yourself: I’m 35 years young, a wife and a mother of two young boys. I was born and raised in Oregon and never want to leave. I love being so close to the beach and the mountains. I’m the oldest child which likely explains my bossy and stubborn nature. My favorite color is pink and I’m obsessed with Hello Kitty. When I’m not reading, I enjoy sobbing to chick flicks, laughing at comedic tv shows, listening to music, starting but never finishing DIY projects and pinning all the recipes I know I’ll never take the time to cook/bake. I’m passionate about advocating for rescue animals and individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
BOOKSTAGRAM
Logo name? Rotella Reads
How/Why did you come up with it? With a R last name, it just sounded cool!
When did you start Bookstagramming? What was the first thing you did? I started bookstagramming in the Summer of 2018 by starting an IG account just for my reading addiction and posting an update of my Goodreads Reading Challenge.
Why did you start what you started? Influence? I started bookstagramming as an outlet for my love of reading romance books, to communicate and share with other book lovers and follow my favorite authors. I was spending so much time immersed in the book world, I figured I might as well share my thoughts and opinions with like minded readers.
Did you have any help at the beginning or winged it? I definitely winged it! I brainstormed suggestions and ideas with some of my closest reader friends on Facebook and IG.
What is your favorite part you would say and why? I love sharing my favorite reads with others and finding new books to add to my TBR. I enjoy receiving new book suggestions from my fellow bookstagrammers and have discovered some incredible new to me authors on this journey.
What platforms do you use (for things like posts on any of the social media’s? Or at least your favorite ones? I spend 99% of my time on Instagram.
What social media’s are you on? And do you have a favorite? I focus most of my efforts on Instagram and Facebook. I have a twitter and a website but those aren’t my primary social media outlets.
Have you had any bad/negative experiences on Bookstagram? I wouldn’t say they’re bad experiences but it’s discouraging when authors follow you and then unfollow you, after you highlight them or shared their posts.
What have you learned from blogging on a public platform like? There are a lot of creepers out there and people who just want to sell you something. Be mindful of what you post on your public platform.
Do you have any goals that you haven’t yet been able to get to, concerning your account? I’d like to focus on more genuine content vs. cover reveals, releases and blitzes. I also plan to focus on organically growing my follower base over the summer.
What are some highlights or special moments that have happened, concerning your book blogging career? I’ve made some incredible friendships with my virtual book besties!
Do you think Bookstagram is an effective platform to express your opinion on books? I do. It’s an easy way to get your opinion out there in a clear and quick way.
What do you use camera wise when taking book photography? I use my iPhone for ease.
Do you use your own props? Is there a fun or MAGICAL way you set it all up? (loc, props…) I occasionally use props but do not stick to a theme or set up. I go with what feels right for the book(s) I’m photographing. I’m slowly building my prop inventory but dang it gets expensive! I’m trying to take more photos outside in nature, since it’s beautiful and free!
Do you have advice for new bookstagrammers on how to start, be, and do? (anything goes here) Be yourself. Focus on the books you enjoy and share those with others. Interactions are much more important than your follower count. It’s just a number and doesn’t validate your efforts. Create relationships with others and comment, like, share as much as you can!Do you have any favorite Instagram accounts that you follow for books, inspiration, ideas…? I enjoy scrolling through the feeds of @reallyintothis, @dragonflyreads, @thesaltybookworm, @thecurvysavante, @between_the_pages_of_romance, @musingsofthemb and @booktwinreviews! Each of these women provide incredible book recommendations, reviews and relatable non book related content. Their personalities truly shine through their posts and stories.
LET’S TALK 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 no idea how many paperbacks I own and I’m terrified to count, but I can say that my unread card is overflowing! My kindle has over 500 books on it and I’d guess that 50% of them are unread.
Do you prefer paper or kindle? I prefer to read on my kindle and collect the paperbacks of books I’ve loved and authors I’m obsessed with.
Do you know your first paperback/ebook? My can’t recall either. I’ve read so many books, they start to blur together after a while! LOL
Do you remember your very first read? I don’t. I did read a lot of Beverly Clearly, Shel Silverstein and R.L. Stine as a kid!
What is it that draws you to a book? (picture, blurb, author..or all?) I will admit, I do judge a book by its cover. I’m drawn to pretty covers! Teasers and blurbs suck me in as well.
Do you have a favorite genre you read? And which one? I’m an avid contemporary romance, young adult and new adult reader. Most of my reading stays within the “romance” genre.
What is your ideal bookboyfriend like? (looks, actions…) My ideal BBF would be a man who’s devoted, protective, humorous, and it doesn’t hurt if he’s hot, tattooed, intelligent or plays a sport!
Do you have a real life bookboyfriend? And if so, care to share a pic of two of him? I wifed up pretty quickly when I found the right one! 😉
What is your favorite part about a story? (the beginning get to know each other, the sexy scenes, the middle right before the peak…) Oh that’s a tough one! I love the unfolding of the character’s personality and their flaws. The sex scenes are absolutely another favorite part! The more smut, the better!
What book are you currently reading? I’m currently reading an ARC of 28 Dates by Stacey Lynn and listening to Reveling in Sin by Meghan March. I usually have at least 2-3 books and 2 audiobooks going at a time.
Do You have a favorite book quotes from any recent or previously read books you’d like to share?
I finished Still by Kennedy Ryan last month and this quote stuck so hard with me. It was so emotional and telling of the relationship the main characters shared. It’s one of the most beautifully written articulations of devotion that I’ve read in a romance novel.
“And when years have passed, and we have watched a thousand sunsets, and we are bent, our bodies crooked with age, ask me again. In the twilight, in the shadow of the life we have shared, ask me if I love you, and my heart will answer before my lips can part. My love, my life, my heart never left your hands. Always, evermore, even after. Still.”
How long does it take you to read an average book? I typically finish a book every 2-3 days.
How many reads per week do you think you read on an average? On average, I finish 3-5 books per week depending on my schedule and how much adulting I have to do.
Have you ever considered writing a book? If so, why, how, when and who?! Hehe Writing reviews is as far as the writing itch goes for me.
Who is your favorite author and why? (you’re welcome for this one *smirk*) How dare you?!?! hehe My favorite author is Tijan. I love the passion and drama she intertwines in every single one of her books. They’re always guaranteed to be angsty and sexy!
Now, the real important question -> What is your favorite book & why! Another impossible question! I’ll say my favorite book is Wonder by R.J. Palacio. The story, the characters, the emotion.. all of it spoke to me on a such a personal level due to a physical condition my oldest child was born with. While the book is written for younger readers, as an adult I felt the message was extremely relevant for anyone.Do you have any magical words for everyone out there?! There are no right or wrong books to read. Never feel shame for the content you prefer to indulge in. All books are worthy of reading!
STALK THE BOOKSTAGRAMMER
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Thank concludes another great SPOTLIGHT! Be on the watch out for more & let’s go show some love to our fellow BOOKSTAGRAMMER!!