Books by _____: A Personal History of Book Displays

Introduction: I've always a lot of books, even as a kid. Arranging them is a consistent joy, but how I arranged them has changed over the years. 

• Alphabetical Order - Practicing what I learned in Elem. School. Exact date unknown.

• Height - When the jagged tops of the previous arrangements started to bother me, & the smooth descending slope of book tops relieved the previous stress. Exact date unknown.

• Color - Began as an art project my Junior year of college. 2012/2013. Current preference, because it is wildly beautiful (!!!!) & surrounding myself with beauty makes me feel hopeful.

My Personal Reading List

I designed my reading list around books I own and have collected but haven't read yet. Reading intentionally for me is about "reading like a writer," meaning reading to prepare, research, and learn for when I write my own books. As I pulled books off the shelf, I separated them into categories related to the subjects I want to immerse myself in during this next season of my life. I'm sure my list will grow and expand, but here it is to start: 

#1: Poetry

To inspire me and get me in a poetry writing mindset.

#2: Genre Study

I am focusing on studying YA Adventure, Dystopian, and Fantasy.

#3: Conceptual Research

To research concepts and themes relevant to my own stories

#4: About Writing & Authors

To learn about and from other writers.

#5: Christian/Spiritual

For self care and general healing of the mind, spirit, and emotional health.

#6: Memoirs/Biographies/Anthropologies

For inspiration from real people.

#7: For Fun

Because having fun matters!

Studio Details: Balancing Minimalism & Accumulation

Glass is one of my go-to choices for displays and containers in my studio. First of all, clear glass keeps the color of the objects inside or behind remain visible. It's gorgeous. Secondly, glass helps combine elements of Minimalism with my love for collecting things, or accumulation. Glass is great for adding a sense of airy simplicity to groupings of heavier objects (such as books & art supplies). I've found that Hobby Lobby has the best selection of interesting glass containers if you want to try it out.