Book Lounge by Libby

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Becoming a Reader as an Adult

Feb 5, 2026

Guest

Sam (Elizabeth Ann)

Sam (Elizabeth Ann), a reader-turned-author and bookstagrammer who found passion in romance, shares her reading journey. She talks about discovering genres on TikTok, why dark and slow-burn romances resonate, and how reading led her to write and self-publish Forget Me Not. The conversation covers audiobooks, community recommendations, and the messy, joyful process of becoming a writer.

01:09:49

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ANECDOTE

BookTok Sparked A Reading Boom

Sam discovered reading via BookTok and dark romance recommendations, which sparked a full-year reading binge.
She went from expecting to read two books to finishing 102 in 2025 after finding genres that fit her taste.

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INSIGHT

Emotional Depth Drives Genre Choice

Sam realized she prefers emotionally heavier romances over light rom-coms because she wants depth and realism.
That preference led her into MM, sports, and historical romance subgenres that deliver the emotional stakes she seeks.

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ADVICE

Use DNF To Protect Momentum

Don't be afraid to DNF (do not finish) books that aren't working for you.
Use DNFs to protect reading momentum and switch to books that keep you engaged.

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How Sam Became a Reader

01:53 • 49sec

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Early Reading Experiences and Influences

02:42 • 2min

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The TikTok Spark and Genre Discovery

04:17 • 6min

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Why Dark Romance Appeals

10:14 • 2min

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Reading Volume and Milestones

12:24 • 2min

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Romance Subgenres Sam Loves

14:22 • 2min

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Favorite Books and Authors

16:35 • 3min

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Audiobook Preferences and Pacing

19:50 • 5min

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Pacing, Slow Burns, and Plot Purpose

25:13 • 4min

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DNF Decisions and Trigger Warnings

29:02 • 7min

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Goals for Year Two of Reading

35:54 • 6min

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Exploring the Book Community Online

42:20 • 4min

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Physical Collections vs. Digital Reading

46:31 • 2min

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Writing: From Reader to Author

Writing Process and Community Support

52:44 • 4min

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Writing Routine and Environment

56:42 • 1min

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Editing, Revisions, and Feedback

57:48 • 2min

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Publishing Plans: Self-Pub and Querying

59:25 • 3min

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Author Intent and Reader Takeaway

01:02:34 • 4min

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What Sam Wants From Writing

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Not everyone grows up a reader—and that’s okay.

In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe talks with his friend Sam about what it’s like when reading finally works for you. They dig into unlearning what reading is “supposed” to look like, finding joy without pressure, and how discovering books later in life can quietly change how you see yourself.

Along the way, Sam shares how becoming a reader also sparked the beginning of her journey as a writer. This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt outside of reading culture—and is finding their way in.

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel!

Who’s in this episode:

Find Sam’s Bookstagram @worldwakerreads

Check out @lizabethanneauthor

Check out Forget Me Not

Time stamps:

00:00:00 Title

00:00:23 Intro

00:01:10 Becoming a Reader

00:46:46 Becoming an Author

01:06:03 Outro

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season!

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!

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