It’s funny sometimes, the outlets we use as authors to connect with potential readers. Some authors are really big into Twitter. Others write weekly blog posts or have a YouTube channel full of cool interviews and writing tips. For me, the route I’ve taken seems to veer off into a completely different track: fandoms and cosplay.
Those who know me are aware of my obsessive love of cosplay. As a theatre person, cosplay is a natural fit for me. It’s a combination of getting to dress up as characters I love while getting to pretend to be them in some small way. In other words, it’s a perfect side hobby for an actor. But how does that fit into my author brand and the unending quest to find and connect with readers who haven’t heard of my books?
Enter one particular cosplay that holds a special place in my heart: Professor Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series.
Harry Potter fans tend to be fans of reading and fantasy. They are creative, passionate, and interesting. As a fan of the books and films myself, it’s fun to engage with other Potterheads at conventions and online. When my best friends and I decided to cosplay as Hogwarts professors for a convention a couple of years ago, little did I know that Professor Snape would become an unlikely intersection point for me – a fun blend of my author self and my cosplay/actor self.
And that intersection happened on a social media platform I’d never considered: Musical.ly. (Now called TikTok).
With such a large demographic of TikTok users being right in my readership age range, it seemed a fun way to throw out some feelers about my YA books. But, to keep things from being only about my books — which nobody knew anyway — I decided to throw some of my cosplay on my page as well — particularly, my Professor Snape.
And it began.
Professor Snape was the definite draw to my page. And, being an actor, I attempted to pay tribute to the great Alan Rickman with my little mini-performances of lip-syncs to some of his great scenes from the films. As my follower numbers went up, I realized that Snape was providing me with a fun way to interact with so many different people. They would ask questions about my books and writing, and many would comment to tell me that they’d bought my books and loved them. Within a few short months, I had far more reader interaction on TikTok than I’d had in all my other media platforms combined.
But, of course, Professor Snape continues to be the driving force of my TikTok profile…and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The teacher part of me quite enjoys being referred to as “Professor”, and the comments have been so kind. I never would’ve thought I’d have so many remarks saying how much I look like Alan Rickman…a thought that still makes me chuckle…but I take it as a huge compliment.
As an unknown YA author, trying to make a dent in the huge world of books…well, it’s been a fantastic ride. For every person that asks me where to buy my books or tells me how much they’ve enjoyed them, it makes my day. I feel, for the first time in a couple of years, that there are some people out there who actually know my book series, and I’m finally getting the chance to do what I’ve always wanted to do — connect with readers.
So, thank you Professor Snape and Alan Rickman. You’ve made my author world a little bit brighter, and I’m having a blast.
Part-time author. Part time Head of Slytherin House.
Christi J. Whitney
My TikTok is @christij.whitney
P.S. Happy Birthday, Alan Rickman. I miss seeing your face on the big screen. #always