A writer felt she had hit a "career low point" after turning up to her book signing - only to be greeted by rows of empty chairs.
Author Suzanne Young said she "cried all the way home", but it wasn't long before her spirits were lifted thanks to the "kindness and support" of strangers.
Suzanne had been making an appearance at a bookshop, to sign copies of her new young adult novel In Nightfall, but was left dismayed after nobody turned up.
Taking to Twitter, Suzanne shared a pic of the empty seats, writing, "If you ever want to see a career low point, this is it. Crying my entire way home".
Fortunately, Suzanne, who goes by the username @suzanne_young, wasn't glum for long, and many fellow writers, musicians, and comedians came forward with similar stories of their own, leaving her feeling far less alone.
One person recalled: "I was at an event with two other authors, and nobody came, so we photoshopped in an adoring crowd. You are definitely not alone in this experience!"
Another wrote: "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."
A third tweeted: "I've been there! And it's not the worst. The worst is when there's ONE person there, some tired shopper who just wants to sit down a bit, and then you have to give your book talk to that one uncomfortable soul."
A fourth author lamented: "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!"
What initially started out as a tale of disappointment quickly spun into a thread of hope and solidarity, with many people lining up to grab their own copy of In Nightfall.
In response to the many encouraging words from those who could relate all too well, Suzanne said: "I went from one of my worst days to one of my best. The support has been incredible and I couldn't be more grateful. What an amazing community."
Speaking later with NBC News, Suzanne revealed how she'd had to nip into the bathroom at one point during her "sparsely attended" first signing".
After sharing her experience online, she was initially about to delete her tweet, until she saw just how many others could relate.
Suzanne continued: "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."
Do you have a heartwarming story to share? Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com
