Meet the Author

The crowd at the UTA Central Library waited anxiously to hear and learn from author Shawn Warner. Warner gave a talk about his new book, "Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor," and his writing process at the book signing on Tuesday, July 18. 

The UTA alum's book was relatively unknown until a TikTok video taken at a Kroger as a part of the Authors in Grocery Stores event skyrocketed it to the No. 1 bestseller worldwide on Amazon. 

Since the video went viral, the story of Warner's overnight success has been shared by multiple media outlets in the United States and overseas with publications such as "The Guardian" in the United Kingdom. 

Warner shared with the audience gathered at the library that he was amazed by the TikTok video's impact in letting people know about his first book. 

"It has been absolutely insane. The way we found out is that the TikTok video got posted on Sunday night. My wife's phone and my phone started ringing. We had to do some investigation of what was going on," Warner said. "My daughter called, and she said it went viral with almost a million views at that point. I said that is 'crazy and amazing. Is that a good thing?' because I don't know social media that well. It just took off from there." 

Warner's book tells the story of Leigh Howard, who lives with wealthy relatives after the death of her parents. With the police investigation at a standstill, Leigh investigates the case independently to find answers and peace for herself. 

Warner shared that he came up with the idea for the book as he was working on another project. He noted that this idea was that he had to put pen to paper. 

"This idea came to me about a girl whose parents were murdered, and then I started playing what-if games. That is kind of how I start planning my books," he said. "Well, what if she goes to live with a family that she didn't know she was a part of? Then what if that house was haunted? I just what if-ed until I had enough story to build a plot and then worked it from there." 

As he is writing, Warner draws on his background to help develop the story and characters. Before starting his career as a writer, Warner was a paratrooper in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, served as a counselor, and later worked as an engineer. He is also a husband and a father. 

"People have said to write what you know. That is a good thing in the sense that you don't want to be just writing things and be totally off-base with them," Warner said. "What they really mean when they say to write what you know is to know the experiences, know the people and the characters that make them genuine. Drawing from a life experience that you have." 

Warner encourages new writers to do groundwork ahead of time, research, and study the type of writing they want to do. He also stresses not to take rejection personally because it will happen.  

For example, even after his current success with Leigh Howard, Warner shared that he recently received a rejection letter on another project he pitched, but that has not deterred him. 

During his talk on campus, Warner shared that another book is in the works, along with the audiobook for Leigh Howard that should be out in the next few months. He is also working on a movie script and once the writer/actors strike is over, he can start negations with studios. 

Warner encouraged budding writers to keep at it and be active in finding their voice. 

"Sometimes, if you're writing and your story is not working for you, write something else," Warner said. "The point is to write." 

For updates on Warner's projects, go to his website at www.shawnwarner.com.  

Follow him on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.