I have a little different feature interview for you all today. Normally, as you know, I interview mystery authors. But today’s issue has a chat with two mystery readers:
Spencer (@intentionallybookish) and Courtny (@courtagonist) are wonderful bookstagrammers and booktubers in the cozy mystery space. Today, our interview covers all the bases—from cozy mysteries as talking points to advice for those of you wanting to start your own bookish social media accounts.
(My two cents: do it!)
Hi Spencer and Courtny, it’s so great to have you! Let’s begin with your backgrounds: When and why did you start your bookish accounts? What made you want to talk about books online, and why did you choose Instagram and YouTube as your platforms of choice?
Spencer: I started my YouTube and Instagram at the same time, around 2018. I was actually looking up book recs for my husband and stumbled across what I now know as Booktube. I quickly fell down the rabbit hole and realized I found “my people,” and I wanted in! I’ve always loved chatting about books so it only made sense to start up my own account.
Courtny: I started my YouTube and Instagram at the same time, in the summer of 2017. It was actually along the same lines as Spencer! I was talking to my now husband about how bummed I was not to have anyone to talk to about books. He retorted, “You know there’s the internet, right?” That night, I started looking on Instagram and YouTube for bookish content and was floored to find people like me.
You both read a lot of cozy mysteries—can you share why you love them? What makes mystery such a great genre to talk about with friends?
S: Where do I start! I love how there’s something for everyone when it comes to cozies. Pick a hobby you’re into in real life, and I guarantee there’s probably a cozy mystery about it. I’m also a sucker for series, and I also love that aspect of cozies; if you find a series you love, you’re able to stick around the town and characters for a while. There’s something comforting about watching them grow and develop.
C: I joke that you read cozies for the murder but stay for the characters. There is something so comforting about feeling like you know the characters. Every murder is off the page, and it’s fun to try to figure out who the “whodunit” before the amateur sleuth. Cozies are light murder, if you will. I love talking with people about the cozy animals, what we think the MC is going to be doing next, and how the small town feels.
How has talking about books online enhanced your relationship with reading (and/or authors and other readers)?
S: Like I mentioned, when I came across the online book community, I knew I’d found my people—I love being able to fangirl about a book or author with friends who not only get it, but who are fangirling right alongside me. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet and work with authors using my platform, which is not only super cool but also so surreal because I’ve always thought of them as my rockstars.
C: In all honesty, and not exaggerating, talking about books with other readers and authors has given me the confidence to write and get my own book published. I have found some of my best friends online through the book community, like Spencer! I’ve been able to make friends with authors I was starstruck over for years. It is extremely surreal, and I constantly pinch myself.
What advice would you give to anyone starting out as book influencers? Do you have tips for content planning and building your community?
S: By no means am I an expert but I would say to read what YOU want to read. It’s so easy (albeit sometimes fun) to get swept up in what’s popular or what everyone else seems to be reading, but if that’s not your jam, that’s okay! There’s definitely something for everyone, and if you share what you’re into, your passion will come though and you’ll find your target audience.
And, as far as book releases go, I’m super excited for the third installment in what quickly became one of my most favorite cozy series: The Magic Pie series by Misha Popp.
C: Always post authentically. When talking about what you love to read, be honest and be yourself. It’s always daunting when you see those big booktubers or bookstagrammers (and I’m not big, mind you) have a ton of content and followers. But they started where you’re starting right now. Trust the process. Your people will find you. The only advice I can give about content planning is to post regularly.
What are you most looking forward to in the future? Do you have any exciting projects coming up?
S: We’ve gotten really great feedback on our new podcast, Curl Up & Clue In, and I’m excited to release more episodes. Court and I have a whole list of topics we want to cover and we’re chomping at the bit to record!
C: One of the most exciting things that is happening is I’m publishing my first book with The Wild Rose Press later this year. It’s called Death on Deck. Here is the setup: Meet Lisa-May Midé and her Cruising Crew—a spirited group of women in their 60s facing retirement head-on. When their leisurely cruise takes a sinister turn with the discovery of a lifeless body, Lisa-May finds herself entangled in a web of mystery and murder. Battling ageist suspicions and navigating the waters of friendship, they unravel the secrets hidden beneath the ship’s glimmering surface. With humor, resilience, and a bond forged through decades, the Cruising Crew proves that the journey to solving a mystery is just as exciting as the destination.
Spencer (@intentionallybookish) is a toddler mom perpetually on the hunt for good books, cute coffee shops & new adventures. She loves chatting books, especially cozy mysteries, and has a Booktube channel dedicated to all my bookish ramblings. You can find her on YouTube, Instagram, and Curl Up & Clue In—a cozy podcast hosted by Spencer and her bookish bestie, Courtny.
Courtny (@courtagonist) is a perpetually sleep-deprived, caffeine-fueled mom of two whirlwind toddlers, weaving cozy mysteries between diaper changes and caffeine fixes. She also hosts two yearly readathons: CozWeek (July 1st–7th), where she gives prompts and fun challenges for reading cozies, and 12 Days of Cozmas (December 1st–12th), celebrating all things Christmassy! Connect with Courtny on YouTube, Instagram, and her podcast, Curl Up & Clue In, with Spencer.
Thanks so much to Spencer and Courtny for the interview. Sleuths, I hope you enjoyed it! If you aren’t already subscribed, please be sure to sign up for the Cluesletter and get author features like this alongside other mystery goodies, delivered to your inbox every other Tuesday.