I had hoped to have the cover for my new book, new series, The Black Annis Year, by today, but it’s January. Everything is moving slow. So I will have that for you next time.
Today, I’d like to address something that has been on my mind for a while.
Today, I’d like to address something that has been on my mind for a while.
The Great Social Media Shuffle of 2025
Social media is always in flux. Platforms come and go. Heck, I once had a MySpace page and a Sula account (anyone remember Sula?).
The last year or so, the changes seem bigger and to be causing more confusion and turbulence than ever. Twitter got bought. TikTok’s future is uncertain. Old Zuck at Facebook has made some seriously questionable choices lately. The choice to do away with fact-checking in particular alarms me because I can only feel like this will lead to more online bullying and hate speech. It certainly has led to many FB users exiting stage right.
So what’s an author to do? Other than a newsletter like this one, social media is an indie author’s lifeline. How else can I get the word out about my books? Maybe I could rent a plane and fly a banner behind it. At this point that seems like a legit option with all the hoopla going on.
I guess I can feel some satisfaction that I never gave in to the TikTok mania. And now it seems there are a bunch of new platforms ready to jump into the void left by TikTok. Honestly, it all gives me hives.
On the other hand, I realize that I rely too much on Facebook. I feel comfortable there. I particularly like the group aspect. Our little corner of the Internet in the Inbetween Group is a happy, friendly space. I’m not ready to give it up and at this point, I’m not planning to.
I post on other sites—Instagram, Threads, and BlueSky—but none of those have the ability to bring a group together, and my posts are more informative than interactive. And so Facebook has become my main social media hub. I’ve known for a while that it’s not a good idea to put all my eggs in one basket and this current upheaval has just given me the impetus to do something about that.
So, I search for a new platform.
I want to be clear, I won’t be abandoning Facebook or any of the other platforms I currently post on, but I’d like to branch out a bit. In particular, I’d like another platform where I can host a private group. For that reason, I’m leaning toward Discord. This will give me a chance to connect with people who choose not to use Facebook.
But before I make the leap, I’d like to hear from you. What is your social media platform of choice, and why? What do you like about it? Where do you see yourself investing your precious time in the future?
Feel free to reply right in the comments, or you can take the poll on my site HERE.
The last year or so, the changes seem bigger and to be causing more confusion and turbulence than ever. Twitter got bought. TikTok’s future is uncertain. Old Zuck at Facebook has made some seriously questionable choices lately. The choice to do away with fact-checking in particular alarms me because I can only feel like this will lead to more online bullying and hate speech. It certainly has led to many FB users exiting stage right.
So what’s an author to do? Other than a newsletter like this one, social media is an indie author’s lifeline. How else can I get the word out about my books? Maybe I could rent a plane and fly a banner behind it. At this point that seems like a legit option with all the hoopla going on.
I guess I can feel some satisfaction that I never gave in to the TikTok mania. And now it seems there are a bunch of new platforms ready to jump into the void left by TikTok. Honestly, it all gives me hives.
On the other hand, I realize that I rely too much on Facebook. I feel comfortable there. I particularly like the group aspect. Our little corner of the Internet in the Inbetween Group is a happy, friendly space. I’m not ready to give it up and at this point, I’m not planning to.
I post on other sites—Instagram, Threads, and BlueSky—but none of those have the ability to bring a group together, and my posts are more informative than interactive. And so Facebook has become my main social media hub. I’ve known for a while that it’s not a good idea to put all my eggs in one basket and this current upheaval has just given me the impetus to do something about that.
So, I search for a new platform.
I want to be clear, I won’t be abandoning Facebook or any of the other platforms I currently post on, but I’d like to branch out a bit. In particular, I’d like another platform where I can host a private group. For that reason, I’m leaning toward Discord. This will give me a chance to connect with people who choose not to use Facebook.
But before I make the leap, I’d like to hear from you. What is your social media platform of choice, and why? What do you like about it? Where do you see yourself investing your precious time in the future?
Feel free to reply right in the comments, or you can take the poll on my site HERE.
Book Fairs
You made it through January (mostly)! You deserve a book. Choose your next read from these curated lists by clicking on any banner below.



Spotlight Books

The Guardian of Mischief
A Celtic Curses Story
L.M. Hatchell
- Release magic back into an unsuspecting Ireland – CHECK
- Discover you’re Guardian to said magic – CHECK
- Get caught in the middle of an ancient feud and screw up the lives of everyone you love – CHECK
I’m just ticking all the boxes these days. I need a break from the chaos, and Lakeview seems like the perfect place. At least until I hear about the disappearances. Three people in three weeks, and the most recent man has yet to be found.
With strange stories circulating about a black horse, my gut is telling me there’s something sinister at play. If it’s magic related, it’s my responsibility. I just hope I can figure out what’s going on before it’s too late for the missing man.
Or before I become the next victim.
The Guardian of Mischief is a standalone story set in the Celtic Curses world of mythology. Set between The Guardian’s Choice and The Guardian’s Truth, it does not contain spoilers for the main series.