"Charli XCX Prankster and New Album Announcement Shake Up Music Scene"
Writer Gabriel Smith pranked the public by faking an email from singer Charli XCX asking to use the title of his forthcoming debut novel for her next album, garnering millions of views and likes. Charli XCX responded, denying any knowledge of Smith and his book. Smith, known for internet pranks, enjoys provoking people and has a history of controversial stunts. Other authors, such as Jennifer Belle and Susan Meachen, have also pulled attention-grabbing publicity stunts, with some having darker implications. Thriller author Mark Davis staged a kidnapping as a publicity stunt and eventually secured a book deal with a small publishing imprint.