Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly Rogers
Hi Shelly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey started in 2021. I was going through a divorce and trying to navigate life. It was hard. I worked night and missed a lot of time with my kids. No one is awake a night. So not many friends around. I ended up on Booktok. I wish I could remember her name, but there was an Australian girl who was talking about this book that was supposed to be so controversial. It peaked my interest so I went and found the infamous Den of Vipers by KA Knight. After reading that book, being able to have a break from life and just immerse myself in a story, I was hooked. I started reading as much as I could. That led me to join a few street teams and become an ARC reader.
Fast forward to later that year, I’ve basically converted my Tik Tok to Booktok. I saw a video of an author needing beta readers. The book got my attention full force. After I read it, I was hooked and wanted more. It was the authors debut. I remember seeing other people doing interviews and giveaways. I was like, what if? I know it sounds crazy, but I reached out to her. Just knowing she was going to say no. But she didn’t. Roisin Visser and I spoke on my first LIVE Dec 7, 2022. She just released her 7th book. I’m so proud of her. It’s crazy someone I have never met has been one of my biggest supporters. I took a chance and reached out to a few authors I had contacts with. P.H Nix, Brooklyn Cross, and KG Reuss. They all said yes and I kept going. Those 4 ladies have no idea the impact they made on a small booktoker. In 2023 I interviewed over 100 authors. I follow every single one. I check in on them. I support them. And I see all the achievements they make. It’s pretty cool to be a small stone on their journey.
In Sept of 2023, I got asked to be an influencer for Sinful Signings. And when I tell you that event is everything. They took a chance on me. They are friends now. And when I decided to bring a book event to my town, that’s who I reached out to. They never once hesitated. I had questions, they gave me answers. Before I knew what was happening Booked in Chaos 2024 was born. We have 60 ish authors planned for November. And for 2024, over 100 have signed up. Pinch me please.
I’m having a blast and I’m doing it with some of the most amazing people. All because of a book. I want to give that to someone else. I hope I do someday.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Planning an event will always have issues. Timing and location. Putting it all in motion. Solving problems that haven’t occurred. But I have some great friends that have stepped up and now we are a team.
As for being an influencer, you can never guarantee your videos will get seen. The way the apps work you have to keep posting, even on days you don’t feel like it. On days you’re tired. But when I tell you I believe so much in these authors, I mean it. So on those days I don’t want to get on social media, I remind myself of the community I’ve found on BookTok and in “Book World.” I remind myself that there was a point in time where one video changed the course of everything for me in my lowest moment. And I just keep going.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m currently a dispatcher for a private ambulance service. And I love my job. I have been a certified EMT for almost 20 years. I’ve been a first responder since I was 16. There are a million things I could say that has brought me joy in my profession, but honestly, the best parts has been when a patient grabs your hand and says “Thank You.” It was a reminder in the darker moments of the job, that what we do matters. That someone wants us there. That we can make a difference.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’m a Christian woman at heart. I believe in God with my whole heart. Maybe a little differently than some, but nevertheless. I don’t believe it’s luck. I believe there is a plan already made far greater than myself. And I’m merely being led where He wants me to go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.chaosandbookshop.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shellybean87
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelly.sanders.35
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@chaosandbooktalk?_t=8crMNEGJTcQ&_r=1
