(AD:PR Sample: I was given this book in exchange for review. Which would have happened anyway as I had already pre-ordered the book. So look out for a giveaway if you want to win a copy of the wonderful Hashtag Authentic by Sara Tasker!).

I am THRILLED to be writing this post. I’ve known Sara (from Me & Orla Instagram fame) for quite a while online now. Over that time I have taken Sara’s free Instagram course and I loved it so much I then took her comprehensive, knowledgeable and inspiring Instaretreat course as well as a mini course Gloom and Glow. So you could say I’m a bit of a fan. Now Sara has a book (!) packed full of tips, techniques and knowledge that she has honed over the years. And it’s wonderful.

Let me tell you why I am drawn to Sara, her Instagram, podcasts and blog. I’ve always loved photography. For me it’s an accessible art form that has the ability to transform the seemingly mundane into the magical. A photo has the ability to bypass complicated speech-language barriers and strike into the very centre of us. That’s one of the reasons why art therapy helps traumatised soldiers (for example) deal with PTSD. The slow, non-verbalising creative process allows for healing in a way that reduces trauma and enhances life. And I am a firm believer that art enhances life. One of the reasons I take photographs is because it provides a release and a non-medicated coping mechanism for dealing with chronic pain (and the assorted complications that arise from it). One hard but real side effect is a reduced social circle. For someone who loved socialising and was never at home I struggle with this aspect. But the Internet and more specifically Instagram offers meaningful connections even when you can’t move from your bed.

Sara gets this. She gets how important social media like Instagram is. The importance (and lifeline) for new parents stuck at home, the person feeling creatively frustrated by their 9-5 or maybe for someone who wants to make their own business but isn’t sure how. Sara provides advice and inspiration on how you can take active steps closer towards a life that you find rich and rewarding, however small or big those dreams may be. And Sara is always generous with her knowledge and tips. Instead of locking her experience all away behind expensive workshops or webinars you have to pay for, Sara speaks about how she built her business freely on her podcasts, blog and Instagram. That’s actually very rare where everyone seems to be monetising everything on the Internet.

Sara has this amazing ability to bring her kind of people together, her ‘tribe’. After I did Instaretreat I was able to tap into creating a small but highly engaged community on my Instagram. In Hashtag Authentic you’ll find actionable steps to nurture and grow your community, inspiring imagery, photography tips and a friendly, supportive voice to help you find your feet. If you have a love for photography or creating a story through images you’ll love this book. Sara will help you find your own voice and visual style as well as authentically building your own community on Instagram.

If you’re an influencer, creative or small business owner Instagram is essential to you. Sara’s Hashtag Authentic is your manual for navigating the little app and the possibility of your creative work leading to amazing opportunities. Like writing your own beautiful book that will inspire and help people towards a creative life on their own terms.

To buy a copy of Hashtag Authentic by Sara Tasker just click here! (out today 21st February)

Tags: books, instagram