When we pursue our dreams, we frequently meet doubt and criticism from others around us. Friends, relatives, or even strangers may challenge our goals, casting doubt on the road we’ve chosen. However, it is critical to remember that the opinions of others should not define or limit our potential. After being laid off, Shawn Warner, 58, of Texas, pursued his childhood passion of becoming a writer.
Despite criticism, he published his debut book, “Leigh Howard And The Ghosts Of Simmons-Pierce Manor,” last year. According to PEOPLE, Shawn’s career took an unexpected turn when a TikTok video of him selling his book in a grocery store went viral, and he became a Texas bestselling author. Jerrad Swearenjin, better known as Red or “internetfamouslol,” a TikToker, recorded the video showing Shawn sitting alone at a table with his books in a Texas Kroger store.Swearenjin sensed Shawn’s sadness and chose to show him kindness by speaking with him.”When I first passed this new author, he appeared disheartened. So, before I left the store, I decided to return,” read the video text.
“I was just shopping when I noticed this man trying to promote his new book,” Swearenjin said in the description. “I honestly don’t read books anymore.” But something told me that I should purchase a pair.” The video received millions of views, likes, and comments, and many people expressed interest in purchasing Shawn’s book. Shawn outlined the premise of his book in the viral TikTok video, which involves a girl joining up with a ghost with various personalities to unravel the mystery of her parents’ murder.
Swearenjin explained his motivation for contacting Shawn, adding that he wanted to demonstrate kindness to a stranger after experiencing a lack of acknowledgment in the past despite working hard. Shawn’s face lit up with delight as the talk developed, when Swearenjin expressed interest in his novels and offered help as a local author. Swearenjin even asked a second signed copy to distribute to his fans in order to generate more love and recognition for the work of the Texas bestselling author.
“I’m going to gift it and see if we can get you some love on there,” he remarked, to which Warner laughed and responded, “Okay, I won’t say no.”Swearenjin’s TikTok video with Shawn Warner rapidly went viral, with over 17.6 million views, 3.1 million likes, and over 22,000 comments. Swearenjin explained the enormous impact of his initial TikTok video in a follow-up TikTok video. Shawn’s book, which had only two reviews on Amazon at the time, acquired approximately 200 reviews overnight.
This rapid rise in popularity drove Shawn to the top of the Amazon bestseller list. Shawn, the Texas bestselling author, took to TikTok to show his gratitude after being overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support. He was taken aback and struggled to express his gratitude for the unexpected circumstances. According to the New York Post, Shawn revealed in another TikTok video that his book would be available in hardcover and as an audiobook, featuring Theresa Bakken as the narrator.
Shawn praised Swearenjin and everyone who had showed love and charity, who had impacted him emotionally. Because of a dip in book sales, he acknowledged his initial willingness to chat to anyone, making the eventual positive conclusion all the more incredible. Shawn’s goal was to produce fun books, and the enormous response he received beyond his greatest dreams. The Texas bestselling author’s book now has a new cover that features his recent achievements as a worldwide #1 Amazon bestseller and TikTok celebrity with millions of views.”It’s surreal; every time I sign a book, I almost feel like I can’t believe I’m doing this,” he remarked.
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Shawn’s path from ambition to unexpected success thanks to the goodwill of strangers is an uplifting story of determination, kindness, and the power of social networking. On the other hand, even modest acts of kindness can have significant and unanticipated consequences that extend long beyond the initial act. When we lend a helping hand or show compassion to others, we make a difference in their life and start a positive chain reaction that affects many more people. Watch Shawn Warner’s amazing video about how he become a best-selling author in Texas: