It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. As a writer, I’m not sure how I feel about that! 😊 But I certainly agree that a photograph, painting, drawing, or graphic can convey an idea or emotion more quickly than the written word, often at a single glance. Even though I am and will always be a word lover, I thoroughly enjoy Instagram—a stream of vibrant photos with very brief (usually) captions. Do you as well?
I first signed up for Instagram a few years ago simply to follow writer-friend Michelle Griep’s travels in England. I quickly became hooked!
Initially, I posted little and mostly perused travel photos for pleasure. I am not a skilled photographer myself, but I admire those who are. I enjoy following those who post photos of England, especially of places where my upcoming novels are set. Research right from home!
Another thing I like to do is to follow the tourist information centre in the town(s) I hope to visit someday. Many museums and inns are active on Instagram, too. I also learn quite a bit by following Regency history sites, Jane Austen organizations, etc. These days, I also follow bookstores, libraries, and librarians to see new and upcoming books, as well as many authors, bloggers, readers, and friends.
When I am away traveling, I do post more photos. But when I’m home writing and don’t have much to post, I enjoy sharing some of the lovely images people have taken of my novels for #FeatureFriday, thanking and crediting those who’ve taken the time to stage attractive, creative photos like this one:
I am still learning about the #bookstagram world and don’t have a specific Instagram strategy. No doubt I could use it more effectively. So…help me out here:
If you are an author, how do you use Instagram? Any advice?
If you are a reader, do you use Instagram? If yes, what do you enjoy about it? Who do you follow?
If you don’t already follow me on Instagram, I’d love to connect with you there, too. You can follow this link to find me: https://www.instagram.com/julie.k.klassen/
Either way, thanks for stopping by the blog today!
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What lovely photos, Julie. I have Instagram, but mostly post pictures of my dog. I don’t think I use it to its potential. Though your post gave me ideas for others I could follow. Thanks for sharing.
I don’t have Facebook or Instagram accounts. While I would probably enjoy seeing photos that people post, I don’t have time nor does everyone really want to see what I’m making for breakfast or where we are going out to eat or whether I’ve gotten my laundry finished for the day. I barely have time in my day to check my e-mail and respond on necessary ones let alone time to post everything I’m doing throughout the day LOL. I do have a Pinterest account and enjoy looking around on there for worthwhile ideas sometimes.
I love following you on IG, Julie! I have been a very late-comer to the Instagram world. I dragged my feet for years on adding one more social media platform to what sometimes feels like an already full menu of Web connections. But after I joined in July, I have thoroughly enjoyed it! I mostly post pics of what I’m reading, plus some related to my own books (#FeatureFriday posts and travel/research). I also post pics of my cats, tea, and garden. Instagram is the happiest social platform I’ve found, and I’ve been so impressed with all the book love there. It’s a fun place to be.
Gorgeous photos! I’m not on Instagram and am just becoming comfortable with Facebook after joining 6 years ago. Thanks for sharing.
I ADORE Instagram! Much better than Facebook. I love to take photos, and see what others have been sharing. My favorite posts I do are nature-based, after we’ve been hiking, or I’ve seen cool scenes I just had to capture. But I follow all sorts of accounts, from book lovers to hikers to travelers, crafters, and artists. It’s fun to see what people post. I am a writer and a reader, so it’s nice to connect with others. 🙂 Some people are just so talented!
I love Instagram much more than FB! I love looking at the pictures people post. I mainly use mine for posting book reviews. I want to do Bookstagram’s but I need more followers, and thats not easy to achieve. Anyone wanting to follow me can do so @jhannabass
I love your books Julie, I have your latest to read and review so it will be in Instagram too. I also follow you! Thank you much!
I love Instagram! I was already following you, Julie, but now I’m following Michelle Griep’s wonderful feed too!
Instagram is one of my favorite things! I have a bookish page, @fortheloveofchristianfiction. I love being able to connect with authors and fellow readers!
I was late to the Instagram scene, but I have found that I love it! Being drawn to pretty things, it’s so easy to get caught up in all the beautiful bookstagram pictures. But one of my favorite things is the wonderfully supportive Christian bookstagram community. Everyone is so kind. It’s a lovely place to spend some time!