Tag: horror books

Promoting Your Writing on TikTok

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I’ve known for a while now that there are hundreds of writers out there who swear by TikTok to promote their books and connect with the perfect audience of potential readers. The whole idea of filming myself and coming up with content that people might actually see filled me with abject horror, and I was dreading the moment the time came to actually get out there and start promoting.

Well, that time came last week. The Suffering had just been released and I decided there was no better time to bite the bullet, download the TikTok app, and post my first video.

You guys. I actually LOVE IT!

I never thought I’d ever say that in a million years, but it’s true.

As I say, I’ve only been on there for a week and haven’t yet built any kind of following so I’m hardly an expert. But I wanted to let other authors who are grappling with the idea of starting a TikTok know what my experience has been, and encourage you to give it a go. I’ll also give you a rundown of a few book-themed video ideas to get started.

The Best Things about Promoting on TikTok

  1. It’s free! All you need is your phone. The app has a built-in editing suite that’s extremely easy to work your way around. If you make a mistake you can hit the ‘undo’ key so there’s never any risk when you’re playing around with your first few videos.
  2. You can post about your book all day long if you like. Unlike Twitter and Instagram, the BookTok community is extremely receptive to self-promotion. The great thing about it is you can slant almost all trending videos and sounds to fit your books. So even though you’re regularly discussing your releases, all of your videos can be a little different, keeping your followers interested.
  3. The algorithm automatically targets your ideal readership. TikTok’s algorithm is scarily accurate. When you first start to use it, you’ll be shown generic or popular videos that have been decided based on your initial data. But within a couple of days you should find that most of the videos you see are targeted to match the content you are watching and producing. This means that the same can be said of the people who are shown your video. Your content will be made visible to people who want to see it, and that makes a huge difference in terms of sales.
  4. You can imitate other people’s videos, and it isn’t stealing! In fact, copying trends is encouraged. My friend watches mostly dog content and introduced me to the ‘cheese tax’ song and videos that are doing the rounds at the moment. She made a fantastic version with her own dog (check out Kirsty B’s account @kirsty709 to see it!). You can scroll through the BookTok trend videos, make notes of the ones you like, and come up with your own. This can be as simple as using a funny filter with a reading or writing twist.

That’s all very well and good, but what in the heck are you going to post? Here’s a few ideas to get you started:

Bookish TikTok ideas

  1. Introduce yourself and your book. For your first post, it’s that simple. Tell people who you are, what you write, and what they can expect from your books. Use hashtags such as #booktok, #myfirsttiktok, and multiple tags related to the genre you write so that it finds its way to your reading community.
  2. Flip reveals and page flicks. As you spend time getting to know BookTok, you’ll probably see a lot of these. Simply hold your phone and film either your book’s spine for a few moments, or film yourself slowly flicking through the pages. At the last minute, reveal the cover and record for a few seconds. Then, edit the video and add text that describes your book, characters, or plot. Play around with filters and effects and be sure to add music that is popular in your chosen genre.
  3. Filter fun. There are so many filters readily available on TikTok, you can make hours of content. Consider what may be relatable to a writer or a reader and try and add a bookish slant to the filter you use.
  4. What are you reading? As well as learning about what you’ve written, the BookTok community is also keen to fill their TBR pile with recommendations. There are multiple ways you can present these videos. Pulling a new book from a shopping bag or unpacking a delivered box of shiny new books is always attractive to fellow book hawks! But it can be as simple as putting books in a pile and slowly lifting each one up to reveal the next. Be sure to give a little bit of information about each title, or, if you’ve already read it, an honest review.
  5. Lip Syncs. Okay, I feel your panic. This is a trend that only the bravest attempt, but they can be extremely effective. Search for soundbites that relate to a topic. They might be snippets from a movie, or even lyrics to songs. Practice until you know the words and the timing, then simply record yourself mouthing along. If the thought of introducing yourself is terrifying at the moment, I’m sure this is the last thing on your mind. But you never know, you might find yourself so comfortable with TikTok you’re giving it a whirl in no time!

You don’t have anything to lose (unless you work for an establishment that doesn’t allow TikTok. Seriously guys, check with your workplace before downloading the app if you are in a data-sensitive environment!). Why not give it a try? You can always delete it if you hate it.

I’m brand new to TikTok, so come and follow me as soon as you get set up and I’ll follow you back! You’ll find me @mjmarsauthor.

One last thing, if you’re a writer you may have heard the rumours this week about a literary agent stating that you need “40k followers on Instagram and 100k on TikTok” to even be considered by a publisher. This may be true for some (if it is, it’s a sad state of affairs, and rules out a humongous portion of excellent talent out there). But I am proof that this isn’t true for all. I have about 2k followers on Insta, and I had 0 followers on TikTok a few days ago, since I didn’t even have an account! Don’t be disheartened by statements like this. Keep on submitting. And, if you’re worried and feel pressured into starting TikTok because of this agent’s comment, don’t let it stress you out. Like me, you might find it is surprisingly fun. And, if it really isn’t for you, don’t give up on your publishing dream. The right publisher is out there waiting, and doesn’t give a damn about your social media status. All they care about is your talent. As it should be.

A Hell of A Week

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You guys, I did a grown-up thing.

I am now a fully-fledged member of the Horror Writer’s Association as an affiliate writer! It may sound silly, but it really does feel like the most grown-up thing I’ve ever done.

As well as celebrating this monumental happening, The Suffering is now released for pre-order on Kindle. It became the #1 new release in the LGBTQ+ category in Amazon, which made me exceptionally proud. Having a queer lead character wasn’t planned when I first started writing the book but, as my characters seem to have free will, Kyle let me know along the way! In a week of dark controversy in regards to representation and diversity in the horror writing world, it’s great to be able to share this positive news.

The book also did great in the categories of New Release in British Horror Fiction and Ghost Suspense, hitting #5 and #3 respectively. This is mind-blowing to me, and I thank everybody who has made the choice already to pre-order the book.

I’ve also received my first reviews from ARC readers on Goodreads. The first was a 4* review, saying they enjoyed the story and that Cassie was their favourite character. This was so great to hear! It was amazing to have a total stranger react positively, and to name a character that resonated with them. I’m also glad it was Cassie – she’s a badass, and I’m thrilled someone else feels the same way.

The second review was a 3* but the reader helpfully listed the reasons why it wasn’t for her, and I guess my style definitely isn’t what she enjoys! I’m grateful they took the time to explain the reasons why they didn’t love it: it has a 2000’s goofy horror kind of feel (excellent! That’s exactly the style I love!). I feel as though lovers of Thirteen Ghosts, which is the ultimate 2000’s goofy horror, will be more my audience. If you’re looking for a slow-burn, suspenseful chiller, this isn’t the book for you! It’s more of a fast-paced, horror romp. Just the way I like it.

Potentially the most exciting thing of all for me was seeing the book unexpectedly feature in 2 publications. You’ll find it in The Horror Maven‘s Comprehensive List of 2023 Horror Book Releases, and The Line Up‘s 4 Terrifying New Releases from Indie and Small Presses.

It’s been a whirlwind few days, the book having only been on pre-release for less than a week. There is so much happening, and a lot more to come! Thank you to everyone joining me for the ride.

The Suffering Cover Reveal!

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They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but on this occasion, I’m happy if you do!

I’m thrilled to be able to reveal the cover of The Suffering, which was created by the extremely talented Covers by Christian, after consultation with my fantastic team at Wicked House Publishing. Here it is:

It feels a lot more “real” now that I can show the world what my little book is going to look like. My neurotic brain has been convinced somewhere in the dark recesses that something would go wrong. That somewhere along the way plans would change, or that the book would be randomly dropped for no reason. Something deep inside me has been holding a little reservation, not getting too excited just in case.

But, now that I can shout it from the rooftops, I am going to embrace it as fully as I can! I already have a print order for 2 different sets of flyers and some bookmarks ready for promotion. It’s time to pluck up the courage to head into every shop and establishment I can think of and ask if they would like one for their staffroom. Better yet, a noticeboard. In public. Eek!

I think this quote from Zadie Smith sums it up:

It’s such a confidence trick, writing a novel. The main person you have to trick into confidence is yourself. This is hard to do alone.

Zadie Smith

Having such a beautiful cover and such a great team behind me is definitely going to make this next part easier, the part my introvert ass has spent a lot of time dreading (promotion). But, you know what? Now I’m getting kind of excited about that part, too.

It’s really happening, guys. This is not a drill.

This time last year, I didn’t have a publishing deal. I’d been querying but getting nowhere – not even a hint of a bite. Looking back through my posts from around that time it’s easy to tell how disheartened I was getting. I’m going to elaborate a little more on this in an upcoming post later this month, but for now I just wanted to remind anyone who is querying or facing a lot of rejections that it really only takes that one hit to change everything. The only way you can be sure you’ll never get there is if you stop. So keep going.

The Suffering is coming in February 2023! Which ghost will haunt you?

The Students of Brackenby House

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Within the walls of Brackenby House, 5 students reside. They know the dark history of the Victorian townhouse, but it’s never really bothered them. That is until Halloween 2016, when the group attempt to recreate the notorious séance of 1876. One by one, the students find themselves haunted by the spirits that were responsible for The Suffering massacre. As each of the residents deal with the oppression their attachment causes, they find the essence of their personalities falling under attack. Before they lose themselves completely, they must find the truth about the original séance, and the ghosts that grow more violent every day. Before it’s too late…

Kyle

A distant relative of famed Victorian psychic, Lucius Holgrove, Kyle is proud of his ancestor. In 1876, Lucius was unwittingly drawn into the chaos of the Suffering séance and, as the sole survivor, his ability to banish the ghosts within the walls of Brackenby House is legendary. Kyle is also proud of the fact that he and his friends can use Brackenby House as their student digs, paying peanuts in rent thanks to his descendant purchasing the property following the massacre.

An anthropology student, Kyle finds the rumours of the ghosts fascinating. He’s especially intrigued by the monster known as Po, using his thesis to try and uncover the ancient Incan giant’s secrets. It’s Kyle’s idea to host another séance, paying homage to his relative. But his blind trust in Lucius’s abilities means that he underestimates just how eager the ghosts have been to come back out to play. Thankfully, Kyle’s obsessive research gives the group some clues as to how to uncover Brackenby’s secrets, and he’s determined to make amends and defeat the spirits before his friends succumb to the ghosts.

Tad

Kyle’s best friend, the pair met through a pen-pal scheme at their schools. Emigrating to the UK from Japan, Tad is all-too-happy to accept Kyle’s offer to move into Brackenby while he completes his engineering degree. He knows his friends are envious of his male model looks, but Tad sees them as nothing but a hinderance. He’s invented a prototype for a method to turn sewage into renewable energy, and as far as he’s concerned his looks are holding him back.

Stoic and sensible, Tad calmly assesses the spiralling situation in the house, trying to ignore the strange sounds and smells that seem to escalate after the Halloween spirit session. But it isn’t long before he begins to spot the ghosts’ individual patterns. Worse still, he sees that each of his friends are being targeted by one of the spirits. And, judging by the sound of an axe slapping against an impatient hand throughout the night and the smell of rotting flesh that follows him around Brackenby House, he is connected to the ghost that frightens him the most.

Pete

Known for his quiet and brooding nature, Pete falls further into solitary when the séance leaves him with physical symptoms that he just can’t shake. He loves to hike in the mountains to clear his head, but an unrelenting spell of vertigo means that he’s stuck on low ground, confined to his bedroom most of the time. He finds it difficult to confide in his housemates – even Cassie, who has been his best friend for as long as he can remember. There is a wedge growing between him and his friends, through no fault of his own.

The footsteps that patter down Brackenby’s landing seem to stop right outside his room. And when a sudden spell of vertigo stops him in his tracks, he’s sure he can hear a sinister chuckle emanate from the stairwell. Most concerning of all, he finds himself drawn to the banister, his body lurching to the edge in an unconscious effort to throw him over. For Pete, his choices are bleak. Either stay trapped in his room or step out and fight. But there are a lot of high spaces out there. And the pattering footsteps seem to follow him, even outside of Brackenby…

Cassie

Living in a house full of boys, Cassie fights hard to give a good show of herself. But her impulsive and brash personality sometimes lands her on the wrong side of people. Particularly the other women in her life. Still, she has to keep an edge about her if she’s going to successfully swim the Channel. Training is going well, despite the fact that the other girls in her swim team are forming a vicious clique against her. But she’s having bigger problems than bullies. Damp seems to follow her everywhere, with droplets of water appearing in impossible places. She smells the dank depths of the sea, even though the team are still training in the university pool.

Before long, her lone swim sessions begin to get treacherous. Unseen hands touch her under the water, preventing her from breaking the surface. Her friend, Martin, turns up at the pool, his expression trance-like. In the shadow of the sea witch, Lisa Vaughan, anything can happen in the water. And, even when Cassie stays away from the pool, Lisa’s powers may just bring the water directly to her.

Lance

With his perky nature, bouncing blond curls, and giddy personality, people could be forgiven for thinking that Lance is the extrovert member of the bunch. But crippling anxiety plagues him, meaning that all of his attempts at employment have ended in disaster. Because of this, Lance is keen to set himself up as an influencer, pulling in income from behind his laptop and phone screens. His friends know that navigating the trolls of the online world are often more challenging than anything Lance could face in an office, but he’s determined. Aside from his constant Insta posts and dreams of setting up a YouTube channel, Lance becomes more and more distracted by the scent of smoke and neighbourhood cats yowling in the grounds of Brackenby.

A dark figure hangs around the porch, its shadow visible through the hallway windows, and Lance is driven crazy when he constantly finds the spare stool pulled up to the table in the kitchen by unseen hands. His ghost is Hellfire Club member, Anthony Pile, and the more Lance learns about the club’s history, the more fearful he becomes. The club had a habit of pulling up a chair for the Devil, and the freezing cold seat of the stool means that perhaps Brackenby is getting visits from a presence even more terrifying than the ghosts themselves. And Lance is in his sights.

Join the students as they piece together the puzzle of the original Suffering séance and navigate the oppression that plagues Brackenby House. Can all of them survive The Suffering?

The Suffering published by Wicked House – coming 24th February 2023

Would you want to live in a haunted Victorian murder house?

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How about if the rent was dirt cheap?

That was the dilemma faced by Cassie, Pete, Lance, and Tad, when they first moved into Brackenby House. And it wasn’t too much of a dilemma at the time. The house was famous in the local area, and it had featured in a few dark history books, but the students were sceptical about the rumours that the home was still haunted. Their friend Kyle (housemate and son of the current homeowner) liked to tell them regularly that his distant relative, the psychic Lucius Holgrove, had managed to banish the ghosts within the walls of Brackenby House after the séance massacre of 1876. So they accepted Kyle’s offer of low rent and the 5 of them settled into both university life and Brackenby in no time. That is until Halloween night 2016, when the group decide it will be fun to hold a séance of their own. Nothing bad will happen – not in this day and age. Right?

Plus, the jury was still out on what really happened that fateful night back in 1876. Did Lucius’s séance really pull forth 5 cursed ghosts from hell in order to fulfil a spell found in an ancient book? Did the hapless group of wealthy merchants and professionals, guests of Brackenby’s then-owner, Professor Josiah Grant, really die gruesome deaths at the hands of each of the ghosts? Or was Lucius the only survivor for another reason. A reason no-less dark. After spending months in jail awaiting trial, and then being freed into a sanitorium, Lucius was finally freed. The judge and jury hesitantly agreed – surely one young man couldn’t have been responsible for the carnage discovered at the house. A house that would claim another victim, when Lucius leapt from a cliff to his death shortly after being released. Victorian newspaper records detailed the initial carnage, Lucius’s graphic and terrifying testimony, and the news of his untimely death all too thoroughly. The séance was dubbed The Suffering, a sensationalist name that had lasted, almost 150 years later.

Kyle loves to big-up his distant uncle and his astonishing abilities not only to resurrect the dead but to send them back to whence they came. But trying to emulate him for a Halloween party trick doesn’t go the way he’d hoped. Now, the 5 ghosts are released back in the house: Jarvis Rice, a 17th century executioner who framed men for murder so he could get the thrill of killing twice. Connor Rourke, who died falling from the rafters of the grain factory he stole from, his footsteps a constant echo along Brackenby’s landing. Anthony Pile, a member of the Hellfire Club who struck a deal with the devil so he could keep his ill-gotten riches in the afterlife. Lisa Vaughan, a fortune teller who cursed the sailors who visited her, forcing them to jump into the sea and join her deadly hoard halfway through their next sail. And, most terrifying of all, the ancient pre-Incan giant, Po. Rumour has it Po has nothing in his eye sockets, and 3 eyes on his forehead. And he’s now residing in Brackenby’s basement.

Each of the ghosts latches onto one of the students, the individual hauntings driving them all to the brink. But the students soon learn that they can’t leave Brackenbury. When they do, the people around them are at risk, and the ghosts only grow stronger. Only Kyle’s uncle Caleb can help. Unlike their distant ancestor, Lucius, Caleb isn’t dashing, charming, or remotely psychic. But, as gruff and rude as he is, Caleb has his uses. He’s been trying to get to the bottom of the house’s secrets for years. And he may just have found a solution that turns the reported history of the séance on its head. The housemates must each do battle with their own individual ghost. But not all of them can make it out alive…

The Suffering, published by Wicked House Publishing – coming soon!

Next up: Meet The Suffering Ghosts! Which one will haunt you?