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If you ever feel disheartened about all the cruelty in the world, let this sweet story help restore your faith in humanity.
Debut author Shawn Werner’s life was transformed this week, all thanks to the kindness of people on TikTok.
The Texas man was holding a book signing at a local grocery store when creator Red, who goes by @internetfamouslol on the social media platform, spotted his stall.
In a video that’s now been viewed over 17.9million times, he explained: ‘This new author seemed super defeated when I walked past him. So before I left the store, I decided to go back.’
Red chatted with Shawn about the novel before buying a few copies, and the difference in the writer’s demeanour as their conversation went on is clear to see.
‘I don’t know this guy and this isn’t a sponsorship,’ added Red. ‘I just wanted to show a stranger some kindness. I imagined all the times I’d worked hard and never got any recognition.’
The video ended with Shawn signing a book to be used as part of a TikTok giveaway, and the tactic clearly paid off.
After Red shared the post on July 2, thousands of followers promised to buy a copy themselves.
Less than a week later, it had reached top spot on Amazon’s bestseller list.
Leigh Howard And The Ghosts Of Simmons-Pierce Manor, which follows a teenage girl and her adventures with a ghost who has multiple personalities, skyrocketed up the charts, taking Shawn from relative unknown to BookTok sensation.
Additionally, an audiobook producer reached out to the novelist looking to help him, while book club members, teachers and fellow writers offered to support his work.
Following his success, Shawn created a TikTok account to share his gratitude.
‘I want to thank everybody for the love and the kindness on the video that Red posted,’ he said in a clip. ‘It’s totally unexpected. I’m in shock. I don’t even know what to say about it at the moment.’
‘You deserve all the kindness!’ one person replied. ‘So excited to see how far you go.’
‘Omg crying this is so pure,’ added another.
A third commenter also echoed many people’s feelings, saying: ‘Sometimes I love the internet.’
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