Only on Paper, April Henry's Substack

As the New York Times bestselling author of 31 thrillers for teens and adults, I kill people, but only on paper. Sharing behind the scenes peeks into writing compelling thrillers, interesting research, and things that have caught my eye.

By April Henry

· Launched 3 years ago

The seamstress held my husband's suit hostage

This June, I'm thinking about thrift-store-based weddings, failed blue-belt tests, motherhood, and why getting things wrong is part of getting it right.

Jun 18

I can save you from travel mishaps

April Henry’s hard-won survival guide

Jun 4

I trapped two characters in a burning storage unit. Then I had a problem.

Behind-the-scenes research, serial killers’ children, and the readers I can't stop thinking about.

May 21

Are you ready to live in the future?

Dec 28, 2023

Would you like the literal shirt off my back?

Nov 28, 2023

On the road again

Mar 1, 2024

Who/what do you love?

Jan 28, 2024

The Day I Walked Out Before Lunch

Jan 29

The Girl With Home-Cut Bangs and a Hand-Me-Down Dress

May 14

This Is the Part No One Talks About

A book launch, a lot of nerves, and why getting teens to read matters more than ever

May 7

I Thought It Was Stolen Art. I Was Wrong.

The real story behind the painting that inspired my first novel

Apr 30

When DNA gets it wrong

DNA affects me professionally—and personally

Apr 23

Does murder run in my blood?

A buried family story, a new thriller, and your chance to win a signed copy.

Apr 16

My brain said, “You’re about to die.”

The trick that calms anxiety—and that can make your fiction more vivid

Apr 9

One Perfect Day (Plus a 22-Hour One)

Cross country travel, back-to-back podcasts, and why early In the Blood reviews have me cautiously thrilled

Apr 2