For this edition of our new segment Savvy Bookstagrammer Saturday. Today we will get to know Nikki from @lived_athousandlives. I stumbled across Nikki’s account almost by accident and been a avid follower ever since. Let’s get to it.
1). I follow you on Instagram and love seeing your content but say I had never seen your feed/reels and I asked you to describe it, what would you tell me?
N). Thank you for following and I appreciate your support of my content! I create digital eyeshadow palettes by selecting the colors from a book cover. I use a nine pan template. Where the original colors meet gets blended to create new shades. Then I choose 3-4 of the shades to lay a shimmer effect on. Sometimes, I’ll put a design on the shades or even the palette itself. I’ll also sometimes create extra products such as single shadows.
2). FYI, I am in love with the palettes, how did the idea come about?
N). I got the idea from watching different TikTok users do it for random pop culture characters. They were mostly doing it for nostalgic cartoons. Disney princesses, Sailor Moon, Powder Puff Girls, etc. I loved watching them. I collect eyeshadow palettes and love watching people create art. Had the idea to make it bookish and went with it. It’s been an amazing experience. I’ve gained an amazing community and so many close friends from it.
A few more because they are gorgeous and I love them x
3). How long have you been on Instagram, or should I say Bookstagram?
N). I started Bookstagram at the end of May of last year.
4).Your profile says you Alpha/beta/ARC read for authors; can you explain the difference between those types of readers?
N). An Alpha reader is getting to read the book as it’s being written. So chapter by chapter. I’ve been in a Google document watching an author write in real time and giving opinions in the moment.
A Beta reader is getting to read the book after it’s been written but is still in the edit/developmental stage. Authors are typically looking for opinions on flow and if any changes need to be made. This is also the stage where if needed, sensitivity readers can be asked to make sure the book is written respectfully and with care.
An ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) reader gets the completed work. Mostly outside of the edit stage but before it gets published. This is similar to a soft launch or a control group. Authors hoping to get a larger consensus of how people will react, catch any last minute errors, and hopefully get the word out that people love the book before it’s released.
5).What’s your favorite part of being an Alpha/Beta/ ARC for authors?
N). I love being part of the creative process. I have learned so much about what goes into writing, editing, and publishing a book. If readers knew half of what goes into it, they would be amazed. I had no clue prior to this. I am in awe of how difficult and time consuming it is. Then seeing it published and in the hands of readers…terrifying and amazing. Kudos to anyone willing to put themselves out there like that!
6). Tell us what your top 3 favorite genres to read?
N). Oh man. That’s tough. I read quite a bit, so it’s hard to choose. But if I have to pick…I’m going to go with Paranormal/fantasy, Mafia, and Hockey…all of which being romance.
7). What is your favorite trope?
N). Another hard one! There are so many I love haha. Going to go with “I’ll burn the world down for her.”
8). Do you create content full-time? If no, is that something you are working towards, and if yes, do you have advice for people that wish to do the same?
N). Sadly, I do not. I wish! I would love to eventually. I’d say the most important thing is to build a community for yourself. Grow your circle with people who will love and support you.
9).Do you set reading goals each year? If yes, what is your goal for this year?
N). I have set a goal but have sadly fallen behind on it. Last year my goal was 300 and I read 331, I think. The year before that I read 368. This year my goal is 365 but life has been busier than ever and I don’t believe I’ll meet that. Which is ok! I just love to read and meeting my goal would be awesome but it’s not a big deal if I don’t.
10). If you could describe your dream reading corner, what would it look like and what couldn’t you live without besides books of course lol
N). I would love to have a bay window but instead of a bench, have a big comfy bed built in. With beautiful dark wood shelves lining the walls. Plush couches and a recliner to change up the seating options. Oh and don’t forget about the fireplace!
11). Is there a genre you absolutely wouldn’t read?
N). I stay away from overtly religious themes. However, I do make some exceptions…such as Priest by Sierra Simone. 😏
12).When you’re not creating content, what else do you like to do?
N). I love to have game/tv nights with my friends. Catan and The Mandalorian being the current ones.
13).Tell me three things about you that I’ll find interesting?
N). I am working towards being in a place where I can start my Master’s in Library and Information Sciences. I have held a young snow leopard while at a wildlife sanctuary. I have a couple book ideas and would like to get them going.
14).Beverage of choice when reading? Do you snack when you read? favorite snack?
N). Sweet tea! I very rarely snack while reading. If I do though, it’s usually salted sunflower seeds.
15).How would an author go about getting their book featured in your feed?
N). They can leave me a request as a comment or send me a dm.
Thank you so much Nikki for joining us today and anyone that would like to pop over to either TikTok or Instagram and give Nikki a follow here are her handles. @lived_athousandlives.
Love, bookish Magnolia xx
Psssstttttt …….. Nikki will be doing a palette of my book cover and I can’t wait to share it.
Rustic Magnolia 