Conversations with Mandy Balson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Balson.

Mandy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Books have always played a meaningful role in my life. As someone who is hard-of-hearing, books became a place where I could fully immerse myself without limitations. Reading gave me a sense of connection and imagination that shaped how I saw the world, and over time that love for stories only grew stronger.

Eventually I started sharing that passion online through my Bookstagram account, where I highlight the stories that captivate me most. What started as a hobby quickly turned into something much bigger than I expected. I found an incredible community of readers, authors, and creators who all share the same enthusiasm for storytelling.

My content naturally gravitated toward the darker side of fantasy and romance stories filled with morally complex characters, gothic atmospheres, and emotional intensity. Those are the kinds of books that have always resonated with me the most, and it’s been amazing to connect with so many incredible people who feel the same way! Over time, my page has also become a space where I highlight indie authors and share stories that deserve more recognition, which has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

While balancing a full-time career, I’ve continued growing my platform and exploring my own creativity, including working on my own dark romantasy story. Being part of the book community has inspired me in ways I never expected, and it constantly reminds me how powerful stories can be.

For me, this journey has always been about connection, between readers, writers, and the worlds we all fall in love with through books. Seeing how stories bring people together and spark shared excitement has been incredibly special, and I’m grateful to be part of a community built around that kind of passion. That same love of storytelling has also led me to begin writing a novel of my own, and I’m excited to keep growing, sharing the books that inspire me, and seeing where this path leads next.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t always been a perfectly smooth road. Pursuing something you’re passionate about while balancing everyday responsibilities can sometimes be challenging. There are moments where it’s difficult to find the time or energy to create content, read consistently, and stay present within the community while still managing everyday responsibilities.

There’s also a vulnerability that comes with putting your passions out into the world. I think a lot of creators experience moments of imposter syndrome, wondering if their voice matters or if they truly belong in the spaces they’re stepping into. For me, that feeling can sometimes connect back to earlier experiences growing up where confidence didn’t always come easily.

Sharing my love for books online has actually helped me push past some of those fears. It’s allowed me to realize that there’s room for everyone’s voice and perspective within the book community. Learning to focus on the joy of storytelling and building relationships rather than comparing to others has been an important part of that process.

Another challenge is simply navigating the pressure many creators feel to constantly produce and keep up with trends. Over time, I’ve learned that the most meaningful moments come from genuine connection rather than trying to do everything at once.

Despite those challenges, the support and encouragement within the book community has made it incredibly rewarding. Every time someone discovers a new favorite book through something I shared, it reminds me why I started in the first place, and those moments make the challenges feel worth it.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work centers around creating book focused content that celebrates the stories and authors that leave a lasting impression on me. Through my Bookstagram platform, I share reviews, recommendations, and themed content that highlight the darker side of fantasy and romance, especially with complex characters, and immersive fantasy worlds.

A big part of what I love doing is helping readers discover books they may not have found otherwise, particularly from indie authors. I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate with authors through early reads, promotions, and community projects, which has been incredibly exciting as both a reader and a creator. The book community is filled with incredibly talented writers, and being able to help bring attention to those stories and connect them with new readers is something I take a lot of pride in.

Over time, my content style has developed its own personality as well. I tend to lean into the darker, moodier side of the book world with a mix of enthusiasm, humor, and genuine excitement for the stories I share. If a book emotionally devastates me in the best way possible, there’s a very good chance my followers are going to hear about it.

One of the moments I’m most proud of has been being invited to attend and create content for book events and conventions. Being recognized as a creator within the reading community and having the opportunity to help highlight those experiences has been incredibly meaningful, especially knowing it all started from simply sharing my love of books online.

What sets me apart most is that everything I share comes from a place of genuine passion. I’m not approaching it as someone trying to sell something, I’m approaching it as a reader who truly loves stories and wants to share that excitement with others.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is seeing the way stories bring people together. There’s something really special about how a single book can create connection between readers who may have never met otherwise. I especially love those moments when someone tells me they picked up a book because of a recommendation I shared and ended up loving it.

Outside of the book community, a huge part of my happiness comes from the support of my husband, who has always been my biggest encourager. I also love expressing creativity in other ways, whether that’s through cosplay, themed content, or trips to places like Disneyland that keep that sense of imagination alive.

Books have always been a place of comfort and connection for me, so being able to share that passion with others and have the support of the people I love along the way, makes this journey incredibly meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/betweenxcovers?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@betweenxcovers?_t=8jcDNSRW4F9&_r=1

Image Credits
@BetweenXCovers