Essie Chambers’ Swift River Social Media Graphics

Documentary producer and television executive Essie Chambers, best known for the Oscar-shortlisted documentary Descendant (released by the Obamas’ Higher Ground production company and Netflix in 2022) released her debut novel Swift River this past summer, released via Simon & Schuster.

Set in a 1980s New England town, it follows teenager Diamond as she searches for her long-missing father. Her search leads her on a journey of discovery in her hometown, where she is the lone Black person.

This past spring, I was tasked with crafting promotional social media graphics counting down to its June 4 release date, building upon the gorgeous key art designed by artist Wilson Imini and highlighting some of the tour dates and wonderful reviews.

It has been amazing to see the process as well as the reception for the book. The now-bestselling novel has since gone on to great acclaim, with numerous accolades from several Best Books of 2024 lists (NPR, Esquire, Glamour UK, Amazon Books, Elle, etc.) to becoming the Barnes & Noble Discover Prize winner, longlisted for both the 2025 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize, among others.

At the time of release, the book was selected as Read with Jenna’s June 2024 book club pick, where the author visited the Today Show to be interviewed and hand out books.

I cannot think of a more deserving person to receive such a lovely reception for their work. For more on Essie and her spectacular debut, please visit her website. Better yet, buy her book! You won’t be disappointed!