Hello, dear reader friends. I know, I know – last year I said I was going to try to be better about posting here but this year I REALLY MEAN IT. I’ve been primarily relying on social media for the last few years but with the death of Twitter and now everyone migrating away from Meta products it’s getting harder and harder to figure out how to reach readers. I’ve never been able to escape the feeling that if I post here I should really POST – like, basically write an article every time – but I probably need to reconsider. Maybe short posts are enough. Anyway, re: social media usage in general, this is what I’m using (or not) these days:
Threads: I’m there at @authorchristinahenry. This is where I’ve been posting most frequently if you want to see stuff from me. That could change as more people migrate to BlueSky.
BlueSky: I’m also there, @christinahenry.bsky.social. I’ve been trying to use it a little more lately, but it seems like it’s harder to get a conversation going there.
Instagram: Same as Threads – @authorchristinahenry. I post semi-regularly, but I’ve never gotten into making Reels or whatever they’re called because I don’t like to look at my own face on video. This is why I never opened a TikTok account, so don’t even look for me there.
Facebook: I have a fan page there but I pretty much only use it to post the occasional bit of book news – new releases, events, etc. I’ve never liked Facebook and it seems like it has gotten worse over the last few years – my feed is cluttered with random junk and it annoys me to even open the app. If you’ve tagged me there or responded to something I posted and I never acknowledged it I apologize. I just don’t really use it at all.
Twitter: I kept my Twitter account open only so that no one would try to pretend to be me on that site. I have not used it or even opened the app for several months. As with Facebook, it’s not a good place to tag me because I’m not posting there.
More and more authors are insisting that everyone should have a newsletter, but when I asked about this the other day on Threads it seemed 1) a bunch of authors were absolutely certain that readers were opening and reading their email, 2) a bunch of readers were saying they DIDN’T open or read these emails or they didn’t want more stuff cluttering their inbox.
And look, a lot of people open emails but don’t read them because they are just trying to clear the notification. I’m guilty of this myself. I’ve been contemplating a Substack for a while now but I’m not sure the juice is worth the squeeze if readers don’t want more email. Anyway, maybe I’ll try a newsletter later this year. If you’re on Threads or BlueSky and would be interested in this kind of thing from me, let me know, and also let me know what you like to see in terms of newsletter content.
My nineteenth book, THE PLACE WHERE THEY BURIED YOUR HEART, is currently moving its way through the editing process and will be out in November of this year. When I have more info and preorder links I will certainly post those here and on social media. The cover is absolute FIRE and I can’t wait to share it with all of you. The release date is a pretty late in the year and I’m debating whether or not to do a little book tour as I did in 2023. This may depend on interest so if you are a bookstore owner/manager let me know through my publicist, Yazmine Hassan, if you’d like to host – yhassan@penguinrandomhouse.com
Here’s a little blurb for THE PLACE WHERE THEY BURIED YOUR HEART to whet your appetite:
Now, on to the fun stuff! I’ve got a few appearances scheduled for this year already and I’d love to see you out there. Side note: if you want me to come to your town/festival, send a note to the festival organizers and ask them to invite me! They can contact my publicist at yhassan@penguinrandomhouse.com
My first appearance of the year will be in support of my fellow Chicago author, Cynthia Pelayo. I’ll be in conversation with her at City Lit Books on March 11th from 6:30-7:30. Please join us! Cynthia’s latest book, VANISHING DAUGHTERS, is absolutely beautiful and you don’t want to miss it.
In March I will also be attending the Third Coast Author and Book Festival in Grand Haven, MI on March 22nd. This will be a massive event with over 100 authors signing books and meeting fans. Don’t miss it!
On April 26th, 2025, I’ll be attending Concinnity 2025 in Milwaukee at Milwaukee School of Engineering, Diercks Hall, 1025 N. Milwaukee St. There will be panels and signing times – more info to come!
On Saturday, August 2nd, I’ll be at the Books and Brews Event presented by Books of Horror. This event was originally to be held at Scarlet Lane Brewing but they have had a venue change to the Wyndham Noblesville, Indiana. For up to date information and ticketing follow them on Instagram or Threads at @_booksandbrews_
Finally, I will be at Horror on the Hudson 2025. Reservations for this have not opened yet, so join their email list at horrorreaderweekend.com or follow them on socials at @christineharrold for updates!
