One of my favorite Instagram accounts is @realbethweg. Besides being a writer, she is a tea enthusiast and has developed a dedicated following with her gorgeous social media posts. I’m so excited to talk to Beth today about her writing and how she created one of the best author brands I’ve ever seen.

Beth, thank you for joining me! When did you start writing, and did you have another career as well (I’m guessing perhaps in photography or art/design)?
I don’t recall a time when I wasn’t writing, but I vividly remember writing a story in second grade about a snail. Our teacher read it to the class and I watched my fellow students’ faces as they listened intently.  From then on, I was hooked on storytelling! I especially loved writing short stories and poetry. My other career was also writing related. I worked my way up in medical publishing from editorial assistant to proofreader, staff writer, department manager, and finally editorial director. I started freelancing when my kids arrived, but I’ve always loved photography and art as hobbies!

You have described your upcoming debut novel as “Nancy Drew in a game of Clue.” (By the way, LOVE IT!!!) Tell us more about your main character, Clare, and how she finds herself caught up in love and mystery in Ireland.
Clare is such a fun character! She’s a travel writer who jumps at the chance to visit Ireland but her dream assignment goes completely off the rails. She unexpectedly lands on ex-millionaire Shea O’Brien’s doorstep and winds up taking on a far bigger challenge—helping to solve a decades-long mystery and finding out who’s been sabotaging his family’s business. So she calls upon her inner Nancy Drew and starts snooping around. She’s stubborn; he’s suspicious. But they have to work together in this gorgeous Irish estate that’s like a game of Clue. I loved writing it, especially their banter. Now I’m revising it and hopefully soon will start the querying process.  

What inspired you to tell this story in this setting?
I fell in love with Ireland on a trip years ago, and knew I had to tell a story set there. I think of myself an American spirit with an Irish soul. My mother is our family genealogist, so I grew up hearing stories about my Irish relatives and their history. On a research trip to find where some ancestors were buried, we discovered the name of their small town. It worked perfectly for my story, so I happily set it there—and it may or may not have found its way into the title!

I think you are incredibly successful in tying your writing to an online aesthetic. You started posting on Instagram in 2020. How has your online presence changed over the years?
It’s funny; I was never interested in joining Instagram but I heard about the wonderful writing community there and decided to check it out. I had no idea what to do or post, but like with anything else, you just have to jump in and fumble your way around. I think I started posting pictures of my dogs. But then I shared other areas of my life that I really loved, like tea and books, and was thrilled to find lots of other people who liked the same things I did. The more I wanted to share, the more I wanted to present those items in a visually interesting way, so I started playing around to see what my phone camera could do. I didn’t even know that a flatlay was called a flatlay, but now those are some of my favorite photos!

When writing, which comes first, the character or the mystery? When creating a post, which comes first-the writing or the imagery? Are the processes the same or different?
That’s a great question! They’re the same in that the ideas can come from anywhere. Sometimes a specific name will pop into my head and I’ll think, “that would make a great name for a Miss Marple-type character. I wonder what trouble she’ll get into?” Other times, I’ll see a certain color or flower and an idea for a post arises. I just try to stay open to any and all ideas because inspiration is everywhere!    

In my mind you have an Alice-in-Wonderland-meets-Carrie-Bradshaw closet full of teacups. How do you manage your collection, and where do you find your other pieces of décor?
I would love a magical closet like that! In reality, my teaware is displayed in a few china cabinets and it’s fun to go pick one out to photograph. I enjoy visiting thrift shops, estate sales, and flea markets so that’s typically where I find things. There’s a treasure-hunting aspect to those places that’s exciting. You never know what you’ll find!

What are your favorite graphics tools?
I’m not a big tech person, so I don’t have a favorite graphics tool, and I’m more of an iPhone photographer, since I shoot exclusively on my phone and not with an actual camera. I typically edit photos right in my phone and then upload them directly to social media from there.

You are so consistent with your posts, it is impressive! How do you manage/schedule your time?
I wish I had an impressive answer for you! I regularly post my weekly #TuesdayAfternoonTea reviews, a “Happy Sunday” check-in each weekend, and a daily “good morning” photo on my Stories, but other than that, I go with the flow. In the writing community, there’s a #WriterFriendsChallenge that lists prompts for the upcoming month, and it’s full of great ideas. I enjoy participating in that, so I make time for it. It’s a great way to connect with other writers and they’re all very welcoming and super supportive.  But posts shouldn’t feel overwhelming, and should take as much time as you choose to give them. If you just want to share a quick photo, do that. If you have more time to spend on photography or writing a more intentional caption to go along with it, then do that.

All images property of and used with permission by Beth Weg.

I have mentioned before that if you ever teach a masterclass on social media imagery, I will be your first student. Until then, what advice would you give someone new to creating flatlays?

Thank you so much! I’m certainly not an expert but am happy to share some tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way:

• Flatlay photographs are just that—images shot from directly overhead so that everything you’re seeing looks flat.

• Lighting is very important, but you don’t need a fancy set-up. Natural light is beautiful, especially in the morning, so take pictures near a window or even outdoors.

• Your subject can be anything you want—a book, flowers, a cup of tea—so place that in or near the center of your shot.

• Once you decide on your main “hero,” think about other items that would complement it in terms of color, texture, or subject matter. For example, if you’re posting about a book you’re reading, are there any colors in the cover that match items you already have?

• “Shop” your house! Blankets and tea go well with books, so add those to make your flatlay cozy. Then, add a little visual interest, like a pretty bookmark or some flowers.

• Have fun experimenting and making mistakes because that’s how you’ll learn.

• Most of all, enjoy the creative process!

Where can readers find you?
My Instagram and Twitter/X are @realbethweg and I’m slowly growing my Pinterest, which is @bwwriter. I’m also building a web site, but like I said, I’m not a tech person, so wish me luck!

Wishing you all the luck in the world!🍀Thank you, Beth, for spending this time and sharing your expertise!