Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Washington.
Hi Whitney, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started BookQueen Whit as a way to get away from my daily routine. I used to enjoy reading as a child, but as an adult (in my early twenties), I realized that I had completely quit when life events got in the way. I was preoccupied with other things in life, and reading took a back seat. That was until I read Ruth Ware’s Into the Dark, Dark Wood, and I was captivated. I continued to read thrillers and other horror novels. Over the years, I’ve broadened my reading horizons. I now like reading social justice books regarding the plight of Black-Americans, as well as memoirs and works by a plethora of authors. When I was 12 years old, I read my first book by a Black author. Now that I’m an adult with two children of my own, I aim to ensure that they have a well-rounded selection of books around them at a VERY young age. Reading Shakespeare is crucial, but Toni Morrison should not be overlooked. The Great Gatsby is fantastic, but so is Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower. You can’t be well-read until you have a good sense of balance.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It took a few years, but I am now working with a variety of publishers from all over the literary world, and I am able to showcase a large number of books on my Instagram. It was difficult at first to form partnerships, but it was well worth the effort. Although my account is little in comparison to others, I do not feel small when I share new books and feature different writers in each post.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve spent the last 13 years in corporate America, but my book account has been invaluable in separating my work weeks from my personal life. When I take book photos and write reviews, my major goal is to make sure that each photo highlights the book cover. Excel formulas, daily projects, and work deadlines are no longer a concern for me. I can just take pictures and have a good time with it. I’ve made it my duty to photograph and review the books I’m considering or currently reading on a daily basis so that people can make informed judgments about what to read next.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I don’t read romance. I don’t dislike it, but I’m not a fan of the genre.
Contact Info:
- Email: bookqueenwhit@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bookqueen_whit
Image Credits
Symeon Washington (personal pics of myself) Whitney Mitchell-Washington (book pics)
