Aspiring Novelist Announces She's Alive After Allegedly Faking Suicide 2 Years Ago

Romance author Susan Meachen has announced she's alive, more than two years after a Facebook post said she died by suicide.

Meachen took to Facebook and shared a post on a private group called "The Ward", revealing she is very much alive and well.

"I debated on how to do this a million times and still not sure if it's right or not," the post read, as quoted by the New York Post. "There's going to be tons of questions and a lot of people leaving the group I'd guess. But my family did what they thought was best for me and I can't fault them for it."

"I am in a good place now and I am hoping to write again. Let the fun begin," the post added.

In a post on the social media app in September 2022, Meachen opened up about the obstacles she was facing in the publishing industry. She had also said that she considered ending her own life. The aspiring author also added she was publishing her last book on Oct, 30 of the same year.

Weeks later, a post written by her daughter appeared on the Meta-owned app, saying Meachen died by suicide, Insider reported. Fans and members of the book community were made to believe that Meachen was pushed to suicide because of bullying and harassment from the publishing industry. The post announcing her death also said that her Facebook page would continue to promote her work and her last romance novel, titled "Love to Last a Lifetime."

Meachen's Facebook page went on to list a number of suicide prevention fundraisers but reportedly didn't receive any money.

In another Facebook post in February 2021, the social media user lamented over Meachen's book sales and urged people to buy her latest novel. The post was believed to be written by the author's daughter.

Responding to the latest development, Samantha A. Cole, a fellow author who regularly spoke online with Meachen, said she was shocked to see the writer's latest post about her being alive. She also shared screenshots of a chat she had with Meachen after reading the post. "I simply want my life back," was Meachen's response.

Meachen claimed it was her family that was behind the suicide hoax. "My family was in a bad place and did what they thought was best for me," she reportedly told Cole.

In a long post on Facebook, Cole said she also believes Meachen has been hiding behind another Facebook profile called TN Steele.

"This tore the book community apart when everyone started pointing fingers at people who allegedly bullied her. Innocent people were accused ...," Cole told Rolling Stone.

"To have it end up being a hoax that was dragged out for almost two and a half years is a slap in the face to anyone who ever supported her. She had plenty of time to come clean, if in fact, her family had made up the story... "

If you have thoughts of suicide, confidential help is available for free at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call 1-800-273-8255. The line is available 24 hours, every day.