We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jamie James. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jamie below.
Jamie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I learned a lot about bookstagram through watching and observing. There are so many small niches within the book community and you just have to find what works for you!
One thing I learned quickly was to ask questions and keep asking questions. Don’t be afraid to look “dumb”. The booksta community will gladly answer and welcome you with open arms.
I don’t think there’s any specific skill needed! You just need to bring yourself as you are with your love of books you read!
For me, the biggest obstacle is myself. I lacked the confidence to do what I wanted and be more authentically me. Now that I’m more settled into the community, I feel so much more confident!
Jamie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Jamie and I’m an avid reader of fantasy, romantasy, and romance! I actually started my bookstagram because of Penn Cole and her street team. I remember admiring everyone’s work on Instagram and didn’t feel like I was good enough but they really encouraged me to get my start on there!
I’m really proud of the aesthetic I’ve curated in my posts. It feels authentically me and it makes me happy when I look at it! I’m also really proud of all the BIPOC people that I’ve connected with on Booksta. I really want to be an advocate for BIPOC authors and fellow booksta people. We don’t get enough rep as it is!
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I really want to highlight the smaller authors and specifically BIPOC authors! I’m still working on how to uplift them more but it’s been a fun process connecting with them and getting to know them outside of their books as well!
How did you build your audience on social media?
I really struggled with it in the beginning and still do but just come as you are. Bring your most authentic self and people who love you as you are will come to you. Being friendly and kind also goes a long way but I’m also very much about protecting your peace. You don’t need people in your space who don’t care about you and your content. Genuine engagement always goes further.
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Jamie James