Welcome to the Summer Solstice edition of Author Update, where co-hosts Thomas Umstattd, Jr. and Jonathan Shuerger unpack the headlines that matter to authors—from global conflicts to algorithm updates. In this jam-packed episode, they dig into the TikTok ban, the war in Iran, surging antisemitism, AI-powered tools, book piracy, and whether nonfiction authors should be worried about AI chatbots replacing them.
Here’s a full breakdown of the episode and what it means for you as a writer, entrepreneur, or reader navigating the evolving literary world.
The TikTok Ban: A Ticking Clock for BookTok Creators
Although the U.S. government has passed a TikTok ban with bipartisan support—and the Supreme Court has ruled it constitutional—the app remains operational. Why?
Because TikTok is playing the long game. Every time the deadline nears, they signal negotiations and buy themselves another 90 days. This delay strategy has worked repeatedly, but Thomas and Jonathan both agree: the clock is ticking, and the platform could vanish at any moment.
“If you’re building your author platform on TikTok, you’re building it on the most unstable foundation possible.” —Thomas Umstattd
This is a wake-up call for authors who rely heavily on TikTok. Now is the time to diversify your platform. Build an email list. Establish a presence on platforms you control—like your own website or a newsletter.
War in Iran: Global Conflict and Its Impact on Authors
As Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites dominate international headlines, many authors may wonder: “What does this have to do with me?”
The answer: everything.
Thomas and Jonathan explain how wars, even those thousands of miles away, affect the zeitgeist—the cultural atmosphere that shapes what readers want. From Star Wars to Westerns, many timeless stories are, at their core, reflections of past conflicts. War seeps into literature, often subtly.
Economic Ripples
Though headlines scream about rising oil prices, Thomas explains that the economic panic may be overblown. Iran sells most of its oil to China, and its energy production has yet to be targeted. However, if the Strait of Hormuz—a critical passage for 30% of the world’s oil—is blocked, prices could spike globally.
But historically, the U.S. has prevented that. Thomas recounts a forgotten but stunning six-hour naval operation where the U.S. Navy dismantled half of Iran’s navy in response to mined waters. He believes Iran remembers—and fears—a repeat performance.
Cultural Fallout
Jonathan, who teaches self-defense, shares firsthand stories of rising antisemitism, including having to train Jewish students every few years due to recurring hostility. From book bans to authors being deplatformed, we’re seeing ideological fault lines grow—and this affects what people read and how books are received.
Authors must stay aware of how their work might be interpreted in this polarized climate. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, knowing how your target audience views global events will help you connect—or risk alienation.
Writing the Zeitgeist: Stories That Resonate in a War-Torn World
Wars change us—and our stories. They shape collective fear, longing, and hope. As Thomas points out, readers today crave powerful protagonists who matter—because so many of us feel powerless.
That’s why fantasy is booming.
“People want a chosen one who can change everything because they don’t feel like their own decisions make a difference.” —Thomas Umstattd
But there’s another side to the story. Jonathan highlights the growing popularity of secondary characters—the “nobodies” caught in massive conflicts. Drawing on fan content from the video game Helldivers, he explains how readers relate deeply to powerless characters trying to survive.
Takeaway for authors: It’s not just about the Chosen One. Give readers someone who feels what they feel—fatigue, insignificance, fear—and your story will land with emotional force.
Klytics Report: Fantasy Is on Fire (Again)
Klytics just released its semi-annual Science Fiction & Fantasy Report, and the numbers speak loud and clear: fantasy is still booming, especially romantasy (romantic fantasy). Amazon has even renamed its category to reflect the surge.
Jonathan notes that romantasy is pulling readership from paranormal romance and other adjacent genres. While the overlap isn’t perfect, the shift indicates a broader trend: readers want high emotion, high stakes, and escapism.
Whether you write swords and dragons or futuristic sci-fi, the key is understanding why readers choose fantasy. And this is where cultural analysis meets data—the very ethos of Author Update.
AI & Book Piracy: Meta’s Llama Goes Too Far?
Meta’s latest AI model, Llama 3.1, has raised eyebrows—and alarms. According to a recent West Virginia University study, the model can reproduce 42% of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone verbatim.
This leap from 4.4% in earlier models reveals a stark vulnerability: AI models trained on public datasets may be able to regurgitate copyrighted texts without having direct access to them.
Thomas isn’t panicking yet. AI hallucinations and prompt limitations still prevent full reproduction of texts. However, the trend line is clear—AI’s ability to ingest and recall copyrighted material is growing.
“This is less about piracy today and more about where it’s headed tomorrow.” —Thomas Umstattd
The bigger concern may be scams: AI-generated ripoffs based on real books, given new names and sold as original work.
AI Book Tools for Authors
While AI poses risks, it also opens doors. Thomas and Jonathan introduced several new tools for authors this episode:
- Trope Finder – Analyze your manuscript and identify 24 marketing-relevant tropes, complete with quotes from your own book.
- Character Compendium with Voice Profiles – Generate a narrator guide for your audiobook with character traits, accents, and suggested delivery styles.
Jonathan points out that tools like these can save time and help authors better collaborate with editors and narrators. AI, used correctly, is a force multiplier.
Will AI Chatbots Kill Nonfiction?
Probably not—but they’ll definitely transform it.
The example of What to Expect When You’re Expecting shows how reference nonfiction has already evolved. The book is now an app, a community, and (soon) perhaps a chatbot.
But what about other types of nonfiction?
Thomas explains the divide:
- Vulnerable: Reference-style nonfiction (dictionaries, cookbooks, how-to guides)
- Resilient: Persuasive, structured nonfiction (self-help, memoir, idea-driven books)
“If people just want a quick answer, they’ll ask ChatGPT. But if they want a worldview, they’ll still buy your book.” —Thomas Umstattd
Jonathan adds that the community surrounding a book can often be more valuable than the book itself—especially in emotionally charged genres like parenting or health.
AI Tools for Nonfiction Authors: Community + Chatbot + Book
If you’re a nonfiction author, Thomas recommends creating a three-pronged platform:
- The Book – Still central.
- The Chatbot – Powered by your content, useful for specific queries.
- The Community – For connection, validation, and shared experience.
Monetizing all three might be tricky, but gating your chatbot behind an email sign-up or bundling it with a book purchase are viable strategies.
Traditional Publishers Use AI. Shouldn’t You?
UK-based Bloodhound Books has partnered with ProWritingAid to help evaluate manuscript submissions using AI.
This marks a shift in traditional publishing: editors are using bots to sort through the slush pile faster. Grammar, style, and readability are now pass/fail filters.
Jonathan notes that if publishers are using ProWritingAid to assess your manuscript, you’d better use it (or a similar tool) before submitting. AI is the bouncer at the door.
How to Stand Out in the Age of AI
With AI becoming more capable, what’s the best way to remain irreplaceable?
Be more human.
Infuse your writing with personality. The quirks that your English professor told you to erase? They’re now your best asset.
“The one thing the bot can’t do is be you.” —Thomas Umstattd
And yes, that means some readers won’t like you. Good. Those who do will become die-hard fans.
Final Thoughts: The Road Ahead
From TikTok’s potential demise to AI’s steady ascent, the publishing landscape is shifting. But don’t panic—adapt. Whether you’re a fiction writer tuning your stories to cultural currents, or a nonfiction author exploring new tools, now is the time to rethink, retool, and rewrite your approach.
Thomas and Jonathan will continue guiding you through it all. And if you want access to their exclusive tools, Q\&A sessions, and a vibrant author community, consider becoming a patron at AuthorMedia.com/patron.
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Subscribe to the Author Update podcast or become a patron to access tools like the Trope Finder, Character Compendium, Book Cover Generator, and more.
Stay smart. Stay savvy. And keep writing stories that matter.
