Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Morty Shallman FAQ — your guide to all things Literary Pop. Here you’ll find answers about my books, music, and creative projects, from novels like War and Sex and The Tyranny of Desire to my groundbreaking “novel with songs,” Last of the Zacharys. Whether you’re curious about my music, my writing, or how they come together, this page will point you in the right direction.
Who is Morty Shallman?
I’m an indie author, singer-songwriter, and creator of Literary Pop — a unique fusion of novels and music that tells stories through both words and songs. As a Los Angeles–based novelist and musician, I create satirical novels, romantic comedies, and original theme songs that live together under one roof.
What is Literary Pop?
Literary Pop is my signature style: the blend of books and original music. Sometimes it’s a “novel with songs,” sometimes a concept album, sometimes a theme song tied to a book — but always a unique blend of storytelling and melody.
What books have you published?
My novels include:
The Tyranny of Desire — a darkly satirical romantic comedy about lust, obsession, and self-destruction.
War and Sex — a political satire novel that’s part military action thriller, part erotic satire.
Last of the Zacharys — the world’s first “novel with songs,” released as a trilogy (Jaz, Ashbury, Cassandra).
What is Last of the Zacharys?
It’s a coming-of-age epic that mixes contemporary satirical fiction with original songs. Alongside the novel, I wrote and recorded full tracks — making it an audiobook with music and a fully immersive experience.
What music have you released?
My catalog includes:
Pop Fiction
Love’s Oblivion
Morton (a reboot of my early New Wave EP)
Original singles and theme songs like the War and Sex Theme Song and The Tyranny of Desire Theme.
These releases showcase my Literary Pop sound — blending fiction with pop music.
Where can I find your books and music?
My books are available on Amazon and other major retailers. My music streams on Spotify, Apple Music, and everywhere else you listen. You can also explore everything here at morty.org.
What themes do you explore in your work?
I write satirical novels and dark comedy books about desire, war, identity, politics, and obsession. My stories mix biting humor with heartfelt emotion and outrageous scenarios that shine a light on today’s culture.
Have your books or music received recognition?
Yes! War and Sex was an Amazon #1 New Release in Pop Culture and a finalist for the Faulkner-Wisdom Prize. My books have also hit Amazon bestseller lists, and my audiobooks have reached listeners worldwide — with The Tyranny of Desire audiobook submitted for Grammy® consideration.
Where are you based?
I live and work in Los Angeles, California.
How can I contact you?
You can reach me via the Contact Page, join my mailing list, or follow me on social media.
Book-Specific FAQs
What is War and Sex about?
War and Sex is a darkly satirical erotic thriller that follows Captain Rod Solo, a Top Gun pilot turned CIA drone operator with a bizarre affliction — Post-Traumatic SEX Disorder. Forced into a dangerous mission, he faces the absurd contradictions of America’s post-9/11 foreign policy. It’s Catch-22 meets Dr. Strangelove with a modern twist.
What genres does War and Sex fall into?
It blends military action thriller, political satire novel, and erotic comedy. Readers looking for outrageous dark comedy and post-9/11 satire will feel right at home.
Has War and Sex been recognized?
Yes — it reached #1 on Amazon’s New Release chart in Pop Culture and #3 in Political Humor.
Is there a theme song for War and Sex?
Yes! The War and Sex Theme Song is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms.
What is The Tyranny of Desire about?
The Tyranny of Desire is a darkly hilarious romantic comedy satire about a miserable loser with a massive penis who tries to purge desire from his life. His plan backfires, triggering outrageous disasters that threaten to bury him and everyone he loves.
What themes does The Tyranny of Desire explore?
The novel dives into lust, obsession, self-destruction, and the absurd comedy of trying to deny what makes us human. It’s edgy romantic comedy fiction with a satirical bite.
Is there an audiobook of The Tyranny of Desire?
Yes! The audiobook is available on major platforms and has been submitted for Grammy® consideration in the category Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording.
Does The Tyranny of Desire have music too?
It does. I wrote and recorded The Tyranny of Desire Theme Song, carrying forward my vision of novels with original soundtracks and the larger Literary Pop project.
Want More?
If you’ve made it this far, you already know I live where books and music collide. Here’s where to dive deeper:
📖 Explore my books → Browse my novels (War and Sex, The Tyranny of Desire, Last of the Zacharys)
🎵 Listen to the music → Stream my songs on Spotify and other platforms
✉️ Stay connected → Join my mailing list for updates, new releases, and behind-the-scenes stories