Writer Vicky wins place on bestseller charts after going viral

A creative writing student’s new thriller has gone viral and won a place on Amazon’s bestseller lists after 24 million people read her post on X about attending a book fair.

Vicky Ball, who has published two novels, is studying a Masters in Creative Writing at the University of Essex and also works as a programme administrator in our School of Health and Social Care.

Her post on X has received 24 million views, been shared 31,000 times and received over 740,000 likes. This has led to international news coverage and interviews on the BBC and Sky News. She even got a special message of congratulations from our Chancellor Dr Sarah Perry who has also bought her book.

Vicky said: “It has been totally unexpected and a little overwhelming but amazing! This is the kind of publicity a small author can only dream about. I have really enjoyed doing the interviews and am so grateful for them all. I have had so many wonderful messages from all round the world which is fantastic!”

The reaction from staff and students has blown her away too. “Everyone has been amazing and so supportive,” she said. “I have had lots of lovely comments from people on my masters course and my colleagues in Health and Social Care are beyond excited about it all.”

Since becoming a viral sensation, she’s seen book-lovers from all over the world purchase her novels, including the United States, Belgium and Columbia.

Many comments refer to the twists and turns they love in Vicky’s plots. “My first book Powerless is a thriller about a girl who goes missing and then returns seven years later,” Vicky said. “Throughout the book you discover what went on with lots of twists. My second book, Abandoned is about a girl whose mother is alcoholic. She finds out a shocking secret that explains why she drinks. It also has lots of twists.”

Vicky is enjoying sharing her passion for writing which she is developing through her studies at Essex. “I am loving being a student again,” she adds. “So far I am finding it extremely helpful. It has given me lots of motivation and inspiration and a chance to try new ways of writing in a safe space. My creative writing workshop class is full of lovely people and it is great how diverse we all are in the different styles we write.”

So what does the future hold? Watch this space, Vicky’s next novel is on the way: “I am currently working on my third book which is almost finished and I hope to get that out soon. I also have ideas for new novels, inspired by the work I am doing on my masters course.”