A Bookish Conversation with @marachiscorner - Creators Talk Blog

1 - Welcome to the Bookum Creators Blog. Before we begin can you introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi everyone, my name is Jennifer and I am @marachiscorner on Instagram! I live in the UK and I’m currently studying Politics and IR at university.

2 - What sparked you making bookish content online and what is your favorite thing about the book community?

I just wanted to share my thoughts on the books I had read with everyone, those who may agree or disagree with me, those who had never read the book, those who wrote the books themselves etc. I’m always up for discussion - in my house they call me ‘the judge’, ‘the lawyer’, ‘the madam’. It’s actually quite hilarious.

On top of this, I’m that person that would take a photo of a random tree or book and it would look so purposeful. So when I read books I’d always take a photo of it and just keep it in my gallery. but when it came to book related things I just loved the way it looked, the bookstores, the bookshelves, the books themselves. I had to start sharing them. (I’m going to start making videos too… scary).

Simply put, I just wanted to share what was in my head and in my vision.

Aside from the books themselves I’ve been able to meet great people and talk to them. I’ve spoken to people from completely different backgrounds and gotten to learn about them personally and through their book choices. I’ve also been able to meet people who similar hobbies like drawing, reading and I’ve also met and become good friends with Christians in the book community, which I love! Overall the people are great, a top tier group of people I’m telling you!

3- What is your least favorite thing about the book community?

My least favourite thing…? I don’t actually have something that I actively dislike but I do think there is a hesitancy people have towards reaching out and messaging people first even when we want to (I am also included). If you ever want to rant about books please do message me, I’m all ears.

4 - How have you and your content evolved overtime?

Well I haven’t been posting for too long, I think it’s been three-ish months now. Before I started posting I thought that I always had to post what I was reading at the time, and have a review for every book. No. I post what I like to post even if it means posting today about a book I read two years ago or posting in August the book I’m reading today. It’s actually just vibes. Don’t burden yourself and don’t burden your page.

5 - Are there any particular challenges or rewards associated with being a bookish content creator that you didn't anticipate when you started?

I don’t think I’ve faced challenges being a book creator persay. I would say that it’s very stressing recommending books because I don’t want to disappoint anyone 🤣 but it happens and that’s life.

Another challenge would be the type of books I am reading, the content, my values and the pressure to read what’s ‘trending’. At first I felt a burden to read what was being read by others but I got out of that QUICKLY, reading what I wanted to read was something I established WAY before I even started this account.

Any rewards… the list goes:
1. meeting new people
2. Having a space where I can be as enthusiastic about books as I want
3. The book recommendations
4. THE BOOKS
5. THE PEOPLE
6. being able to discuss things such a range of things from race and philosophy to tropes and book icks 😂

6 - How do you go about creating book content?

What ever pops into my mind as of now. A review is just my thoughts written down. The photos are just what my eye sees. I do plan to write longer written pieces (think blogs/essays etc) to elaborate more deeply on what I’ve read in books.

I have a book where I jot down any thoughts I have and this includes random video ideas, blog ideas and much more. I found that if I try to meticulously plan it, the more burn outs and creative slumps I go through. I am also studying so there will be times that content will have to take the back seat and that’s fine. As my parents say “God comes first, then studies, then everything else” 😭

7 - In the age of social media and digital content, how do you engage with your audience, and what role do your followers play in shaping your content?

I engage with them like they’re my friends on any platform. Though we may have different views on things, there are things we all enjoy and talk about. There is no distinct way I treat everyone who I engage with on my account, at the end of the day treat them well and with respect!! I give them a space where they feel safe to share their opinions and they give me a space where I feel safe to share my content.

8 - What's your thoughts on collaborations and partnerships within the book space?

I think they’re great!! I’ve seen some between creators and book clubs and I think that’s a great way to connect people. It’s nice to see how connected the book community is.

9 - What's your thoughts on ARCs? Do you feel obligated to give a positive review of a book you got in advance?

Ah Arcs. I think they’re good especially for authors trying to get their books out by word of mouth and trying to establish themselves. Is there an obligation to post positive reviews? It would be silly to say that there isn’t an implicit one. People do feel a pressure to write positive reviews for ARCS though they do not have to and it’s understandable. As for me… just write what you honestly think. But season it with a little bit of grace too - no reason to be brutal😭

10 - Do you do reading challenges? If so what is your reading goals for 2024?

Yes I do but they are not the end all! I have generic ones like branching out into new genres and more specific ones about the number of books I read. But I do extend grace to myself, ah, it’s not every year that I will more than the last one. Some months I’ll read no books and the other I could read 10+.

11 - What advice do you have for aspiring bookish content creators looking to start their own platforms or channels?

1. Do it because you want to not because others are
2. Post what you want and not what the instagram trends are saying
3. Don’t procrastinate like me. I wasted much time trying to find the right time to start. In my first post I shared the Bible verse Ecclesiastes 11: 4 (NLT) which says ”Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.“. Stop watching the wind go by trying to find a perfect time to start for you will never end up planting that initial seed.

12 - Do you have any favorite book recommendations for our readers? What's a book you've recently read and loved?

The fall of lucifer by Wendy Alec
The one who knows me by Joan Embola
Your average N****: performing Race, Literacy and masculinity by Vershaun Ashanti Young
Don’t touch my hair by Emma Dabiri
The masters tools will never dismantle the masters house by Audre Lorde
Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah
Small worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata

13- How do you balance your passion for reading with the demands of content creation? Any tips for staying organized and managing time effectively?

I write out what I would like to post and then I see whether that is feasible in my schedule. I set aside time to do the work but I also do not force myself to create content.

I say give yourself a deadline and flexibility in the way you create content. Allow yourself to have slumps and bursts! Also write down what ever thoughts you have, they’ll be useful in the future!

14 - Finally, what exciting projects or plans do you have in store for your bookish content in the future? Any goals or milestones you're aiming to achieve?

Ah! Videos and blog pieces for sureee. I’ve had some ideas for years and it’s time🤣 (procrastination done). Any goals? Not anything grand but I think I can hit 200 people on my page by the end of March by Gods grace 🫡