Meet the Book Blogger: Liz Leake

Meet Liz Leake, a UK-based Bookstagrammer, Podcaster, and Blogger

Hi Liz! Thanks for agreeing to chat! So, tell us about yourself! How long have you been reviewing books and how did you get started?

My name is Liz and I live in the small sunny town of Newbury, UK. I have had my Bookstagram account (@lizzieslittlebooknook) for about 9 months now, I started it in lockdown after realizing I was posting more and more on my personal account about books and wanted to have a proper bookish account. I set up my blog (@lizzieslittlebooknook) just after this to allow me to post longer, more in-depth reviews. Also, recently I have started a podcast called Speaking LITerally (@speakingliterallypodcast) with a good friend of mine from Arizona (@azdesert_bookworm) where we talk all things bookish and have recently released our second episode.

What book are you currently reading?

I have just started an ARC as part of my NetGalley reads called Mismatch by Sara Jafari. I recently finished Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs so I wanted something a bit lighter.

What are the top 3 characteristics you look for in a good book?

It needs to be engaging, have good character development, and a gripping plot.

I completely agree!

Let’s talk motivation. How do you stay on top of reviewing books?

Getting feedback from everyone else especially the writers of the books makes reviewing worthwhile especially when you have someone who then buys the book from your recommendation.

What one piece of advice do you wish you’d had when you first started your Bookstagram account?

Just be yourself, don’t compare your feed to others, there will always be prettier pictures and more interesting props so just enjoy what you do.

Many readers and authors would like to know the answer to this question—do you have a preference when it comes to genre?

I don’t really have a preference, I am always open to try all different types of genres and love discovering new and interesting ones.

When authors approach you to review their books, what information would you like them to include?

I love to get a blurb, and then just basic info, release date, publisher, social links, etc. I much prefer physical books as it is easier to create some nice pictures.

Can you give us some insight on your life behind-the-scenes of your book content and how you build up towards a successful post?

My posts are mostly spontaneous but sometimes I will take part in bookstack challenges or be inspired by others posts. It all depends on how I feel and if I have any reviews outstanding. Sometimes I get an idea and will work on it straight away, setting the book or books with the props and experimenting with angles, filters etc

What type of content should followers expect from your Bookstagram?

It’s pretty relaxed, I try and make it just a personal, cozy space which is why I used the term book nook. I love trying new props out and you will often find my theme changing a bit when I fancy trying something new.

How do you manage to juggle life and book reviewing?

I try and read whenever and wherever I can. On my lunch break, in the car, on the bus, anywhere. I often write my reviews when I find a spare bit of time either after work or on my lunch break.

How did you start book reviewing and what kept you going?

I did a few books reviews many years ago for a friend’s site and since then I have really enjoyed writing them. The feedback and the thought of influencing others to pick up the book if it is good keeps me going.

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us, Liz!

About Liz

My name is Liz and I grew up in the New Forest but now live in Newbury, UK with my fiancé and my gorgeous black Labrador, Sots. I am an account executive for a marketing agency so I do a lot of copywriting, seo and other marketing tools for various clients. As well as reading I love writing, horse riding and acting.

Check out Lizzie’s book blog here!

You can download and listen to her podcast Speaking LITerally here!

Follow her on Instagram for bookish content.