BRIEF INTRODUCTION ABOUT ME
Merhaba and welcome! I’m Maham Afzal, also known as Pagesofscarlett in the book blogging world. I’m a medical college graduate from Karachi, Pakistan, and currently, I am pursuing my Master’s in Management Sciences. My academic background is in medicine and management, but my true passions lie in books and lifestyle content. Over the years, I’ve combined my love for reading with my desire to connect with others through user-generated content (UGC) in the lifestyle niche. In this post, I’m excited to share more about my journey—how I transitioned from a casual reader to an avid book lover and eventually became a book blogger and lifestyle content creator.
My Reading Journey: From Childhood to Becoming an Avid Reader
Reading has been an essential part of my life for as long as I can remember, although I didn’t start as an avid reader. Growing up in Karachi, my parents had a subscription to an Urdu magazine called ہمدرد نونہال, which was specifically aimed at children.
This magazine featured short stories, educational articles, and other engaging content. Instead of spending all our time watching TV or playing video games, my siblings and I would eagerly read these stories, thus beginning our journey with reading. While these were short stories, they sparked a love for literature in me, even though I didn’t dive into full books just yet.
When I entered the 6th grade, academics became more demanding, and my passion for reading started to fade. My school curriculum was full of textbooks, and I wasn’t particularly fond of the novels assigned as part of our syllabus.
I started to lose interest in books, and the fun of reading seemed to be a thing of the past.
It wasn’t until I joined medical school that my reading journey took a turn. One of the assignments I was given involved reading a novel from a list, and Twilight by Stephenie Meyer caught my attention.
A close friend of mine had the entire saga, so I borrowed it from her. While this wasn’t exactly the critical analysis of classic literature I had been assigned, it completely reignited my passion for reading.
That was the moment I realized how much I loved books, and it set me on the path to becoming the avid reader I am today.
From a Casual Reader to a Book Blogger
The impact of Twilight on me was profound. Had it not been for that book, I might have never discovered the deep passion I have for books today.
A big thank you to my friend who shared her collection with me and helped me take the first step into a whole new world of literature. With the encouragement of my friends, I also started a bookstagram account where I could document my reading journey and connect with fellow book lovers.
It wasn’t long before I became completely immersed in the world of books. The more I read, the more my collection grew. Over the past three years, I have accumulated more than 500 physical books and thousands of digital books.
From fiction to non-fiction, historical novels to self-help, I developed a diverse taste in literature. My bookstagram community has played a pivotal role in my journey as a book blogger, offering support, recommendations, and a shared love for reading.
Now, I regularly post book reviews on my blog, discussing everything from popular bestsellers to hidden gems. Whether it’s a well-loved classic or a contemporary work, I enjoy exploring different genres and offering my thoughts and opinions. I encourage readers to check out my book reviews here.
Exploring the Lifestyle Niche and Creating User-Generated Content (UGC)
While books remain my first love, I’ve recently begun branching out into the lifestyle niche, where I explore topics such as cooking, DIY projects, jewelry designing, and crocheting.
As I’ve grown as a content creator, I’ve realized that the world of user-generated content (UGC) offers an exciting opportunity to connect with a broader audience beyond just book lovers. I’ve always had a creative side, and the lifestyle niche allows me to share that with my audience.
I started creating UGC by posting recipes, craft projects, and travel experiences on my social media. I quickly realized that people were interested in seeing not just my book recommendations but also the other facets of my life.
It was a natural progression for me to delve into lifestyle content, which includes everything from the small joys of cooking to the thrill of discovering new places to visit.
One of my biggest passions is traveling, and Turkey is at the top of my dream destinations. Traveling opens up a new world of experiences, from tasting new food to learning about different cultures and exploring new landscapes.
I’ve found that sharing my travel experiences on my platforms allows me to connect with others who share a similar love for exploration. Whether it’s a short trip or an international adventure, I’m always looking for ways to engage my audience in lifestyle content and create something unique.
How Books and Lifestyle Content Shape My Life
Creating content around books and lifestyle topics has become an integral part of who I am. Both worlds offer me the opportunity to share my personal experiences and connect with others who share my interests.
I’ve found that by focusing on both book blogging and lifestyle content, I can reach a diverse audience, from readers who love a good novel to those who enjoy learning about cooking, crafting, and travel.
Books have taught me valuable lessons, sparked my imagination, and deepened my understanding of the world. My book reviews give me the opportunity to share those lessons with others, sparking meaningful conversations around literature.
At the same time, the lifestyle niche allows me to express my creativity and connect with people on a more personal level. Whether I’m recommending a new recipe, sharing a crochet tutorial, or offering travel tips, I love being able to create content that resonates with a wide audience.
A Thank You to My Readers
I want to take a moment to thank you for being here and for taking the time to learn more about me. Whether you’re here for book reviews, lifestyle tips, or creative projects, I hope you find something that inspires or resonates with you.
I’m grateful for the community I’ve built through bookstagram and my blog, and I look forward to continuing to share my journey with you. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next.
Stay Connected
Feel free to explore my book reviews, follow my lifestyle content, and join the conversation. You can connect with me through my bookstagram, social media platforms, or my blog.
I’m always open to recommendations and discussions, and I love hearing from fellow book lovers and lifestyle enthusiasts.
