A devastated author has gone viral on social media after revealing that she was shunned at her book signing.
On March 29, writer Suzanne Young had been making an appearance at a First Draft Book Bar in Phoenix, Arizona, to sign copies of her new young adult novel, In Nightfall.
However, the 47-year-old New York Times bestselling author of the Program novel series was left disappointed after nobody turned up to her signing.
Taking to Twitter to post about the situation, Young shared a picture of the empty seats and wrote: "If you ever want to see a career low point, this is it. Crying my entire way home".
Fortunately, the novelist wasn't glum for long as her spirits were lifted up by fellow writers who came forward to share similar stories of their own.
Author Lija Fisher penned: "I was at an event with two other authors, nobody came, so we photoshopped in an adoring crowd You are definitely not alone in this experience!"
Miranda Dickinson, a Sunday Times Bestseller, offered solace by revealing: "I did a library event where the two elderly ladies who turned up (and chatted loudly throughout) suddenly got up and walked out, leaving me alone with the librarian and 20 empty chairs. The librarian shrugged: 'Their bus just arrived.' It’s tough but you’re not alone. Big love!"
Writer Damian Barr also added: "You are not alone. I mean, maybe you were there and then. But every author I know has faced the empty seats of doom. Onwards! I hope you feel better about it soon."
What initially started out as a story of dismay quickly turned into a thread of support and engagement, with many users on the platform purchasing a copy of In Nightfall.
In response to the many promising tales from other authors who could relate to her situation, Young tweeted: "Genuinely, I didn't know how common this was until now. I was so ashamed to post this picture, so ashamed."
"But this outpouring of support has been incredible. I want to hug and show up for all of you from now on. THANK YOU. Thank you for sharing," she concluded.
And in a second tweet, the author added: "I’m overwhelmed by your kindness and support! Thank you - thank you so much!! We have a new link to my dear local bookstore for signed copies of IN NIGHTFALL!"
The novelist spoke to NBC News about her devastation over her "sparsely attended" first signing.
She disclosed that after sharing her experience on Twitter, she was about to remove her post until she saw just how many people it comforted and could relate to her.
"It really was just thousands of tweets of people saying they had experienced it or it was going to get better, and it was just pure kindness on the internet," Young told the outlet.
