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TikTok, Iran, and AI: What Authors Need to Know Now

TikTok, Iran, and AI: What Authors Need to Know Now

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Jun 23, 2025 | Author Update

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...
An Introduction to Author Ecosystems with Russell Nohelty

An Introduction to Author Ecosystems with Russell Nohelty

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | May 28, 2025 | Independent Publishing, Publishing

Explore the concept of author ecosystems and discover marketing strategies tailored to your unique approach and audience.

The Sci-Fi Zeitgeist Has Shifted: What Authors Need to Know

The Sci-Fi Zeitgeist Has Shifted: What Authors Need to Know

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Feb 26, 2025 | Publishing, Writing Craft

Dive into the essentials of writing a sci-fi novel amidst evolving themes like population collapse and AI advancements.

How to Worldbuild Your Book into a Bestseller

How to Worldbuild Your Book into a Bestseller

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Nov 13, 2024 | Publishing, Writing Craft

Discover the power of story worldbuilding to captivate readers and boost book sales. Create immersive settings that leave a lasting impact.

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

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

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 Better Short Stories With Steve Diamond

How to Write Better Short Stories With Steve Diamond

by Novel Marketing | Aug 7, 2024 | Promotion, Writing Craft

Discover all the benefits of writing short stories and find out how to write a great one that will impact readers and prompt them to buy your books.

AI for Authors – The Good, Bad, and Ugly

AI for Authors – The Good, Bad, and Ugly

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Apr 3, 2024 | Platform, Productivity, Writing Craft

Discover the evolution of writing technologies and find out how AI for authors in 2024 can increase your productivity and improve your skill.

When to Quit Writing

When to Quit Writing

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Jan 24, 2024 | Business Advice, Productivity, Publishing

Since few writers die at the keyboard, nearly all writers quit at some point, but how do you know when to quit writing? Answer these 5 questions to gain clarity.

From Page to Screen: How to Adapt Your Novel Into a Screenplay

From Page to Screen: How to Adapt Your Novel Into a Screenplay

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Jan 16, 2024 | Promotion, Writing Craft

Discover the important differences between writing for the page and the screen and find out how to turn your novel into a screenplay

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

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.

Time-Saving Tools for Authors

Time-Saving Tools for Authors

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Nov 22, 2023 | Independent Publishing, Publishing, Writing Craft

If you’re losing time or simply want to fine-tune your writing systems, check out these time-saving tools for authors.

How to Successfully Self Publish Your Book with James Blatch

How to Successfully Self Publish Your Book with James Blatch

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Nov 15, 2023 | Independent Publishing, Publishing, Writing Craft

Learn the seven critical steps to successfully self-publishing your book, and find out how to excel at each step of the process.

Workshops, Retreats, and Pitches: How to pick the best writers conference for you

Workshops, Retreats, and Pitches: How to pick the best writers conference for you

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Sep 6, 2023 | Conference Tips

Learn what types of events are available and discover how to pick the best writers conference for your stage in the publishing journey.

How to Extend Your Book’s Life With Effective Marketing

How to Extend Your Book’s Life With Effective Marketing

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Jun 21, 2023 | Publishing, Strategy, Writing Craft

Find out how to market your book in the four stages of its lifecycle and how to extend book sales on older books.

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Recent Episodes

  • What does ChatGPT Actually Know About Your Book?
  • How to Create Sales Optimized Book Pages for Your Author Website
  • TikTok, Iran, and AI: What Authors Need to Know Now
  • Amazon, AI, and Author Strategy Shifts: What You Need to Know Now
  • Are We in an AI Bubble? Plus Audiobook Strategy, Vellum Upgrades & Loving Your Readers
  • Is Your Traditional Publisher Going Bankrupt? 8 Warning Signs to Look Out For

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