Raven sits down with USA Today bestselling author Shawn M. Warner for a conversation surrounding viral publishing success, storytelling, social media, and his breakout novel “Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor.”

After a chance encounter at a grocery store led to a viral TikTok video viewed by millions, Shawn and his novel quickly exploded into the spotlight, transforming the independently published ghost story into a chart-topping bestseller and introducing readers around the world to the haunting world of Leigh Howard.

Together, Raven and Shawn discuss the surreal experience of sudden viral attention, the realities of modern publishing and BookTok culture, and the process behind crafting a story that blends spooky atmosphere, mystery, humor, grief, and adventure. The conversation also explores Shawn’s writing journey, audience connection, and how social media has transformed the way stories find readers.

“Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor” follows a teenage girl whose life is shattered after the murder of her parents, leading her into a world of secrets, betrayal, organized crime, and the supernatural — including an unforgettable ghost companion with multiple personalities.

Find Shawn on TikTok @shawnwwrites.

(This episode originally aired on the podcast Sirens | Southern True Crime with Raven Rollins. It has been reformatted for use on this podcast.)

Find retail links to this storyteller's work, along with other books, podcasts, films, and music featured on the show at https://linktr.ee/DreadfullyYours.

Find Raven's books, audiobooks, and podcasts at www.RavenRollins.com.

Support the show by donating today.

Mentioned in this episode:

That Which Separates Man (Book)

Find That Which Separates Man in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited.