ARLINGTON, Texas — Earlier this year, writer Shawn Warner went to Kroger to try to sell a few copies of his first ever book.
A man with a TikTok account saw Warner sitting by himself, bought the book and posted a video to the app encouraging others to buy it. That video was viewed 25 million times.
"It's incredible," Warner said from his Arlington home, six months since the video was shared. "There’s no describing it, it’s just been amazing."
Since he found viral fame, Warner told WFAA he's sold more than 100,000 copies of his book. The army veteran's been traveling from city to city for book signing after book signing. He’s been able to meet and befriend fans of his book, from little kids to grown adults.
"It's just a privilege," he told WFAA as tears streamed from his face.
Warner has even optioned the book rights for a movie to be made. He was just asked to host a cruise down the Danube.
He's also become a well-known author internationally.
"The book is out and available in Slovakian!" he said, shocked.
And Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, Russian and Ukrainian.
"I had to look at that for a long time," he said.
Warner said he is most proud to share he’s written a second book titled "Homeland Insecurity". It will be published next summer. If you'd like to preorder it, you can visit Warner's website: www.shawnwarner.com.
"Pursue your dreams," he said. "Other people have done it, so there’s absolutely no reason you can’t."
Warner and his wife have since shared his journey on a popular TikTok account, where they have 230,000 followers.