Spill the Smut
Where the books are spicy, the conversations are juicy, and the stories rarely fade to black. Each week, I dive headfirst into the delicious world of smut with the people who live and breathe it—authors, creators, and bookish babes who aren’t afraid to spill all the steamy tea. Through interviews and unfiltered chats, I'll explore everything from fan-favorites to behind-the-scenes secrets of the bookish world. This is your weekly escape into the world of steam, swoon and unapologetically bookish.
So get comfy. Pour a drink. And get ready to spill the smut.
Spill the Smut
Whispering through Time with Genesis
The Evolution of Bookstagram
The digital book world has transformed dramatically since its inception, and few people have witnessed this evolution as closely as Genesis, the creator behind Whispering Chapters. Long before BookTok exploded and before most of us even knew what "Bookstagram" meant, Genesis was sharing her love of stories through carefully filtered photos and thoughtful reviews.
In this candid conversation, Genesis takes us back to 2013 when Bookstagram was in its infancy – a time of heavy filters, unplanned aesthetics, and a completely different approach to engagement.
Whether you're a content creator navigating similar challenges, a reader looking for authentic recommendations, or simply curious about how book communities have evolved online, this conversation offers honest insights into the past, present, and future of digital book spaces.
Ready to enhance your own content? Don't miss Genesis's practical tips on creating shareable posts that actually beat the algorithm!
Follow Genesis on IG: @whisperingchapters x TT: @whisperingchapters
Cover Art by: moi
Intro/Outro Music: positive vibes by nanaacom on Capcut
Contact Email: spillthesmutpodcast@gmail.com
Podcast IG: @spillthesmut TT: @spillthesmutpodcast
Jordan IG: @sipsoffiction TT: @sipsoffiction
She was in the bookstagram game long before most of us even knew it existed. You might know her as Whispering Chapters, the queen of cozy vibes and a true lover of stories that range from light and fluffy to dark and depraved. That is exactly what makes her such a go-to for book recommendations. She's got a rec for everyone. Please welcome to the podcast, Genesis Hi.
Genesis:Hi, that was the best intro I have ever gotten.
Jordan:Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, thank you, thank you, I try. Granted, I can't like take all the credit. I am not good with words, hence why I'm a reader, not a writer. But I like to put everything down that I want to say and then I'll have Nick look at it and he's like so good with words and he can just like put everything that like makes it flow and sound good and I'm like thank you, sir.
Genesis:No, that's, I literally do the same thing. I will write something and be like so can you like look at, look over it, just in case. And yeah, input is so needed.
Jordan:Right, it's just like I. I just can't make it flow, I can't make it sound good and it's like all my thoughts. I just need the words to be rearranged exactly because it's a mess in there.
Genesis:It's like it doesn't have an end.
Jordan:It's just like a continuous loop, yep yep, okay, so I I do like to start each episode with some like a highlight of your week so far, and I know I didn't tell you that ahead of time and I'm so sorry, but like what is a highlight?
Genesis:okay, I do. I mean there's probably more, but it just happened today, so that's all I'm going to remember from this week. But I got the arc for beautiful venet.
Jordan:I saw your story and it's gorgeous. That cover is stunning, I know.
Genesis:So I actually had pre-ordered the Barnes Noble edition because the black was giving the black cover was stunning. But then I went to my local bookstore and I saw that they had the copy early. Fun fact, I know the owner and they had it two weeks early. And I saw that they had the copy early fun fact, like I know the owner and they had it two weeks early and I immediately took it like I bought it, bought a copy, started reading it and the owner of the bookstore he follows me on Instagram he was like whoops and they took them out. So anybody who saw my story and went to the store to get it they were like oh, we couldn't get it.
Genesis:It wasn't there.
Jordan:So I was like wow. Are like the lucky duck of the truly. That's Rena Kent right.
Genesis:That's Rena Kent.
Jordan:Yes, Okay, I'm not going to lie, I haven't read any of her books. I want to, but like she has so many and they like kind of stresses me out but like she has so many and they like kind of stresses me out.
Genesis:No, I, I just had this conversation with a friend of mine because she's like everybody's telling me to start from this from the beginning. But it's so overwhelming I'm like you know what goes to the last generation? Just, uh, not last generation, but second gen go with god of malice. And once you start you will want to read everything else, but but just start with that one, it's fine, like you know, it's okay.
Jordan:Okay, because I do have that one somewhere, somewhere, but like Somewhere in there. Yeah, honestly to be so. We, if no one knows, I think a lot of people do know but I moved back home with my mom so there's like books literally all over the place, like this is like some of them. A lot are in the basement, some are in my like old room, like the room I grew up in, so like the books are just everywhere and I like can't find anything and it's so frustrating no, but like I have not a similar thing, but I did move last year and it's a studio.
Genesis:So before I used to be in this massive four bedroom, three and a half bathrooms, like I don't even know, like it was a massive house, and I have a full room dedicated to books, not counting the office that had built-in shelves with more books in it. So I know, moved to a studio, so all of my books, like I they cannot be found, like every time I need a book.
Jordan:I'm just like like looking, moving, it's a mess yep, can relate, can relate, and I want to like and all of mine are in the basement, which freaks me out, because I'm like please don't get, please don't get ruined, please don't get ruined.
Genesis:True. Yeah because aren't basements kind of humid and whatnot and stuff.
Jordan:Yeah yeah. So I'm like a little freaking out, but it's okay. I've been like cleaning like my mom's house, as like we go, and I asked her if I could bring all my books up here up to like the living room and if I like buy bookshelves. So that's what I'm going to do. It'll just make me happier, so I'm going to do it.
Genesis:Nice, great. No, I like the room that you're in. We're completely sidetracking, but I love the room that you're in, like I've seen the pictures on your Instagram, with the bed next to the shelves and then the window right there. I'm like that's like a dream bedroom right there.
Jordan:I do have to say like it is very nice. We're essentially in the playroom, so we took everything out and so now we live in a studio technically, and so we converted and that's why the bookshelves are up, so like this is the bedroom and then the other side is the living room, but but really it's just like one big room. So I do have to say like we were able to like I give all credit to Nick because he helped. Well, he helped, he did it. I helped by just standing there, but like he knew where to put everything that we could make it essentially like two rooms in one. So I'm like really grateful for that, I guess.
Jordan:Yay, nick, even though I live with my mom I know right, good job, good job, okay, so I really wanted this episode to focus on, like the evolution of Bookstagram, because I feel like you have been on Bookstagram like since the beginning of time that makes me sound old, but yes, I believe you're actually like younger than me, so like you can't say that I am yeah, because I think didn't you? Just what is it okay if I say your age?
Jordan:yeah, of course okay, I well, because I feel like sometimes people are like I don't know, I just had just had to, I had to, I had to just double check, but didn't you just turn 30 this past summer?
Genesis:Yeah, like you'll be.
Jordan:you'll be 31 this summer. Yeah, so I'll be 32 this summer.
Jordan:So you can't call yourself old, Okay, I for some reason I thought you were like my age or younger no, but I don't know if this like, and maybe like you'll have different thoughts, but sometimes I feel like bookstagram is like a relatively young space, so I tend to not say my age just because I feel like even though that's not the case like I shouldn't think that way, but I feel like I there's no space for me in bookstagram, but I don't want to leave it, so I just don't mention my age interesting.
Genesis:I mean, I do know that obviously, after COVID happened, I feel like a lot of the people that came in were from the younger generation for sure. Um, and I feel like we kind of like not necessarily got pushed to the side, but but yeah, we're not like there.
Genesis:No, but whenever I do see someone that's like 30 or over, or sometimes I don't know if you've seen this on threads where someone will say like if you are a book lover and you're over 30, and people will come in like I'm 35, I'm 40. I'm like yay, like there's like actually a book community. It's just like maybe we're just not saying our age.
Jordan:Maybe that's why yeah, maybe I haven't seen any of that, but like now I want to go looking for it. But I've only just like recently joined threads, but I'm like so excited. I actually really love threads it's like it's.
Genesis:It's good and bad.
Genesis:I feel like I don't know if you were ever part of book twitter and book twitter was like so toxic, so it's kind of like oh, yes, it's kind of heading into that direction, like it's kind of I feel like it's part of the algorithm though, because it's like, for example, sidetracking again. But and this is something we can talk about also in the like later in the I was gonna say video in the podcast, but with, for example, silver Elite like came out and I've seen people say, oh, like, on TikTok, all I'm seeing are negative reviews. And then I've seen people, oh, all I've seen are positive reviews. And I feel like it's just the algorithm, like with what you engage, that's what the algorithm is going to feed you. And I feel like, if you try to like, whenever my algorithm starts going negative, I'm like let's look for all the positive stuff, like Taylor Swift book, positive book reviews.
Jordan:Dogs, we're good to go oh my god, it's so funny you say that. So like mine's books Taylor Swift and cats, but like I agree.
Jordan:I agree with you, like with the like changing your algorithm, because, like that's what I do, like if I get like any, I feel like the algorithm knows if you spend like more than a second on it. So then when things are up that I don't want to see, I just like keep scrolling or I exit out of it, because then the algorithm knows that, like, you can definitely change your algorithm. I don't know if people know that, but you can definitely do that. So anybody listening.
Genesis:I'm, as you know, we're new to tech. I don't know, yeah, but on instagram and this is something I recently did my so I love reality tv, right. And so the algorithm figured that out and every single post suggested post and my explore page was filled with reality tv stuff and like pop culture and I'm like, where are the books? So I went to my explore page and whenever there was a book picture I would click on it, like it and kind of like start liking all the book pictures I could find, and then you refresh the Explorer page and suddenly books.
Jordan:So that works, that works. I didn't think of that.
Genesis:I just kind of like exit out of things. If that makes sense, that still works because it's like you said, the attention that you give to something Instagram will know.
Jordan:So because, like you started Bookstagram, I want to say in like 2014, like a long time ago, 2013. Oh my gosh. So what was Bookstagram like then? Oh gosh, like dark ages, heavy filters.
Genesis:It was heavy filters, no aesthetics whatsoever, kind of like how just Instagram was in general. Yeah, pretty much just books, but pretty much how it was overall. Do you remember the filter back in the day, where it was I feel like everybody was using it where it was like a kind of like a dark Vignette border and like shinier in the middle? It's hard to explain it.
Jordan:I cannot. I don't know the name of it either.
Genesis:But that's how pictures were back then, even for Bookstagram, and you wouldn't even think about what you wanted to take a picture of. You would just like books, throw them on the bed and take a picture and call it a day. Even if you're taking the picture at 10 pm at night, where the lighting is absolutely disgusting, who cares, it's still a picture and you're still posting it.
Jordan:Exactly Interesting, but like was it? I don't know like how to explain it because, like I understand that it probably wasn't the level that it is now, where like there's a lot of people in it and there's like a lot of engagement, but did you still have like engagement? Were you chatting with book people?
Genesis:I feel like it was more I want to say more no's than yes.
Genesis:I feel like I was engaging a lot more outside of Instagram. Yes, I feel like I was engaging a lot more outside of Instagram, like, so good good reads are like the OG, book reviewer, stuff like that, then the book bloggers, then booktube and then, um, instagram or bookstagram, and so I feel like I would engage a whole lot more with like because I also because I started Instagram, I also started my blog at the same time and so people would constantly like, visit and like you know, comment. So you would essentially do the same thing as on Instagram, where you go to their blog, which was a little bit different and difficult because you have to go to the actual website and like, scroll and sign in and like. It was a whole thing, but you would have a more engaged community there, whereas on Instagram it was more the fast, the fast paced kind of thing like, scroll, like, scroll, and so I do remember that was one of one of the things that I changed about my own account when I started again in 2019, 2018, I, I think where before I used to not engage like.
Genesis:It was just like liking and some people would comment, but not that many, and I wouldn't even reply and go to their account, engage with them like that was just not. It was just not something, that it was done, a lot you know as it is now so yeah, interesting.
Jordan:But I guess that kind of also makes sense, because I'm thinking of like back when I had a like Instagram in general, like then you're kind of right, like, no one really like commented on things, and I also started a book, not a book. I started an Instagram not knowing that you had to like things, so I would just post these pictures and I go to my friend I'm so I would just post these pictures and I go to my friend I'm like no one's liking my pictures and she goes Jordan, you need to like theirs. And I'm like, oh, okay, okay, I get it now. So I think it's like, it's definitely interesting. So then, what made you want to join Bookstagram again in like 2018,?
Genesis:you want to join bookstagram again in like 2018, 2019? Um, I think I feel so. Instagram back at then like kind of how it is now, where it's like growth, growth, growth. But back then it was like, you know, publishers, it was this brand new shiny thing, kind of like, you know, with book talk, where it's this shiny new thing and publishers are now like paying attention to your numbers and like obviously more numbers mean more opportunities and paid things and like even outside of you know, outside of bookstagram, companies are noticing that you know, this book space exists, so like let's send free things to people that have a big account and all that stuff.
Genesis:And that got to me a lot, where I was just constantly like why am I not growing? Why am I not growing? Especially because I had a very quick growth spurt I can't remember which, from which number to which, but I suddenly had like it was just growing, growing, growing and then standstill. And that got to me a lot because I'm like why isn't my account growing? Like, why is it stuck? And why do I see this person? I'm going to say like the account, cause I still love that account, it's a book baristas and I'm like why are they getting like, so many likes, and so you know, all of these more opportunities that I'm not getting like, and I was, I was just that got to me so hard and I'm like, no, I can't keep with this toxic mindset and yeah and then, once joining back in, I was like no, this is a clean slate.
Genesis:You know, like I'm just we're not going to think that and if we do, we take a break. You know, we shut down, like we're changing how we're navigating social media now that we're back, and yeah, that's. I also found talking to a friend of mine, I was like, if I join, you know Instagram and book blogging again, like what would be a good name for me to have, Because I had Latte Nights Reviews, which was a play on words of late night reviews, and so I'm like I want something that's still you know that that still feels like me, but new, because I'm not drinking coffee as much anymore. And so we started playing with words and suddenly Whispering Chapters came about and I'm like I love that name, oh my gosh. And as soon as I had the name, it all just kind of like it all flowed to just Instagram blogging post in mind.
Jordan:Everything just kind of started popping up in my brain and yeah, I have to say like I love your handle so you can never change it, because I think Whispering Chapters it's just so. I maybe too, because it's like also just so you and like I feel like the name fits your, like vibe, so it's like perfect, so you can't change it. No, no, never change it, never change, never change. Um, but is that so? Would you say like it wasn't like COVID and like the quarantine that like really started, like the bookstagram Are you? Do you think it like really started in like 2018, 2019, like when you were there, because I didn't realize like publishers were looking at people then I thought it was after like COVID.
Genesis:Oh, I would get more book mail then than I do now, really, oh, yes, yes, I would get.
Jordan:It was almost like every single day, and publishers would actually send to Puerto Rico back then Now like Penguin Random House for example, everybody like cut it off because it used to be like US Puerto Rico, and then, like some of them would say, canada and some wouldn't. But now like everything's like.
Genesis:Just U've noticed, yeah yeah, no, back then it was like again Berkeley. I would get so many books from Berkeley. Back in the day it was like almost at least two to three packages a week I'm not even joking from Berkeley. And now Berkeley is under Penguin Random House. Now they're like, no, sorry, that's international. I'm like, no, actually it's domestic. But okay, so I do use a, an address from a friend of mine in the United States, and so she, she sends me the packages because I'm like I'm not missing out on oh, that's so nice, that's so nice.
Jordan:So then that way you can still get them. That's good, that's a nice friend, nice is a nice friend, yeah, but even then yeah.
Jordan:No, go ahead. Sorry, but then that's so crazy. Do you think that because you have like a pretty decent account, which because like I know too like what you were saying before, I get a little frustrated too, which I have to have that same mindset because, like, I'll see other people growing and then it like brings this like toxicity and then if I see there are things, it like puts me down so I have to like take a step back too, but I'll get stuck. And I understand too, like publishers like, and people want the numbers, so it's, it's frustrating when I see other people are growing and then I'm kind of still stuck in this like same spot and I know I'm missing out on things because I don't have the numbers that they like want to see. And I get it because it's like it really is like just I mean, they want the most reach, so like if someone has more numbers than me, like they're gonna have a bigger reach, so like I get it, but it still sucks no, I get it, but also I don't know.
Genesis:I don't know what's going on, though, because I've seen this conversation more on threads than on actual seeing it on Instagram, but when it comes to like, I don't know what the publishers want anymore, because I've seen people being like I just got my first arc and I only have 2k followers. I'm like, I'm like, I mean, that's great, like I'm so glad that like everybody is getting. You know, it's like equal opportunity for everyone. That's fantastic. But at the same time, it's like but I see others that are trying, they're busting their butt off and they're not getting anything, and so, even with, even with you, sometimes, I would you know, send you like, like, sign up and I'm like, so grateful.
Jordan:But then it's and then I had the conversation with you that because I was just getting so like frustrated because I'd apply for all of these and then I just hear nothing, and then it got to the point where I see other people being like, oh, I got in and I'm like, and I'm like secretly, I am happy for you, but I'm also like.
Jordan:So I think it was like one of those things that I'm like I had to be like I need to stop applying, because it was just like and I guess it's nice, because they don't send you a rejection, but not getting in is a rejection. So it was just kind of like rejection after rejection. And then I think that's like where the numbers game played into it, where it was like because it's like you do, like we all, well, I'm assuming like we kind of all started it for it to be fun, and so it is fun in the beginning, but you're also seeing all the growth, you're seeing all the engagement, you're seeing all the things happen, and then all of a sudden it just like stops.
Genesis:No, yeah, that's true, and I think that's just like what's so frustrating. No, and another thing that I've seen is that.
Genesis:Instagram is now prioritizing small accounts, like they did say that they were going to do it, and so small accounts are the ones getting pushed as suggested posts and like stuff like that. So that's how they're growing so fast, because instagram is pushing them, and so, and even I even told a friend of mine, um, or not a friend of mine my sister, my sister-in-law um, she wanted to start a, like a travel like a travel account because she, like she lived in Thailand for a while.
Genesis:Now she's in Puerto Rico, she's moving to Spain in September, so she's like oh my goodness yeah and so she's like I.
Genesis:What do you think I should do? Should I start a new account? Should I continue with the account I have now? And I was like you can continue with the account you have now, but she has a lot of the people that that follow her like are her former students and stuff like that, because she used to be a teacher and I'm like you can continue and you can still grow. But Instagram right now is pushing small accounts I'm like it's and even a travel account, and a woman at that. I really think like if you start and you have like content saved up, which she does I'm like just start posting every single day, a reel per day and, honestly, like you will grow like in no time she is starting over, so like that kind of sucks, but like I think Instagram will push it even more than her just like picking up her old one.
Jordan:So I I agree that like she should definitely try a new account, just because I think that will be like the best, which also anybody that wants to start any type of account do it exactly it works, it it does, which I think okay. So do you have? Because I know a lot of people like say, like they'll say things like oh, my family and friends don't know about this bookstagram account. Like do your friends and family know?
Genesis:Like I don't think I ever had a moment where I thought, oh, I don't want them to know. Like I think they all were so supportive. Like my mom started my love for reading. Like she's like since you were in my belly I would read to you and you know. Like you were just constantly with books and so like she would take me to Borders on release day. Oh my gosh.
Jordan:Borders.
Genesis:RIP, that's an oldie. Yeah, um, she would take me on release day to like, get books and stuff like that. So whenever I started an account, I was like, oh, I'm posting, and she would see me around the house. And whenever we would go out, I would go with a bag, five books inside the bag, because I wanted a variety of books to post on Instagram. So it was normal for me to take yeah, exactly, you just never know. So I would take and so she would see me. You know she would see me with books and like all that stuff. So and she would proudly tell everyone who would listen that her daughter was a reader and that she was sharing books on Instagram, like you know. You know posting about books on Instagram and, oh my gosh, look at her, she has like 10,000 followers on Instagram. Like she. She would tell anyone.
Jordan:So it was never a secret. No, I like that because, like I like most people know about, like my bookstagram too, like it's not, but I feel like that almost like I never was, like like don't get me wrong, I'm never like ashamed of it or anything, but this kind of leads me into TikTok. I actually really like being the chaos of TikTok and I like that no one follows me that I know or like, unless they're in like the bookstagram community or like people like that that are also readers, but like no one in like my family or friends outside of that follow me. So I kind of like that I can be this, like whatever I like want to be. Yeah, and I don't know like I think this is what's kind of cool, cause, like I know, we both kind of started posting on Tik TOK around the same time, but I love the chaos of it.
Genesis:Same and the fact that you, that you can post whatever and it's literally whatever.
Jordan:And it's funny because so I saw your story the other day that was saying like you're um, like the views are a lot higher like posting on TikTok. It goes so much farther than like posting on Instagram, which I'm so curious, like your thoughts on. Like why that is, like I don't, because like same here, like I don't understand, like why I've just like. I think that's also what was nice to make the switch, because I was just getting so frustrated on Instagram with, I mean, my followers have stopped my like account, like my engagement, my like, just everything, and so it was nice having this like new space to like post whatever I wanted and you see the like growth. You see, and you see the like growth. You see the comments, the likes, you see the follows and it's like exciting again um, I generally think it's just the algorithm.
Genesis:Like you have Chinese behind it, they're just gonna know. Like what they're. It's not a, it's not a, like a derogatory comment, like it's actually. You know that's what they do. You know that anything they get their hands on, I mean you're not wrong, it will perform, and I think that's just all. There is, side note, you talking about how you're on TikTok and nobody knows you on there. I had no idea that my phone number was attached to my TikTok account and when I posted for the first time, everybody who had a TikTok account it sent them a, basically a notification, like hey, she's posting. I found out, oh no, I found out no.
Genesis:My father-in-law. I saw him immediately after I posted my wrap-up video where I was like like my yes, no, maybe Because I was basically saying yes, the entire video. He was like Jen, jen, yes, yes, and I could not figure out why he was telling that to me. And then my husband was like oh, like he has your TikTok. I'm like oh crap.
Jordan:Oh no, like he has your tiktok.
Genesis:I'm like oh crap, oh no. So basically anybody who had my number and had a tiktok. So I've been like tracking my profile, views my followers. Some of my former students saw my account but they know like that I like to read and some of them even follow me on instagram. So I'm like you, like you're fine, um, but I've been tracking and like blocking anyone who's like you're not wanted here. Bye.
Jordan:Goodbye, Goodbye. Yeah, I I'm.
Jordan:I hope I don't think my phone number is connected, Like I haven't seen anybody that, like I would know, like follow my account but yeah, I don't know, and I need to like make sure that like never happens, because I don't want people to find me, because I think it was actually funny because, like I was talking to Nick about it earlier because I was, I liked the chaos. So sorry, I liked the chaos. That TikTok is that I could post whatever I wanted. That TikTok is that I could post whatever I wanted. So I was posting like my outfits and I was posting like working, like being like a corporate girly and I would kind of make them bookish, but then I was like showcasing my hair and I think the algorithm knew that.
Jordan:So those posts were getting more views than like my book content ones and I was like, oh no, like I think more views than like my book content ones.
Jordan:And I was like, oh no, like I think I'm like I gotta like I gotta go back, I gotta go back, so like I need to post like more book things just because I. But I was having like you know how, like you, just like it's fun again, so like you're just like posting whatever you want, exactly, and I feel like Instagram is just so very curated and aesthetic and I'm not that girly like I want to be but I'm not, and so like TikTok is like you can literally like I recorded something in my car and I like posted it like a couple hours later and it was like so exciting that you could just do whatever you have the world in your hands, basically literally now that like video would not see Instagram because I feel like Instagram will not like that video so I can't share it there, but like it can stay on TikTok and that wasn't the reason why I started this other account in the first place, which is, uh, whispering moments.
Genesis:I started that account on Instagram because I just wanted like to share moments of my life, like just you know, if I'm eating ice cream, snap a picture, post it kind of like a digital diary. But I still got in my head of, like I, you know, my, my personality is books like that's. I'm sorry, guys, that's all there is to it. So I was like, um, what else do I post? And so, um, I just went back to posting about books on there. But it's not I'm not creating it like I'm, it's not that aesthetic and it still works for it. Like it looks very, it looks like a digital diary. Essentially, it doesn't look like, okay, this picture looks good next to this picture, so that's the one that we're putting next, or whatever.
Jordan:Um because I I was gonna say too, like how do you, how do you keep like all these accounts, because it's like I know well, are you still blogging, or do you not?
Genesis:really am I I.
Jordan:Because I went to your like the link in your bio but I didn't see your like website or anything.
Genesis:So I stopped with my website about, I want to say, a year ago Because to maintain it I had to pay like $11.99 a month, which essentially was not bad it really wasn't especially because Well, I was gonna say but if you're not doing anything, I can see like $11.99 is kind of a lot.
Genesis:Yeah, and that's how it was for like months or like nothing, and I was still paying. And so another thing I mean the reason I kept it for so long, even without posting anything, was because I'm like well, what if I go back to it one day? Because the price had gone up for new people, like if I wanted to like start again with that same company, essentially, I, you know the prices had gone up to like $17, something or the other. So I'm like I want to keep my 11.
Jordan:You had like a steal, yes.
Genesis:Yes. So I was like I want to stay with that um, but at the end of the day I was like I'm not posting, I don't know when I'm gonna post again, so might as well, just kind of like, not cancel it. Well, yeah, cancel it um, but I had paid for, like I think it was the, what's it called, the it's not username, what the domain? The url?
Genesis:oh, like the actual website yeah, url yeah yeah, I had paid for it for an entire year, so it's still active. But I just got the notice like it's coming up like you need to pay for it and I'm like, do I want to keep it? Do I not want to keep it? Like I'm just like, ah, but at the same time, I'm like I'm not using it. So like what's the point? You know? Yeah, so I did start a Substack which is kind of like a newsletter, kind of it's honestly Tumblr for adults. That's how I know it's great there. Feel free to join.
Jordan:Because, like I know, you have like a newsletter too, because I was subscribed to that. But is this like something different? Like so, because I was subscribed to that, but is this something different? No, it's not, but will you not have the newsletter?
Genesis:anymore. Well, the newsletter is that it's with Substack.
Jordan:Gotcha, gotcha. I'm a dummy, so don't listen to me.
Genesis:Sorry, I just assume everybody knows so that's my bad.
Jordan:I see everybody going to Substack and I'm like I don't. I didn't really know what it was, but I I think I just assumed it was like a website, but like I don't, I don't know, I'm gonna, I'm just gonna sound so stupid, so I'm just gonna stop talking.
Genesis:But, like I love it, you can kind of think of Substack the way that I think always think about it is like a newsletter, because even Emily Henry has a Substack and that's how she sends out her newsletters, and Grace Riley is another one, and I am blanking on more authors that have that.
Jordan:That's their newsletter kind of thing instead, instead of like MailChimp or Flowdesk or okay, all these other like the it's not a provider yes, these services like kind of like that, yeah, okay so it's that.
Genesis:But like, for example, if you wanted to start with flow desk, that's like 20 a month or something or the other, and I was looking to not be paying for something, because might as well I I could have just stayed with what I had. So I wanted something free, but with the option of maybe in the future offering like certain paid posts because that's something that you can do to there who pledge like, oh, like, this month, I want to support her, like donating two dollars for this month, or something like that. And then there are, if you actually put I never know how to say this word, my husband constantly corrects me, I never get it right uh, tears, tears, tears, tears, tears, like sections. I'm bad at it, it's a word that drives me insane.
Jordan:Um yeah, but I know what you mean. But now I'm second guessing how I'm saying it um.
Genesis:So basically you can like, for example it's kind of okay, patreon, yes, okay you know, how patreon has those like $2, $3, $4,.
Jordan:You know, and you get more when you pay more.
Genesis:Exactly yes.
Jordan:So Substack has the same.
Genesis:You can have that, yes, in Substack. In Substack it's just written. I think now they added audio and video, I think, but primarily it's more written, just you know, just writing. And you have like the actual newsletter portion which you send out to people. And what I love about it is that, again, it's just a writing thing.
Genesis:Like you don't have to format, which for my blog I had to do it and that would take me so long, like formatting a blog post would take me longer than actually typing out whatever I wanted. So that was another thing where I was just like I can't deal with this. So with Substack, like everything is like to the left, oriented to the left, like you don't have to play with. Like orientation picture goes like no, everything is just one single format. And then you have like a chat section.
Genesis:You have notes section, which a lot of people say that they use it like whenever they write in their notes app on their phone. If it's like a random thought, they will just copy paste that into their, into notes on Substack and that that's like kind of like the Twitter or threads version of Substack and it's honestly so much fun like just kind of scrolling through it and seeing what people like are thinking or like talking about or random thoughts that they have, and it's I don't know. Like I said, it literally is like Tumblr for adults and it's, it's fun, it's. I really like it.
Genesis:Oh, okay, okay, you don't need to have a newsletter, like if you right now want to be like, oh I kind of want to know what she's talking about and you create an account. It's not that you need to have a newsletter yourself to like, scroll and like and comment and see what everybody else is saying and et cetera. So interesting.
Jordan:It's just like having like the app or something I'm guessing.
Genesis:Yeah, there's an app for it, yeah. Oh, that's kind of cool, so it's like another form of social media to keep track of Jen, but at the same time, like again, there's no pressure with it, it's just, it's relaxing, like it's relaxing to just, if you don't want the toxicity of like Instagram and booktalk and everything in the book world, just go on threads.
Jordan:It's like I mean not threads sub stack I got you.
Jordan:I got you. It is so crazy. I want to like talk about the toxicity because it can be like so bad on bookstagram. I don't know so like booktalk, I don't know super well, like even tiktok. In general I don't know about you, but I have, like the people I follow and I have some like influencers through, like tiktok, that I will just go to their page and watch their videos but I'm not scrolling like the for you page, I'm not scrolling any of. So I don't think I'm getting like any of the toxicity on book talk, but bookstagram can be so toxic at times.
Genesis:Okay, I want to see your perspective on that now, because I feel like it's the opposite. I feel like TikTok is where the toxicity starts. And those same people have account on Instagram and so they kind of like cross post. And those same people have account on Instagram and so they kind of like cross post. Because, don't get me wrong, I feel like there's going to be toxicity anywhere, like in any single community with differing opinions as human beings that we are.
Genesis:But I feel like not saying that Bookstagram back in the day, pre-covid, was intoxic or anything like that. Like people still sold arcs back in the day, people still had an opinion back in the day pre-COVID wasn't toxic or anything like that. Like you know, people still sold arcs back in the day. People still had an opinion back in the day.
Genesis:But I feel like now, like after COVID, like I feel like this new generation, like they don't there's this phrase in Spanish, I don't know how to translate, like how to accurately translate it in English, but basically they don't have hair in their tongue Like they will say whatever. Like they will not keep it to themselves. They will say like, if they think that the earth is flat, they will say it with such conviction and anybody who says otherwise they're wrong, and they will let them know that they're wrong, right? So I feel like and obviously more of that generation is on TikTok and I feel that, and you know how people cross post and stuff like that. So that's how I feel like bookstagram has gotten that part of the toxicity. But I again, I want to know what you think, because, yeah, because I know you're saying the opposite. So well.
Jordan:So oh, no, no, no, because, like, I definitely think TikTok is toxic too, but I think I'm I'm sorry, I meant it more as in like Instagram is also toxic, but I, since I don't see the for you page, I only go to the people that like, I follow, and I see their content that I think I don't realize that it's coming from TikTok, if that makes sense. So it could definitely very well be that, but I feel like okay. So I saw this like one person's post of like. So I guess this is like, not so much the toxicity, but it's more so that, like Bookstagram, and maybe even like BookTok too that I don't, but I just don't know because I'm not in that space um, is it like?
Jordan:Bookstagram is a very like hypocritical, so they'll be like, so, like one of this like she did a slide for like everything, and one of them I could remember is like we're so against ai, we're so against ai until the the Barbie trend comes there and it's like, so she, but she did it for so many things of like it's.
Jordan:You can never say a bad thing at all, whatever it like it is. And then until someone has a negative opinion on a book that they did so like they didn't like it, but now you're wrong for having this negative opinion. So like there's there's always like everybody has like they pick and choose like what they like want to think in the moment. And I kind of agree with her because it's like I feel like there's so many things that and then people like are, and I think it's like also just because it is like social, well, it's the internet, so everybody has this like strong opinion and they feel, because they're behind this like screen, that they can just like say it, which, to a degree, I do like think like you should be able to say your opinion, but there's like also like a nice way to do it Exactly.
Genesis:Exactly is like, also like a nice way to do it exactly exactly and it's tone. It's yes, it's tone, and just being nice to the people who are reading your content and, like you know, if you didn't like a book, like I have friends who I would recommend a book and they're like I didn't like it and I'm not gonna be like well, you need like, you need like you know, like I'm not, yeah, and you know and then it also yes and, but it also works the same way because, like so there's so many.
Jordan:So I'll take an example, because I, granted, I haven't read Fearless and I still need to, but I read Powerless. No, yeah, powerless and Reckless. And I loved Reckless, I loved reckless, I loved reckless so much. And when I posted about it, so many people messaged me being like, how could you like this? This book was horrible. And I was like, just because you didn't like it doesn't mean I can't like it. And I and everybody was like this is just like a filler book and to a degree, I understand what they're saying, but I'm also like I still like that was like a four and a half star book for me, like I still very much enjoyed that book and I was here for every single second of it. So it's so frustrating that people have these opinions and, like they say they feel like they need to tell you it, even though you're like loving it, if that makes sense.
Genesis:Yeah, yeah.
Jordan:And so I'm just and I don't know too like did you see the whole Larry Reed's fiasco with Rina Kent? Okay, that makes me so happy that you've seen it, because, like, what were your thoughts on that whole thing?
Genesis:okay. First time I saw it like I was like I found it funny Because that's how her content is. Her content is just being funny on the internet. That's how she is. So I saw it and I thought it was just not necessarily a dig at the author. It was just like, oh no, like okay. Well, actually, joke. I thought it was a joke. Yes, we're talking about the video where she's like I love you, I'm sorry, right, yes, that's the one.
Jordan:Okay, because I feel like this is what stemmed it all.
Genesis:Yes, because I even okay sorry sorry you go, you go um, so yeah, that video was actually fun and everybody who like took it out and just were like, well, what were you expecting? And stuff like that, like I know that she was being a jokester about it, she wasn't being like, oh gosh, look at her. Like she, you know. Um, but I don't know if you did see the video where she's trashing the book. I don't know if you saw that one.
Jordan:I did and I have my. What are your thoughts on that?
Genesis:I that I feel like I'm so divided. I truly am, because on the one hand, you know, people want to be honest and not have to filter themselves, which is kind of like what we're talking about, where people think like they have an opinion but they want to make sure you know. But so on one, on the one hand, one hand, it's like yeah, tell your truth, and the other hand, it's like I feel like she went so brutal with it, especially knowing that the author is following her, like if I know, like I've had this happen before. Uh, I'm not gonna mention the who knows if she will ever hear this, so I'm not gonna mention the book. But there was this one book that I read by this author and we've been following each other for years and I was not a fan of it.
Genesis:I never posted, I don't think I ever posted it on my feed, but I did post it, that I did not like it on my, on my Instagram stories. I made sure that I went and hid my stories from her Because I, like she follows me, like I don't want her to be like looking through her stories all cozy in bed and all of a sudden, oh well, this just ruined my night from someone that I interact with all the time. So I didn't want to do that. So I went and hid my story from her, made sure it stayed hidden until after I posted my wrap-up of the month, where it shows the ratings and everything like that, and then after that, I'm pretty sure I let I think I let like two months pass before I unhid my stories from her.
Genesis:Um, just as a courtesy, because I'm like, you know, like just because I didn't like this book doesn't mean, you know, it doesn't mean that I don't want to continue talking to you or interacting with you. Like I can tell that you are a talented writer. So that's not, you know, that's not the issue. Um, it was just like, again, reading is subjective, so like it just wasn't for me, but that doesn't mean that it's not going to be for somebody else and that doesn't mean that I want to stop talking to you. Um, so that's just like a little courtesy that you can do, and I feel like maybe that's something that Larry could have done or I don't know what. But yeah, what were your thoughts? What do you? What were you thinking?
Jordan:So I didn't think it was too harsh. I'm like she like clearly felt that way and so, and I feel that way with other series. Now those authors don't follow me, but I also don't know if I would like necessarily say that, so I don't know what I would do, have just kept that on like booktube or whatnot. But I do think, and I think Larry thinks the same way, because I do think it's within like the author's right to unfollow her and I think she knew that too, because like she's then makes this joke video is, what got out of hand was the fact that all these people either sided with the author or sided with Larry, saying that the author was wrong, or sided with the author and was, like Larry's wrong. And I'm like whoa, like we are reading way too much into this right now. That doesn't need to be read into. But it's funny because I saw so many people that I follow on Bookstagram comment on Larry's video and I'm like in my head I'm like she doesn't know who the fuck you are like she's not. She does not care what side you're on, and the fact that like either you're backing her, like it's just it, boggles my mind that it's like it got, so what it got, yeah, but it's tough too because it's like I.
Jordan:I feel like for me personally, like I want to post those negative reviews, like I and I do to a degree, because I still feel weird if, like I know, an author's following me. So I think it's like this really weird space. So I've been, I've like I post more of my negative reviews on like my stories because I've been in the habit of like I want to post like every single review, that of a book I read. But I, like I and there's like to a degree, to like I don't want to like necessarily share just all negative reviews on like my page, but I do want to feel comfortable sharing a negative review. And it's so hard if you know, like an author follows you. So it's like it is this like weird?
Genesis:no, I know I'm on the same boat like I. Like I'm so glad you brought it up because same like I've had this thought in my head literally like this week, where I'm like, okay, for example, I DNF'd a book that I start like first book of that I started this month. I DNF'd it and I know that that can be such a great book. For so many other people Like I genuinely think so. It seems like such a fun and entertaining MMF book. It really really does. But for some reason I just couldn't. As much as I tried, I couldn't get into it. So I DNF'd it, so I put it in my tracker that I DNF'd it and stuff. And then I continue posting the other books with their ratings. And then I got super self-conscious about it because I'm like, well, if I share it, and then an author sees it like not necessarily them because they don't follow me, but like an author sees it like what are they going to? Like I don't know. I got super in my head about it and I'm like, should I remove it?
Jordan:but then, if I do, people are gonna think that all I'm like I'm just constantly giving five stars or four stars to everyone, like I'm all about positive reviews and it's like I mean it no and and that's the thing is, like I think if you want to be like book recommendations, like Paige, I think you should go for it. So clearly you're only going to talk about the books that you love. But like I want to be like a reviewer, so I want to like talk about the books I don't love. But you know, I think I think there's this like weird space, and I don't know if you've noticed this too, but there's this weird space of like I saw some I saw an author post being like you, the, the author that you posted negative, a negative review. For like they still know it exists because romance authors talk, which I do. Like romance is, I've noticed like it can be clicky in the sense that like people like romance authors, like they're, they are a group in themselves, yes, they're all friends, so like they talk and I get that. But I'm like you, I understand that if someone like writes a negative review, like, I guess you would want to tell them. But like I think you need to know that like we are people too.
Jordan:Like I think I think sometimes authors get high and mighty, but that also happens with creators and influencers and book to grammars.
Jordan:Like they get high and mighty that I think they there's like this balance of like. I don't think someone needs to just like sing your praises the whole time, like if you wrote a book that they didn't like, they should be able to share that they didn't like it, and I, and I do think there is like a right and wrong way. But it's also tough because it's like I think I don't know like I read a book that I absolutely did not like at all and I was like this is awful and I, but I want to be able to say like this is awful and I honestly I kept it to TikTok because, like, no one follows me there, that like and this author doesn't follow me, but I'm like the fact that I don't, I don't know, and I know that that can be me you don't feel comfortable to exactly in your own space, in your own account, that you created to show your love for books and, and that's what's like.
Jordan:So tough is like I think there's this like, but I and I know we can both agree. Like you never want to tag an author in a negative review and never use a hashtag and like and and exactly. But like there's still a, someone's still gonna see it. Whether you tag the author. Like someone else is gonna see it and they could very well share it with someone else that would share it with the author. Like it can happen, and apparently it does happen, because these like romance authors will talk shit about that and I'm just kind of like, well, you know, like bookstagram did start off, like I know, in like the height of COVID, as like a review page or maybe those were the accounts I was seeing is like you were writing reviews, and so it's so frustrating that now, like every sorry, sorry that I'm interrupting you.
Genesis:No, no, please. The fact that you say that that because that all you were seeing were book reviews. And I don't know about you, but I'm still seeing book reviews. And so sometimes I see on threads where people are like, oh, like Bookstagram now has become like just like just posting pretty books and no real thoughts, and I'm like I don't know what you're seeing, but all I'm seeing, everybody that I follow, is constantly posting their thoughts and reviews. So I don't, what are we not seeing here? What's happening?
Jordan:And maybe that's me too, because, like I feel like I'm not seeing reviews anymore, like I feel like, but I also noticed too that, like my reviews have like kind of dwindled down and I want to get back into it, like I want to be like posting these reviews and I want to, but I feel like I've gone just so back and forth of like no, I shouldn't post like reviews anymore, like it needs to, because, like you know how, like sometimes, like people will say, like a four-star review hurts more than like a negative review and I'm like, okay, oh yeah, like it is crazy how specific people are getting now and don't get me wrong, I've never posted star ratings on my page anymore, like directly on, like in like bookstagram that I'm just like I keep, I can't keep up, like I can't keep up and I'm like sorry, no, no, no, Go go.
Genesis:I actually saw someone recently say if you don't post, if I don't see that you include your rating in your caption, I'm just not even going to waste my time. I'm like, but what matters is that I'm loving it or that I like it. It doesn't. A rating is so subjective. What's five stars for me?
Jordan:it's probably three stars for you exactly, or and like two, like I could rate two different. I like I don't know like I could rate books like a five star could literally just be the vibes and five stars could because it's a literary masterpiece. So it like literally because like, okay, for me, fourth wing, book one, it was five stars because that book is such a fun time. But like, as um, I don't know if you follow his, I think he switched to an author account. I think it's like dylan joseph writing, he's like so funny, I love him. But he calls them potato chip books. And I'm like, oh my god, yes, like fourth wing is them potato chip books. And I'm like, oh my God, yes, like fourth wing is a potato chip book, like it's vibes, like you're getting no nutritional value, but like they're so good and they're so fun. And I'm like, yes, that's overly, oh really, oh my God, but that actually makes me so happy because I want. I'm like I want to read that book, like I'm so excited to read that book, but like I don't need a literary masterpiece every single time, like I'm here for the vibes, like, so if the vibes are good and I and I stay up late reading it, like that's five stars.
Jordan:I feel like I've seen a lot of mixed reviews for Silver Elite. Either people like love it, or they're like if you really want a dystopian book, you need to to read like this. And I'm like well, I still want to read Silver Elite. Like I don't. Like. I understand that maybe it's not your level of like, because a lot of people I've seen are like if you really want a dystopian, read the Hunger Games. And don't get me wrong, I love the Hunger Games. Like the Hunger Games is like what got me back. Well, I never was a reader before. It's what got me into reading. What got me back well, I never was a reader before. It's what got me into reading and I love that trilogy with my whole heart. And I still like I don't know, like I don't, I don't know. I think people are like looking too far into something, but then again, like it's also like okay, well, if you didn't like it, you didn't like it, and if you, so it's just like it's such a weird space.
Genesis:Yeah, no, I'm actually I was looking for cause I had. I just had this conversation today with another bookstagrammer Cause I posted that I got my copy of silver elite, which is literally.
Jordan:I'm using.
Genesis:I'm using as a stand right now for my laptop.
Genesis:I'm using a stack of books and she was like, well, I want to know your thoughts, like because I'm seeing all these negative things, and blah, blah, blah. So I sent her like pretty sure, it was like a six to 10 minute voice notes on, you know, like just giving her my thoughts and etc. Etc. And then I found a post that said everything that I said, it just very concise, and I'm like this is all you need to know. And she's like, oh, okay, perfect, I'm going to read it.
Genesis:Then the account is Elena, the reader on Instagram, and she said Silver Elite wasn't groundbreaking, but it's a fun, fast-paced throwback to the YA dystopian craze of the 2010s. Think fourth wing meets Divergent. We have military training, a broody love interest, that's in command rebellion. It's tropey, predictable, a little messy, but in the most bingeable way. If you go in expecting entertainment over depth, your inner dystopian, loving teenager will be more than happy, and that explains that that's literally what it is and no and see I think that's like perfect because it's like honestly same with like fourth wing, like you're not.
Jordan:it's a very like basic, like surface level book, but the vibes are there. Like I want a dragon, I want her to be like some like boss, ass bitch, wielding things that I won't spoil in this episode, but like I think people like almost like I and this is what's so tough, I actually so I got my hair done the other day and I was like sitting in the chair.
Jordan:Sorry, it's like very blonde and I don't think I'm like used to it yet. So, but I was sitting in the chair and someone comes over and sits down and she was like what are we talking about? And and we're like, oh, books. And she's like, oh, what's the muddy books? And I was like duh, like the best kind. And she's like, oh, yeah, like I go for, like sometimes I can like I like read it all, like I'll read a good book and then I'll read smut and I I didn't correct her because I'm like sitting in the chair, but I'm like like, I'm like a smutty book is still a good book, like you can't we're I think we're too much in this space of like if it has smut, it's not a good book and I'm like no, all books are good books. But I'm like not going to have this like life changing conversation with a person I just met, so, but it's like so frustrating because I feel like people aren't necessarily like.
Genesis:They still think like romance is like the bottom, like you need to read like non-fiction or like literary fiction for it to be a good book, and I'm like no I know, no, I had, uh, I went to, even even in the bookstore, this guy, that one of the guys that works there, and he like he also, they have like a little I'm blanking cafe area and like he had, you know, he was gonna make me my order and everything like that. And he was like, oh, do you want to pay for your book? You can do it right here. I was like, yeah, sure, um, and he saw the book and he was like, oh, this was like two years ago, I think it was a tessa bailey book. And he was like, oh, this was like two years ago, I think it was a Tessa Bailey book.
Genesis:And he's like, oh, like you like to read romance books. I'm like, yeah, I do. And he's like, oh, like I know what you like to, what you like to read. And I'm just like, I'm like romance books have so much depth to them. Like, just pick up a Kennedy Ryan book.
Jordan:I mean, like, just pick up a kennedy ryan book. I mean there's so many, but off the top of my head, kennedy ryan, oh, and those are raw and cheap. Yes, but like, oh my god, like I'm like sitting there crying. Granted, the only book I read was, I think, long shot and oh, that book hurts. I haven't read that one.
Genesis:I haven't read most of her books. I have only read before the Sky something series before I let go oh, I want to read.
Jordan:This could be us and can get enough.
Genesis:And I'm telling before I let go got me through a very tough time in my life and that's still one of my top favorite books and I just love that she combines so nicely, like she has the romance, but then she also have emotional intelligence and she has vulnerability and she has like issues that are happening that can happen in real life, like, um, the first before I let go dealt with, um, loss of loss of a child, like kind of like. Kind of like miscarriage it was like miscarriage slash, like stillbirth kind of thing. I can't remember. This could be us, but can't get enough which I just read. The female main character is dealing with a mom who has Alzheimer's, and so you not only that, but like being a black woman entrepreneur, like in business, and all of these things, so you have like all of these different conversations going around. That is more than just romance.
Jordan:It goes like it's not just that, like, yes, that's the pull, that's the hook, that's like my entertainment aspect, but then at the same time I'm going to throw you in something else that's going to make you think and the thing is, too, is like people like will then also read these like fantasy series, and they some of them can also have like some type of smuttiness in it, but because it was written by I I hate to say it, but it was written by a man so they think it's like higher tier and it's like this new thing. And I also want to point out too I don't think people realize that romance is a billion dollar industry. So clearly people are reading it, clearly people are loving it and clearly it's here to stay. So I think people need to get off their high and mighty horse. Agreed?
Jordan:Okay, I do have two questions for you before we like, because I can definitely chat with you so much longer, but I have two questions. The first one is what is the spiciest book you have ever read? I should have definitely told you this, but like this is way it's like off the bat, like what is the first one you think of?
Jordan:okay, so two, three give them all to me okay, but this one is more dark, okay.
Genesis:So I think the perfect Fit by Sadie Kincaid it's a Y2s and the Boyfriends by Boyfriends 2. So there's that one and that's a standalone.
Jordan:Oh, we love a standalone.
Genesis:And then Loser's Duet by Harley I don't know how to pronounce the last name, is that right?
Jordan:I think so I don't know how to pronounce it either. I'm so sorry, but I really want to read that, because I read the Dare by Harley, but I need to read that one there.
Genesis:Yeah, no, you eat these up. And it's kind of the same thing as I was talking about kennedy ryan, where it's very like it's filthy. Well, kennedy ryan isn't that filthy, but these, the losers do it are filthy af, but at the same time, there's so much like emotional depth to all of them and the relationships that they each all share with you, with each other, that it's just. It makes you want to cry, like I was just like in tears, like reading a smutty scene in tears, because there was emotional depth while in that and it's just like and people don't get that, people don't understand that that can teach you how to be more empathetic when you're having sex with a partner and like having those conversations even while you're having sex, like that can happen, and so, yeah. So that's one, two actually, and then the third one.
Genesis:Like I said, I feel like I need to reread this one. It's one of my favorites but I know it's the darkest book I I've read, but it definitely has a lot of kinks and it's um lawless god by lola king. Love that book, love it with my whole heart. It does feature a true uh.
Genesis:Is it psychopath or sociopath? I never know which one.
Jordan:But basically I never know either, so like we'll just say it's one of them.
Genesis:Yeah, it's one of them and he does not understand emotions at all, like he can see someone crying and he's just like like someone died in front of this person and this person is crying and he can be like I don't understand why you're crying, like sure the person died. Get over it, like he will. He's that type of person. Oh my gosh. It makes the romance like it just makes it like even more intense. Um, so yeah, I love that book so much, so much oh, okay.
Jordan:Well, now I know I need to like add those to my tbr. And then the second question I have for you is what is like an underrated author that you think more people should read?
Genesis:oh, gosh, you should have told me before, I could have done research.
Jordan:I'm so sorry, like I'm so sorry on good but then this way it's like off the bat I also didn't know I was going to ask you questions, but now I like kind of love. I really wanted to like because I know too you read so much and I know you read all different, like authors, like I feel like you read like the very popular, but then you read like these people that I've never heard of before and I'm like, oh okay, adding to the tbr, adding to the tbr.
Genesis:So I mean, I blame instagram on that, because sometimes I'll be scrolling and a like, just a combination of tropes, it's like I'm stopping everything that I'm reading for this book. And it sometimes turns out because sometimes again, I'm such a mood reader so if something catches my attention in that moment, I will want to read it in that moment, and so I'm already like the vibes are there in my mind, like this is what I want to read, and so it turns out to be like a fantastic read in that moment for me. I don't know, underrated author. It's just that. Oh, monty J, have you read?
Jordan:their book. Yes, monty J. Okay, I've only read the first two and loved those. But I need to go back. But I started when only the first one was out, so then it was the waiting game. So I never really I have. But I want to read Thatcher and Lyra's story so badly, but now I need to just like reread the first two. But maybe I'll get them in audio, listen to them and then start that. But I, yes, monty j is especially with the second generation.
Jordan:Oh yeah, and, but I can't read that I finished the first.
Genesis:So no, no, because it's very spoilery.
Jordan:Yeah, yeah and I can't have that, can't have that so there's that's I mean them for.
Genesis:But I feel like, at the same time, it's like what's considered an underrated author when so many of them that started as indies and I discovered as indies are now trad authors. So it's like I feel like now a lot of people have heard of them.
Jordan:But you know, like it's kind of like that well, it could also be ones that you don't see on social media a lot, so like, even if, like they did, go trad, maybe you don't still don't see them being like post about.
Genesis:So like I'm looking at one of my shelves- the one that's organized, then I can actually find the books in. That's these two for me, and that's it.
Jordan:That's all I got okay.
Genesis:So lola king, I've only read one series, uh, which is the one that lawless god is in, which is beautiful fiend, and I'm forgetting the rest. The second book, the female main character, is a full-blown swifty. Like I don't think I've ever love a swifty listen. I don't think I've ever read a book where you know, sometimes a character will be like I'm so swifty and they will know the songs that. No, but this girl, like any situation that she's in that reminds her of a Taylor Swift song, like she just starts singing it out loud. I'm like relatable, um, so like it was, like it was trueifty coded her. She's a Swifty. She's Swifty hands down, yeah.
Jordan:Oh, and I know you're a Swifty, so yes, huge Swifty, huge Swifty.
Genesis:So, yeah. So if you want dark romance, lola King, if you want hockey, um playing for keeps series to this day. It's like I love that series so much. Consider me, play with me.
Jordan:I don't know if you've read them, but no, but I want to. I definitely want to.
Genesis:So they're all green flags, like all of the men are green flags. And if they existed in real life, oh my goodness. And that one and, if you want romantic suspense, Catherine Cowles.
Jordan:I did read Whispers of you and that one's really good. I need to like get back into it, but that one is very good so I definitely will add her, like that rest of that series and her other books. But I did want to give you the floor so you can like plug yourself. I know I did say you're whispering chapters, but anything else you want to plug about yourself.
Genesis:No, I don't know you. You're constantly putting me on the spot through this episode.
Jordan:I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry.
Genesis:I'm so sorry, but I'm also not um, I mean, I guess obviously my instagram account whispering chapters and if you're wanting more of like the written word kind of thing, whatever, I just blanked my sub stack, which can be found at whispering moments dot sub stackcom. I do write fuller reviews on there and on Goodreads as well and story graph whispering chapters than on Instagram, because Instagram tends to be such a like a form Storygraph whispering chapters than on Instagram, because Instagram tends to be such a like a form like just a short content kind of thing. So I do kind of let myself go and turn into a chatterbox, which I am in real life, but I turn into a chatterbox through the word in word on Substack.
Jordan:So maybe that's something that you know y'all can follow me on Exactly Well, and you have a TikTok. Is your TikTok still Whispering Chapters? I actually don't know. Okay, perfect. So like people want to follow you there, which we should all definitely all follow you on TikTok, because, like we love the chaos that is TikTok- yes, I need to be better at posting because again it turns into a numbers game in my head with the views.
Genesis:It's not even with the followers.
Jordan:I'm like I can stay at 700 followers and continue having the views that I have now, and I am okay with it because the views are insane, like yeah, well, my views are definitely not your views, but I think it's also because I just posted really random things for a hot second and I'm like, but I'm also like I'm okay with it I am okay as long as you're okay.
Genesis:No, that's great as long as you're okay, and that's something that I have to put in my mind a lot where it's like it's fine, like it's post, whatever. So that's kind of like where I'm trying to make myself, you know, believe it and like, just like, just post, yeah, like it's fine, um, but it's tough. So it's like this is when I do take breaks, when you know, believe it and like, just like, just post, yeah, like it's fine, um, but it's tough.
Genesis:So it's like this is when I do take breaks, when you know, like I already started on tiktok and I'm already like, no, I don't like this you know, so I'm taking a break taking a break because I I don't want it to become a numbers thing, a numbers game yes, I really don't so I, I feel that, do that even on instagram, I will take breaks as soon as I'm like checking, I find myself checking the numbers and checking the insights. I'm like, nope, we're not posting tomorrow. Then we're taking a break because I just don't want and and that hurts me more with the algorithm, but I'm like I don't care, like I yeah, you need it for your mental health.
Genesis:It's, yeah, I I get that I get.
Genesis:I will give you a tip, though, for posting on Instagram.
Genesis:Something I have noticed is posting and I mean, I kind of knew this already, but I haven't put it into practice until recently and it's posting things that can be shareable, that people want to share with their own friends or to their own stories, because that's how most of my like what I've shared that gets the most views and the most engagement are things that people can share, like the book quotes.
Genesis:You know, people love sharing that Maybe they will not want to share a picture of you, but they will want to share a picture of the quote that it's like oh my gosh, I love that quote so much. Share, share to my stories, or let me save it so that I can you know, remember that why I want to read this book, kind of like that. So that's something that I've. I started diving more into recently with making more graphics for the books that I'm reading, like book quote graphics and stuff like that, like I did that for Shield of Sparrows and that blew up like crazy, and, yeah, all these other ones. So that seems to work very well.
Jordan:That is so good to know. Thank you for not gatekeeping that Not a gatekeeper over here, so also for anybody that's listening, there's a tip for you too. But, honestly, okay, one thing, too, I was going to say I posted, so I, I took a bunch of pictures with that arc. I got be with me, yeah, um, by Gabrielle Sands, which is so good, it's like a mafia book. But I was posting, or I was taking so many pictures because I couldn't find pictures that I really liked, that I took of myself with the book. But then I got this like really random picture that was like my hand, yes, but if you okay, swipe one, swipe one, and I love this one. I okay, me too. But, like so many people reshared that photo, this one, the same one, yes, and I think it was because my face wasn't in it and it's just like.
Genesis:I just like the style of it, because it's just kind of like oh, maybe that's why, too, I like the style of it.
Jordan:I do like it, but I just realized more people shared that photo of that book than I I've gotten because, like usually, people don't reshare my photos anymore like on their stories. So I like when I saw that I was like, oh interesting, Like maybe I just need to be like more artsy and like not have my face in it.
Genesis:But I like the pictures with you on it, like, look at that I do.
Jordan:I do like that, that I just also liked.
Genesis:So it's like another tip, another tip that I just noticed adding. I just learned this, by the way, like I I knew it because, uh, the ceo of instagram said it, but I never put it into practice. And now I'm like oh wait, um, adding songs to your posts because, um, they can now appear when, if a, if a carousel post has a song, it can now appear under the reels. Uh, like, whenever you're scrolling on reels, it can pop up on reels now.
Jordan:Oh, I noticed that was happening, so now I just got to share songs. I noticed, like some people like some people's like were showing up on reels and I didn't know why, but like that makes sense because they did have songs.
Genesis:Yeah, and carousels, like I think it's a combination of carousel and song. And another thing about carousels, too, is that I don't know if this has happened to you where, let's say, you're scrolling, you see this photo of a carousel and you like, don't like it or engage with it. You just kind of keep scrolling. If you exit out of Instagram, come back in again, instagram will show you that same exact post on the second picture and so like, kind of like if you missed it, kind of thing.
Jordan:Which I really like. I've noticed that too.
Genesis:And so I'm like yes, so like that's why basically every photo is a carousel, or at least two pictures so then that way I always try to make the first two like the ones that will grab people's attention, and then just post other stuff whatever.
Jordan:For the rest, yeah, yep, yep, I feel that I feel that well. Okay, thank you so much for coming on the podcast, jen. I am so excited that I was able to chat with you and thank you no, thank you.
Genesis:Like this was so much fun and we should definitely do it again, you know, like, yes, putting it out there for all the people to hear that I suggested and told uh Jordan that she should have me again yes no jordan, I already want you back.
Jordan:So like that will happen, so it will.