LAUNCHING JANUARY 24
You've probably heard of TikTok, the video sharing app that has dominated the video sharing world for the last few years. At last estimate, the app has clocked over 3 billion installations and it’s now pretty much impossible to ignore in terms of marketing and social possibilities, even for introverted authors like me.
Creators on the platform are getting very creative, hastily throwing together very short, but funny sketches, collaborative and informative videos and of course, dance videos. You can also find plenty of educational content covering topics ranging from health issues to real estate investing. Many creators post 2-3 times a day!
Within TikTok there is a whole world within a world called #booktok, and within that world
there is another mini-universe called #authortok. This is where authors hang out along with
many of their readers. No longer does the shy and introspective author hide in a dimly lit room
with a laptop and a mug of chamomile tea, coming out occasionally only for book signings and
scraps of food. 🙂
The thought of filming myself is rather uncomfortable. But now, recognizing potential for some fun interaction with my dear readers and a chance to promote my books, I have energetically leapt into the fray.
As a result I have been ‘tiktoking’ like crazy over the last little while. Stay tuned, because soon there will be short videos featuring all kinds of fun stuff starring this formerly camera shy solitudinarian. I don’t want to give anything away, but it’s going to involve costumes, improvised dialogue, and some fun role playing. It’s also going to be funny and most likely very cheesy.
For those of you who have been hesitant to use the app but who are willing to give it a whirl, don’t worry, you don’t need an account or even an app. Just go to tiktok.com in your browser to look around. Although without an account you won’t be able to ‘like’ or ‘follow’ anybody.
Sound like fun? If so, when I make the announcement that my TikTok debut has happened, just search #leestraussauthor and you’ll quickly find me. Give me a big old heart shaped ‘like’ or a ‘follow’ and we’ll see each other in TikTok land.
PS: You won't touch TikTok with a ten-foot pole? No worries, I plan to cross post to Facebook Reels and Instagram. You can watch and interact with me there, only it will be a few days later.
LAUNCHING JANUARY 24 SEE YOU THEN!