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The Cultural Zeitgeist Shift That’s Making Indie Authors Rich

The Cultural Zeitgeist Shift That’s Making Indie Authors Rich

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Apr 8, 2026 | Publishing, Writing Craft, Zeitgeist

Discover the cultural shift in zeitgeist that reflects the changing preferences of American readers.

Zeitgeist: Davy Crockett King of the First Turning 

Zeitgeist: Davy Crockett King of the First Turning 

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Mar 18, 2026 | Author Update, Zeitgeist

I’ve been pondering a lot about the return of King Arthur in the new zeitgeist. I am starting to wonder if Arthur will return, and specifically, if he will return to America. America has had two kings and neither of them were Arthur. Our kings were Davy Crockett, King...
The Mary Poppins Zeitgeist: From Grimbright to Nobledark

The Mary Poppins Zeitgeist: From Grimbright to Nobledark

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Mar 18, 2026 | Author Update, Zeitgeist

This conversation unpacks how stories reflect cultural “turnings” in the zeitgeist, using Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, Marines in wartime, and superhero tales as case studies. The Thomas Umstattd Jr. and Jonathan Shuerger explore the spectrum from Grimbright to...
Zeitgeist, Dystopian Fatigue, and the Rise of Ruthless & Noble Heroes  

Zeitgeist, Dystopian Fatigue, and the Rise of Ruthless & Noble Heroes  

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Jul 30, 2025 | Author Update, Zeitgeist

Explore the cultural vibe shift reshaping reader preferences and learn what sells now and where fiction is headed next.

Is Traditional Publishing Dying? Surprising Trends Authors Can’t Ignore

Is Traditional Publishing Dying? Surprising Trends Authors Can’t Ignore

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Jan 8, 2025 | News, Publishing, Zeitgeist

Explore the trends that will shape the industry and how they will impact authors.

How to Write Stories Readers Will Love by Knowing the Zeitgeist 

How to Write Stories Readers Will Love by Knowing the Zeitgeist 

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Oct 30, 2024 | Strategy, Writing Craft, Zeitgeist

If it takes you two years to write a book, you owe it to yourself to ask the question, “What kinds of books will be popular in two years?” Reader preferences change over time, but sometimes they change rapidly. If you don’t keep up, you can get stuck...
How to Write Enduring Bestsellers with the Two-Act Chiastic Structure

How to Write Enduring Bestsellers with the Two-Act Chiastic Structure

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Oct 16, 2024 | Publishing, Writing Craft, Zeitgeist

Struggling to write your three-act story? Discover another story structure from ancient history that will satisfy your readers and help you finish your book.

How to Write Novels Men Want to Read

How to Write Novels Men Want to Read

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Sep 4, 2024 | Writing Craft, Zeitgeist

Explore the reasons why men may not be reading novels published by big publishers. Find out how this product-market mismatch affects male readership.

How to Write for American Readers – An Author’s Guide to  America’s Regional Cultures

How to Write for American Readers – An Author’s Guide to America’s Regional Cultures

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Dec 13, 2023 | Branding, Platform, Writing Craft, Zeitgeist

To write for American readers, you must understand which American readers you’re targeting. Learn how American culture differs by region so you can write what resonates.

How Larry Correia Became a Mega-Bestseller by Writing for Overlooked Readers

How Larry Correia Became a Mega-Bestseller by Writing for Overlooked Readers

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Oct 18, 2023 | Branding, Independent Publishing, Publishing, Writing Craft, Zeitgeist

Find out how to be an authentic author, sell more books, and expand your writing career by finding and writing for a specific group of readers.

The Psychological Reasons Readers Read Books

The Psychological Reasons Readers Read Books

by Thomas Umstattd | Mar 29, 2023 | Marketing Psychology, Publishing, Writing Craft, Zeitgeist

You have a major advantage over AI writing tools like GPT-4 and ChatGPT. Learn how to discover and leveraging your edge in your genre.

7 Secrets of Amazing Author Websites

In this free video course, you will learn how to craft a website that readers will love visiting.

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