The love and community support I have received since posting this video has been completely unreal, and I have cried more than a few happy tears. The day this video went up, I was busy working and filing my taxes; and all the while I have received an outpouring of support from all of you, which has kept me afloat all day. My Patreon has soared and my sub count has jumped up. This is proof that community is a beautiful thing. I was so embarrassed about having to make this video, but you all proved that communities are here to support one another, and I love you all so much for this show of support and kindness! Thank you x

@paramedicchrisbookseries

3 ай бұрын

Awesome.

It takes a lot of courage to ask for help. I hate how society has made asking for help a shameful thing. Everybody needs help and it should be normal to ask for help. Your channel is amazing and it deserves all the attention. You should be allowed to do the job you love and make a living out of it. 📚

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! This is exactly how I feel and yet I can’t help but feel nervous saying it 😭

@ssreya5592

3 ай бұрын

Happens I mean the world has always worked in a certain way and to stick to your beliefs and core is hard!

@tegridyfarms6851

3 ай бұрын

*I dont think its society that randomly decided not to help others anymore. I believe the bad apples that asked for help without needing, taking advantage of society ruined the bunch. Ever heard of gofundme? Yea… most of those are frauds.*

I am here because Jack Edwards recommended you a while back! ❤ Sharing favourite creators is so important. It actually helps! Your book recommendations are fantastic!

@Wuggas

3 ай бұрын

Same here! I found this channel because of Jack Edwards and I am SO GLAD because Willow gave me Japanese lit which feels like home.

@louaneriga3222

3 ай бұрын

Samesies !

@MarieGoldberry

3 ай бұрын

same!

This comment exists for the algorithm. On the off chance that you read this: Seeing a fellow bookworm with a somewhat similar journey regarding figuring out ones gender has helped me feel less lonely. Thank you.

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

That’s so wonderful to hear 💜

I am a Bao Buddy, and I am very happy to support you in any shape or form! You are already my best friend when it comes to picking books, and your channel changes my perspective on reading. I feel brand new and I started reading more because of you. Also, I am happy to see you becoming YOU and blooming to a beautiful woman you already are. So, I am happy to be part of your community. Have a great day, Willow, and wait for a new content

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

God, thank you so much for all of this! 💜💜

There is zero shame in money talk! You're delivering a fantastic service, and should feel comfortable while you do it. I'll sort out a patreon thingy, and on top of that, i'm more than happy to also donate some of my time to help your videos! I'm an audio engineer - usually for short film and documentaries, so if you do end up expanding into interviews and vlog stuff with messier audio, I can clean dialogue for you and polish things up 😊

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Wow, that would be wonderful! I will happily compensate you for that! We’ll see what’s in the future :)

@Barryislarge

3 ай бұрын

@WillowTalksBooks not nessecary! I'm excited to see this channel grow; it absolutely deserves it 👏

I love the way you talk about books, the way you are so passionate yet eloquent and well-grounded. I am very happy to help you grow, the only shame would be to keep quiet and then suddenly disappear. Voicing your difficulties empowers us to help and there is no better drug for the soul than the deep satisfaction of making a positive change, even a small one. I can understand how it drives you. Keep well and keep on keeping on Xx

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

This is all so beautifully put, thank you! 💜

It really shouldn't be considered shameful to ask for help! I am gonna start sharing videos and articles on Threads like I did when I often used Twitter. :)

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Thank you!

It's true though, you're easily one the best book reviewers on the platform. You're thoughtful, effectively critical, and eloquent. And you cover incredible books that get buried among the trending books and those that deserve more attention.

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Ugh thank you so much 🥹

Ive been subscribed to your newsletter for ages and love browsing your translated works recommendations, so i will 1000% happily subscribe here as well to help support you and your work!

Only four weeks ago I commented under your John Scalzi video on how I could support you, without having to sign up to Patreon, because I was hesitant to do that. Now here I am after seeing this video - a proud fresh member of your Patreon!

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

God, you are amazing, thank you!!

You ARE excellent at what you do! At least half of my most loved recent reads are your recommendations. I hope you’re able to keep at it, Willow 🌸

New subscriber in SoCal here. We got your back! But, we don’t want you working 24/7… we want you taking great care of yourself while working on your passion!! Thnx for all you’re doing 💕

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much 🥹💜

Im not usually much of a commenter, but since they help the algorithm, I'll try to do it more. Also I have joined your patreon! I am very glad there is a $1 tier so I can afford to help my favorite booktuber! Your videos have helped me so much in expanding what and how I read. Especially "why the curtains are never just blue", it gave me the kick I needed to start learning how to look deeper into what I am reading

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Wow, I’m so glad that video had a good effect! I was really proud of that one :) And thank you for your support!

You are one of the channels I recommend to my students who study English :)

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you!

Found you after Jack Edwards recommended, and it was amazing! I love your reviews and book recs! I really enjoy how you talk about so many subjects and genres in literature. I hope that this channel grows as much as it deserves, because you put so much love and care into your videos, and it's refreshing to see.

Came for the book content, subscribed for your authenticity 👏 😊 ❤

Helping the algorithm any way i can and ill try harder because youre one of my fave booktuber/book critic

I love your channel and everything you do! Hope that both your channel and your Patreon will grow quickly, you truly deserve it 💙💗🤍💗💙

Your book reviews, recommendations and advice are what I think, the most honest, genuine and useful of all the booktubers I watch. I've finally got back into my love in reading after 4 great but draining years of uni which crushed my love of reading. That amongst having ADHD, your tips on reading more/better have helped wonders! Having a similar passion for the Gothic you've genuinely got me back into reading and I can't thank you enough for that. You deserve support and I hope your channel continues to grow ❤

I will definitely do all I can to help your channel grow. I always talk about you and recommend your channel/blog when I'm in a book community space too. I genuinely love your channel, the discussions and the books your recommend always keep me coming back for more. You're also the best at hyping up the books you love, and many times I've purchased books immediately after you recommended them cause you made me want to read it that bad. I've been busy lately with my online art classes, so I've not had as much time recently to watch your videos, but I'll make time. You're genuinely my favorite booktuber and I wanna see the day you hit 1 mill subs and will do all I can to help you get there. I'll comment on your videos more too, to give you a boost in the algorithm. As soon as I'm in a more financially stable situation I'll become a patron as well. Thank you for all the hard work you put in here! 💜

I love what you do and here with you. Keep it up!🖤

I admire people who follow their passions and dreams. Even if it's not always the easiest path, deep down you know that is what you're here for. I'm a fairly new subscriber and already love your channel. I like your book reviews, have great new ideas for my tbr and recently learned why some really good books still left me with a nagging feeling of "but": they were just too long 😅 (great video!! - that was eye-opening!) I wish you all the best! ❤ (Sorry....english is not my native language...)

I love the comments “this is good stuff” “I am very good at what I do” …. You were brought to me by recommendations from utube so the wave is beginning to rise and widen to different shores (I,d been enjoying reading journal set ups and bang there you were… thrust at me by the algorithm several times) I really look forward to hear your wisdom and experiences x go you x

You are excellent and your passion and knowledge shines through. It makes me sad that teaching is literally killing people - it made me very ill too so I hear you. Wishing you all the luck Willow! ❤

I haven't been a subscriber for long (I came across your work on the clock app FYP). It's such a *relief* to find smart, incisive reviews and recommendations. Came for the lit fic, dipping my toe into Japanese crime & Japanese feminist writing on your suggestion. I really appreciate your Trans commentary and activism. As a rainbow family member, I'm so encouraged by your articulate activism. More strength to your arm, Willow. More strength to your already lion's heart.

This video was randomly recommended to me, but here, take my Premium KZread user Like (it also matters for the algorithm ;) ) for two reasons: The badass edition of my favourite book you have behind you; and because, like you, I ducking love Scotland! Good luck on your Booktube journey, always good to see people talk about books, books bring people together

Love this! You are cool for asking for help. ❤ Sounds like you have some really good content.

I have only recently discovered your channel and I Iove what you do, Willow. Your book recommendations are so good. I watched the John Scalzi video and read some of his books. I'm well on my way to becoming a firm Science Fiction fan! I am a bit shy and don't think I can use discord or comment much here (I will try) but I have joined your Patreon and will recommend your channel to my family and friends. Wishing you the very best always, and keep being you!

Love your channel & your passion.

Been subscribed for about a year now, I don't often spend time on youtube however every time I watch a video of yours I feel engaged and I want to read every book you talk about. I hope that you are able to grow your audience and your career and I am more than happy to support your channel in the ways that I can!

Hi Willow, you want to go on and we sure want you to go on as well, will definitely talk about you to my French subscribers (as I'm here thanks to one of them!), I'm sure you'll get to the 100K very fast. Sending all the very best to you!

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Ahh omg thank you so much, Marion!

Thanks!

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

No, thank you!

I can’t afford to directly support financially but I hope that giving this a view, a like, and a comment will help!

You are so genuine. All that you do is incredibly important, and it's great that you recognize how good you are at it, because you absolutely are. I just joined your patreon!! wish you the best xx

@WillowTalksBooks

2 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you so much for all of this! 💜

Thanks for sharing❤. You're probably the channel I most talk to friends about, as I really love your reviews and the precise way you talk about books and your recommendations (the queer bookclub I'm hosting with a friend just read In Memoriam and it was absolutely amazing). Will keep doing that😘.

Commenting for the algorithm! I love your reviews and will continue to watch them, and I plan to join the patreon soon!

@WillowTalksBooks

Ай бұрын

Thank you!

It’s defo tough out there money wise. If you need a job to pay the bills, as it seems touch and go with you, go into service! I’m working 2 extra jobs and once I applied I pretty much started the next week. It’s not glamorous work, but an extra £200 is an extra £200 😊

Keep up the great work willow!!

I love your channel! Good luck ❤️

The jack callout lololol

I hope you get to continue to do what you love! You're so cool!

not sure if my comment posted so i'm posting again to make sure you get the engagement haha i loveeee your channel i'm so hype for you that you found something that you love and that you're SO good at

Thanks for all you do, Willow. You ARE excellent at it, and I’m happy to contribute to content I consume that brings joy to my life.

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Oh my good thank you sooooo much!

As along with Jesse on youtube and Mots d'imaginaire you are my principal source of book recommendations I'll try to spread the word more. I'm already a patron, and I mention your chanel when the occasion arises. Just yesterday I acctualy mentioned your chanel on polish booktube as one of the people trust as for honesty in the reviews ( it was about sponsorships and stuff, apparently polish booktube is weird).

Found you randomly, but took a look at your other videos and they look good, also I want to see travel vlogs from scotland want to go there sometime. Can’t be a patreon, but will check out your vids. Greetings from norway.

So proud of you Willow!

I’m happy to help you out! I value your channel so just joined your Patreon. I’m trying to get into reading Science Fiction, and loved your recommendation for Old Man’s War. What a fabulous book.

Have you thought about having a quiz with a few answers to choose from on the community section maybe a day or two per week? People usually like quizzes and we get to participate more. Questions can be on authors, books you've read, places you have visited, etc. You can have funny answer choices as well. Just me throwing an idea in case it could help. ❤

Willow I love your channel so much, you’re very well spoken and intelligent

I also found you from Jack’s recommendation. I have found many new favourites from your videos. 😊

This video is working! I found it in my recommended, and can't wait to explore more of your channel and videos

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Oh that’s amazing! Thank you!

Liked, subscribed, and joined your patreon. Oh, and I’m going to Edinburgh for the first time later this year! Love your channel. You are very engaging 👍

your ideas are worth much more than a dollar to me - the only thing keeping me from joining in your amazing project is not having a credit card: google should add a pix payment so anticapitalists like me can be of more help for their favorites, you were the first trans activist I met and I love everything see. ⭐

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Your support on here means the absolute world to me! I always look forward to your wonderful comments 💜

I love your videos!! I cherish your horror recommendations ❤

This is the first time I've seen a video of yours Willow (great name BTW, it would have been my choice if I didn't choose Chloe) but I'm totally sold already. I love your confidence and passion for what you do, it radiates from you and it's infectious. I look forward to listening to more of what you have to say in the future ❤️

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

I hope you love what you find 💜

I love ur channel and through u I have found some great books I would not of thought of picking up before so thank u

Willow, I love your channel. Please keep going.

I'm here because my mum recommended you, and you're probably my favourite channel on youtube now. You've influenced so much of my reading habits it's amazing. And as a queer blogger in my own right, I KNOW how important your work is. I'll promote this channel to as many places as I can!

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you and your mum!! 💜

I don't know of ANY business who doesn't ask to be paid. Or even ASK people to buy what they're selling, whether they need what they're selling or not. You're providing entertainment and knowledge and insight for free to anyone who can't afford to pay. Don't let anyone tell you that you should just "get another job". Wouldn't you ask to paid there? It's nonsense. Ask. Ask proudly. Keep going.

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

You are so right, and yet the shame and awkwardness somehow feels mandatory. But you make so much sense, thank you 💜

@ellenmadebookclub

3 ай бұрын

@@WillowTalksBooks You’re also human and that’s a good thing 😊💜

I'll do my best

You have a very important voice Willow, I will always support you

Good vibes and blessings from the Caribbean

I found you with your video in which you visited Escher's gallery, while I was looking to see if anyone made a vlog there. I absolutely loved your energy. I hope everything goes the way you want and you have the chance to shoot more vlogs in the future.

Thanks

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so so much, Bonnie 💜

I hope you never have to go back to a regular job. I love this channel too much and wouldn't want the videos to decrease. Everything you want the channel to grow to I would really love to see. I've been a patreon supporter for a while and it's nice to know that we all help with the potential of what could be. I'm gonna get on the blog more often to try help get the numbers up there too

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

I’m so happy to hear that, thank you 💜

Subscribed, because I enjoyed one of your previous videos and some more ❤️

Someone recommended this channel and its great!

I love your channel. I'm happy to help.

@WillowTalksBooks

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much 💜

Willow I had to cancel my Patreon because I needed to work on my own financial health but I can definitely do $1 a month so I will sign back up now. I’ve been trying to remember to like your videos. You are my fav booktuber but I forget to hit that like button so I will do better. I’ll try to remember to comment as well!

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Gosh, you are really incredible thank you!

Hope the tiny help....helped!

Whenever someone asks for recommendations of KZreadrs to follow, you're at the top of my list. Because you read a mix of literary, translated, and genre fiction, this channel is a great fit for a range of readers.

I found your channel when searching for reviews of This Is How You Lose The Time War and your review was the only one that loved the book just as much as me and you explained why the book is fantastic so much more eloquent and thorough than I ever could. Since then I've been slowly watching your videos and I love your perspectives on books so much. It's sad to hear Google is burying blogs on their search, I love blogs and I hate how the big silicon valley corporations keep sidelining them. This enshittification sucks. I hope you get enough patreons to be more independent of Alphabet, KZread, Google and their series of awful CEO decisions.

Sending you all the Good Vibes to hit the 100k asap ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Well, you floated through my feed a couple of weeks ago and I subscribed. Not sure why. I love books but it was kind of a knee jerk thing. Happy I did now. Upon a closer look you are just the sort of person I want to lend my support to.

You are without a doubt the best book loving critic I've ever come across. And I've got the TBR skyscraper list to prove it. You make books live Willow. You deserve this to be a lively prospering career.

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

That honestly means everything to me, thank you so much! 💜💜

Found you through Jack and stayed just for you. I've recommended the books and bao website to so many of friends asking for recommendations who prefer reading reviews instead of watching them. Really hope your channel grows even more. I'm glad you asked for help I will share the video with my friends and family too ❤️❤️

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for that!

::hugs:: I love your channel and have shared it with many people who love you and your site. I first heard about you on Jack's channel and I stayed because I love how dedicated you are to diversity. So glad you're doing what you do. : )

I despise the people who would begrudge you chasing your dreams or living the life you hope to. I’m not that big of a bibliophile, but I do love people. Much luck to you and your channel. Additionally, you might be a perfect guest host for a show on The Line. Just a thought.

You convinced me to subscribe with your In ascension review and i am looking forward to more content. I will become a patreon and tell friends about your channel. ❤

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Thank you soooo much!

You are my favorite speaker/ book critics. When I want new book ideas ,I turn to you.

@WillowTalksBooks

2 ай бұрын

That is so sweet, thank you!

I completely agree - the work you do here is important! And, since you asked, and also explained, I can send over $1 per month - you're putting it to good use! Hopefully I'm part of that 5%.

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Can't afford Patreon but just found you and subscribed to the newsletter/channel. About to share your channel on Discord. Best of luck

I love your channel and am happy to share it! Also, I just joined your Patreon.

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Oh thank you so much!

Madam, I wanted to let you know you are making my no book buy very, very difficult. Thank the gods for libraries. I have several pages of Willow recommend books.The good thing is I just got my taxes back. I will be putting aside some money for joining patrion of you and a few others I love.

Agreed! Your channel IS good stuff and stuff that's worth paying for (for those who can). It's hard to watch my favorite creators struggle to keep their channels afloat even with as many subscribers as you have. I really hope through platforms like Patreon we can create a space that allows more people to produce content like this that isn't "free" to produce and can really be a full-time job. I'll definitely be curious and hopeful to know how it works for you. (I used to think that KZread ad revenue might accomplish something like that, but when I looked into the math of that at one point, I realized that's probably chump change compared with what you'd need to make a career or even a part-time income out of it.) Aside from your book content which seriously is some of the best out there, your discussions of your trans experience are indeed uniquely valuable. As someone who discovered your channel just when you were starting to discuss these experiences, and who had not often heard about trans people's experiences firsthand, I'm learning a lot from your story and hopefully building some empathy.

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

This all really means a lot. Since posting this video, I’ve felt so uplifted by all the people who’ve told me that I deserve to make this my career. It’s comforting and encouraging, thank you 💜

Hi this might sound like a silly question but I was wondering if either annual or monthly patreon subscriptions benefit you more, I see that annual is cheaper monthly but I was wondering if patreon takes a cut of the monthly which means it comes to about the same price? I've been subscribed yearly because of the financial spot I was in at the time, but it has changed now and I am willing to switch to monthly later in the year if that benefits you any better? Thanks for all your work, Willow!

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

That’s a great question which I honestly can’t answer! I don’t know if there’s a difference because creators just get a monthly money dump, and I already have to do currency conversion, so any financial differences would be lost on me. My honest answer is that I just appreciate the support and please do whatever is better for you!

@Lhlhlhlhlb

3 ай бұрын

@@WillowTalksBooks thanks so much for the answer!

Thank you for all that you do Willow. I’ve just become a Bao Buddy on Patreon

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Thank you! 💜

Willow I would love to help! I’ve been a video editor for 14 years so if you ever want somebody to edit your stuff - please feel free to reach out to me! You are so gifted and I enjoy watching your videos so much! I really see and feel how passionate you are about books!

Honest to god, i wish i could help you on patreon, but i just cant willow. I love your videos period. Your personality, your book picks, everything.❤❤❤❤❤❤

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so so much for your support! Like I said in the video, times are really hard and I’m only asking for support from those who are able. Liking, commenting, and sharing all helps immensely so thank you! 💜💜

I wonder if people in general know that subscribing to a KZread channel is free. Giving a 👍 is free. A nice comment is free. ❤

It may be too hot but that jumper really suits you! 🩵

I found your channel through Jack Edward’s and so glad he shouted you out!

@bronteolander8059

3 ай бұрын

Also good on you for reaching out- no shame at all. Just became a patreon and really happy to support you, you really are great at what you do.

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you so so much!

I have a friend who makes their income off KZread and it can be I incredibly unfair and unpredictable. It’s the bane of any person who tries to make it online. And you’re correct: your channel IS good stuff. I don’t generally watch ‘book tube’ I generally have my own tastes and find books in other ways. Yet I watch all of your videos. You have good perspectives. You have great taste in books, and you have a great screen presence. I’d love to see more trans content. Hope you can make it work, the world needs more smart, insightful, people who advocate for equal rights in a way that’s friendly and approachable for people who might not otherwise be open to such things. That’s how real change happens. And that’s worth a few bucks a month.

Leaving this comment for the algorithm. The passion you have for reading is truly inspiring 🎉

I am short on money at the mo so I cant do much more than keep being your Patreon. I love your work, you are by far my favourite book content creator. Your personality shines in every video, it's so clear that you put a lot of passion in what you do! And your taste in books (and music) is inmaculate

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

I might cry, thank you 🥹

If you want the view from the other side (sort of it could be worse, while not trying to say the struggle isn't real), I'm chronically ill, in pain every day, in the closet, have tried making content but only made two videos, gave up, and the hustle is too much plus the luck + non-guarantee + non-help. This "game" / industry as they say is fucking brutal. Even as platforms matter. Representation matters. Who is handed the microphone matters. We don't talk about it much, but eyeballs is power. Both personally (career and ability to produce versus be a peon working slave wage jobs or worse). And socially. Top content names are invited to events. Nobody's are not. Though, even then, it's not like it's all rainbows and puppies. It's a grueling job. The wrong step losing audience can sink one's livelihood. Etc. Appreciate the honesty of it all, in a society where we are often punished for honesty even while being told every day to be "more open". One final thought - it's amazing how little we ever support our own. For those who can't pay, even simple things like posting content in a trans-friendly or sympathetic reddit or Discord or whatnot can help. It also terrifies that, as much as "build your own audience" is somewhat real, a brutal truth is that the attention economy isn't infinite. One eyeball here is an eyeball perhaps not going elsewhere, and that's something that's rarely talked about either. Sorry to just be sort of free-form ranting, centering my own struggle in a lot of ways, etc. It's hard to be even further behind and living in that, while also not wanting to paint Willow as "super well off" or "doing just fine" either. All the struggles are real and this world is a fucking hellscape in so many ways. kzread.info/dron/KaUnYjuuaAKq4yhBH5dkZw.html

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

I fully understand, empathise with, and appreciate everything you’ve said here. There are even more factors besides which go into what “makes success” in creator spaces like this one. A rule of thumb is that 100,000 subs equals making enough money to live off. Based on what KZread pays me at 40,000, that’s laughably untrue. But it’s also true that creators in different fields get more ad revenue. If I pivoted to food or travel, I’d see an uptick in ad revenue. If I switched to financial advice, I’d be sitting pretty already. It’s all so poisonous.

I love your channel Willow, and your dedication to it shines through. You are brilliant. I wish I was in a financial position to support you at the moment but I’m just not :(

@WillowTalksBooks

3 ай бұрын

I completely understand! Times are awful right now. Thanks so much for your support 💜

📚

Your vid got recommended to me by YT so, there you go, u got a new subscriber! I love all things books.