“Shatter Me” Author Tahereh Mafi on Why She Avoids BookTok: ‘Healthy for a Lot of Reasons’ (Exclusive)

**Tahereh Mafi Shuns BookTok Amidst Shatter Me Series Success**

Tahereh Mafi, the acclaimed author behind the popular *Shatter Me* series, has chosen to distance herself from the thriving TikTok community, known as BookTok, even as her books reach unprecedented levels of popularity on the platform. In a recent conversation, Mafi shared her thoughts on the impact of social media on her work and the forthcoming release of her new novel, *Release Me*, which is set to be the second instalment in the *Shatter Me: The New Republic* series.

The *Shatter Me* series, which includes six major novels and additional supplementary stories, has garnered over five million ratings on Goodreads, boasting an impressive average rating of more than four stars. The series has seen a significant resurgence in interest, particularly during the recent romantic fantasy boom, predominantly driven by social media discussions and fan-generated content.

Despite the success her series enjoys on BookTok, Mafi chooses not to engage with the platform, believing that her absence is beneficial for both her and her readers. “I’m not on TikTok, and I think that’s healthy for a lot of reasons,” she stated. Mafi expressed that maintaining a boundary between her experiences as a creator and the wide-ranging reactions from her audience is crucial to her writing process.

For Mafi, the connection with her readership through social media comes with its own set of challenges. While she acknowledges the positive aspects of readers being able to share their thoughts and feelings about her work, she also highlights the necessity of preserving some emotional distance. “It’s wonderful they can process their feelings about my work, but it is also important for me to keep some separation to manage my own anxieties and meet my publishing deadlines,” she explained.

In navigating the complexities of modern authorship, Mafi shares that she adopts strategies to keep her creative focus intact. She aims to complete the next book in the series before the preceding one is released. This practice allows her to concentrate on her story without the immediate influence of reader feedback. “Having that immediate feedback about the current book in my head while I’m trying to write the next book is more difficult, emotionally,” she noted.

Mafi’s decision to remain off BookTok is partly motivated by a desire to create an environment where her readers can freely express their emotions regarding her characters. She believes that this approach prevents readers from feeling as if they are being monitored by the author, allowing them to connect with the narrative on a more personal level. “I never want my readers to feel like I’m looking over their shoulders,” she remarked.

The author also touched on the nature of her writing journey, admitting that she continues to grapple with the overwhelming success and impact of her work. Mafi is striving to balance the external attention with her inner creative world, ensuring she remains immersed in the lives of her characters without distraction.

With excitement building around the release of *Release Me* on 7 April, fans of the *Shatter Me* series are eager for the next chapter in Mafi’s narrative universe. Although she remains absent from TikTok discussions, her supporters continue to share their enthusiasm across various platforms, demonstrating the profound connection they’ve forged with her characters and stories.

As the literary landscape continues to evolve with the influence of social media, Tahereh Mafi’s unique approach to her authorial career serves as a reminder of the necessity of personal boundaries in the pursuit of creative expression. By prioritising her mental health and the authenticity of her writing process, Mafi continues to engage her readers in a meaningful, albeit indirect, manner.

Readers can pre-order *Release Me* now, with anticipation building for its arrival in bookshops nationwide. As Mafi continues her writing journey, the literary world watches with bated breath to see where her characters will lead next.