In honor of Read-A-Romance Month and Romance Awareness Month, this August we’ll be sharing insights from members of the romance bookish community! For this month’s issue, we took a look at this community and what makes it so special in this article, and interviewed internationally best-selling romance author TL Swan to learn more about her writing approach and widespread impact in this article. Here, you can read the full interview with bookfluencer and 1/2 of Nerdy Babes PA Services, Brittany McKeel. For her social media, see below!
How long have you been interested in reading as a hobby/academic interest/etc.? In other words, how would you describe your history with reading?
I started reading in high school. Then came back to it when a friend of mine suggested Lover Mine by J.R. Ward. I haven’t stopped reading since.
On average, how many books do you read a week? A month?
It varies. I think I average around 5-10 books a month, sometimes more.
What is your preferred reading method (i.e., paperback/hardcover, Kindle/iPad, audiobooks, a combination of these, etc.)?
I read primarily on my kindle. Paperbacks are my trophies.
How did you first get into the book community on social media?
I started off in a big Facebook group. I connected with a couple ladies from there and went on to start my own.
What are some of your favorite genres and tropes to read? Do you often follow the trends in terms of genres and tropes that become popular, or do you stick with a particular set of favorites? Do you follow an author regardless of what sort of stories they write?
I read basically anything. I love a good second chance and enemies to lovers romance. Something most people don’t know about me is that my all time favorite genre to read is Fantasy. If I love an author I follow them through whatever they write.
Who are your favorite authors and how did you discover them? Do you read a lot of indie authors, mainstream authors, or a mixture?
I am an indie girl ‘til the end! I will read anything that AK Landow, Carolina Jax, Jade Dollston, LA Ferro, Kate Campfield, Kelly Finley, Sage St. Claire, LM Fox, Nadia Han, Nicole Abrams, DJ Krimmer and Angella Casella write. There are quite a few more that I love but those are what comes off the top of my head.
Are you in any book groups for any authors on social media? Do you network with authors? Have any authors sought you out to be a part of their beta team/ARC team/etc.? Have you opted into these opportunities?
I am in a ton of author groups. I like to support them anyway that I can. I also beta and ARC read for a good bit of authors.
What are your thoughts on the book community, both at large and your specific experiences/interests within it? How do you find the broader book industry has changed over time? Has social media played a role in enacting this change?
Social media plays a huge role in the book community. It’s a hit or miss with each book that someone writes. Hitting on social media with a book can make someone’s whole career!
Describe the book community through a social lens. Has this community granted particular social/friendship opportunities you might not have experienced otherwise?
Being a part of the book world has brought me close to a bunch of people that I couldn’t see my life without. Mindy M. and Kamara B. are the first two people that I grew close with. I now have a larger circle of friends including authors that I am thankful to know!
How did you go from being a reader to filling more of an influencer role? How did you grow your following? How would you describe your position and responsibilities?
I just enjoy sharing books that I love with other people. So I guess that makes me an influencer. But I don’t share stuff that I don’t enjoy. I grew the following that I have by interacting with people across platforms and sharing my love of reading with others.
Currently Mindy and I PA for multiple authors. We also run a few Facebook groups.
What platforms do you use to explore the online book community and create content? What kind of content do you make and post?
I use Tiktok, Insta and Facebook. My content is books that I love and want to share with everyone.
What is your approach to sharing about, promoting, and recommending different authors and books? Where did your desire to help authors originate?
I have shared books across social media, hosted parties in book groups. Also word of mouth. If I know someone is a reader, I recommend books based on what they like.
In real life I am a nurse. So the desire to help people in any way that I can is second nature.
When do you write reviews for what you’ve read and what platform do you share these on? What is your approach to writing a book review?
I write reviews once I finish the book. I use amazon and Goodreads. I am not the best at writing reviews.
What are some of the challenges that come with being an influencer in the book community?
Having the reach to be able to make a difference. That’s the biggest one.
Do you feel a certain obligation or pressure to give authors glowing reviews if you get a beta/ARC or you’re just a fan of the author, whether you’re connected to them somehow or not? How do you navigate handling this in a space of impact and considering the public power you have in the book community?
I am always honest about how I feel about a book. If I am reading an ARC or Beta, I always go to the author to tell them if something doesn’t add up or they are missing something important to really make the story be the best it can be.
Do you attend author/book events? What sort of impact do these have on your perspective of the book community?
I have gone to 3 signings so far. They are a great way to meet the people you talk to all the time but have never met. It’s also nice to meet other people that you might not have known otherwise.
In an age so flooded with technological influences, what keeps you inspired and motivated to continue reading?
I read for myself. It’s something that I enjoy doing. It brings me peace.
Instagram: instagram.com/brittanyreadzzz
TikTok: tiktok.com/@brittanyreadzzz
Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/825858111912952
Nerdy Babes PA: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558701162209 |
instagram.com/nerdybabespaservices
