PLOT TWIST

Soman and Victoria debate whether fandom is good for society or the sign of deeper decline. They also reveal what they talk about with readers at the signing table and how to manage multiple character POVs. Victoria’s closet got invaded, and Soman’s AI problems have him wanting to go back to the 90s again. Theme of the Week (06:12) Goals of the Week (12:54) Industry Nonsense (25:16) Reader Mailbag(48:05) Plot Twists in Real Life (56:36) Pup Twist (59:43) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria debate the difference between a good idea and a great one that’s worth writing. They also sort through the different kinds of characters and ways to avoid clunky exposition. Soman is getting very wet recreating an iconic Taylor Swift photo, while Victoria wants her payout from the AI companies! Theme of the Week (03:13) Goals for the Week (12:55) Industry Nonsense (24:31) Reader Mailbag(44:43) Plot Twists in Real Life (51:33) Pup Twist (56:51) Goals of the Week is sponsored by Wordsmith Workshops. Industry Nonsense is sponsored by First Draft Pro. Reader Mailbag is sponsored by Starret Systems Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria discuss when fan fiction crosses the line into grift. Also they answer questions about whether authors really need to be on social media and whether they like to plot out their stories or improvise as they go. Victoria has a big battle scene to rewrite, and Soman has a brand new addition to his family. Show notes Theme of the Week (04:50) Goals for the Week (13:13) Industry Nonsense (23:52) Reader Mailbag (45:24) Plot Twists in Real Life (53:16) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria discuss the paradox of loving the book -- and rejecting the author. Also they talk duologies vs. trilogies and the hazards of publishing under your legal name. Victoria is trying to power through her edits, and Soman thinks he should play Evita. Theme of the Week (02:46) Goals for the Week (12:33) Industry Nonsense (20:06) Reader Mailbag (35:05) Plot Twists in Real Life (43:16) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the show, Soman is joined by guest co-host Veronica Roth to talk about their (optimistic!) take on the future of literacy. Also they talk about what they do on days they don’t write, and their favorite fan interactions. Soman is enjoying a Miami swear, and Veronica wants people to use Booktok for good again! Theme of the Week (07:39) Goals of the Week (14:57) Industry Nonsense (23:12) Reader Mailbag(46:14) Plot Twists in Real Life (52:11) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria offer solutions to the generative AI crisis and how authors can prove their work is human made. They also talk about the writers whose careers they like to have and the best opening scenes for a book. This is Victoria’s last episode before her big tour hiatus and Soman is warding off pretenders to the throne. Theme of the Week (12:48) Goals of the Week (21:00) Industry Nonsense (29:50) Reader Mailbag(51:18) Plot Twists in Real Life (57:13) Twisteners (01:02:53) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria discuss the arms race between the authors who are using AI to write and the ones that still write honestly. They also cover the difference between marketing brain and writing brain and how to manage editor and reader feedback. Soman wants an author version of Big Brother and Victoria wants to vote some authors off the island. Theme of the Week (11:04) Goals of the Week (21:38) Industry Nonsense (28:19) Reader Mailbag(01:10:29) Plot Twists in Real Life (01:04:30) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria assess whether the book market is perched atop a giant bubble waiting to crash. Also they discuss which books have impacted their writing the most and whether you can skip drafting and sell a book on proposal. Victoria has to work through her birthday this year, and Soman is about to enter a D1 college tennis tournament on a loophole. Theme of the Week (10:48) Goals of the Week (20:16) Industry Nonsense (32:39) Reader Mailbag(57:45) Plot Twists in Real Life (01:01:49) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria debate the best way to handle the politics of Hollywood when your work is adapted. Also they discuss the pros and cons of retelling a classic story and why influencers who become authors are often walking into a minefield. Soman is gobsmacked by Madonna’s new album and Victoria is going to dress like a ‘low-key’ pirate on tour. Theme of the Week (11:35) Goals of the Week (23:18) Industry Nonsense (32:43) Reader Mailbag(59:24) Plot Twists in Real Life (01:06:23) SPONSORS (if any) All legacies come at a price, the question is: are you willing to pay it? This is the question Lillian Lightwood is being dared to face. In indie author L.R. Young’s debut novel, Blood and Hate , Percy Jackson meets The Vampire Diaries for a thrilling YA enemies to lovers slow burn that explores the question, just how far would you go to fulfill a legacy? Especially, if the cost is losing those you love. You can pre-order your signed copy today at thechronicleco3.com or reserve your copy at your favorite retailer! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from LA, Soman and Victoria discuss the rampant explosion of piracy, plus the use of generative AI to write fanfiction and play the lottery for a rich publishing deal. Also they discuss how to stay positive when sending their first books out and how to deal with pesky family and friends who want to know why your book isn’t published yet. Victoria is prepping for the biggest book tour of her life and Soman can’t decide if he wants to have a reality show or not. Theme of the Week (10:53) Goals of the Week (18:27) Industry Nonsense (29:51) Reader Mailbag(57:17) Plot Twists in Real Life (01:02:09) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Victoria and Soman go straight at the big question of the moment – do all adult books need sex? And what has made our brains so… horny ? They also answer questions about the difference between AI and a ghostwriter, and how they plan their careers and decide what to write. Soman is mourning the Wimbledon crash-out of Serena Williams, and Victoria wants to get through next week’s photoshoot without a meltdown. Theme of the Week (12:54) Goals of the Week (23:17) Industry Nonsense (34:57) Reader Mailbag(55:18) Plot Twists in Real Life (01:00:55) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria try to figure out what’s more important for a book – sales or a fandom? They also answer questions about galleys and ARCS being sold online and how to be an author if you struggle with public speaking. Victoria has an announcement she can’t talk about yet, and Soman wants you to listen to the new Olivia Rodrigo album in a very particular way. Theme of the Week (12:17) Goals of the Week (18:50) Industry Nonsense (30:16) Reader Mailbag(50:09) Plot Twists in Real Life (56:03) SPONSORS This week’s episode is brought to you by Reedsy. If you’re serious about writing a book, Reedsy’s ‘How to Write a Novel’ course can get you to a finished draft in just 3 months. With over 20 hours of video lessons, weekly live masterclasses, and Q&As with publishing experts, ‘How to Write a Novel’ is like an accelerated creative writing MFA. You’ll also get entry to all of Reedsy’s writing conferences and workshops for a full year. Join a community of writers finishing their novels this year, and get 20% off with the code PLOTTWIST when you enroll before July 25th. Visit Reedsy to learn more. This week’s Industry Nonsense is sponsored by Bold and Bookish, a space for writers to build community and grow their skills. Are you a writer looking to find your people? Check us out at bold-and-bookish.com or find us on Instagram. Summer programs are enrolling now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria discuss whether ambition is an asset or a hindrance in today’s marketplace. They also discuss the ins and outs of their writing routines plus whether subscription boxes are necessary to success. Soman wants Serena Williams to play singles at Wimbledon and Victoria wants the return of old school robber barons. Theme of the Week (09:09) Goals of the Week (17:12) Industry Nonsense (29:44) Reader Mailbag(51:30) Plot Twists in Real Life (57:07) This week’s episode is brought to you by Reedsy. If you’re serious about writing a book, Reedsy’s ‘How to Write a Novel’ course can get you to a finished draft in just 3 months. With over 20 hours of video lessons, weekly live masterclasses, and Q&As with publishing experts, ‘How to Write a Novel’ is like an accelerated creative writing MFA. You’ll also get entry to all of Reedsy’s writing conferences and workshops for a full year. Join a community of writers finishing their novels this year, and get 20% off with the code PLOTTWIST when you enroll before July 25th. Visit Reedsy to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria discuss whether competing with other authors is healthy and if it detracts or fuels their own work. They also answer questions about how to deal with other books a little too similar to their own and how to multi-task creative projects. Soman has to officiate a wedding in NYC and Victoria is plotting a return to the Mediterranean. Theme of the Week (11:28) Goals of the Week (20:33) Industry Nonsense (31:43) Reader Mailbag(54:58) Plot Twists In Real Life (57:45) This week’s episode is brought to you by Reedsy. If you’re serious about writing a book, Reedsy’s ‘How to Write a Novel’ course can get you to a finished draft in just 3 months. With over 20 hours of video lessons, weekly live masterclasses, and Q&As with publishing experts, ‘How to Write a Novel’ is like an accelerated creative writing MFA. You’ll also get entry to all of Reedsy’s writing conferences and workshops for a full year. Join a community of writers finishing their novels this year, and get 20% off with the code PLOTTWIST when you enroll before July 25th. Visit Reedsy to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Soman is joined by Veronica Roth to trace the rise and fall of the Young Adult genre, from Twilight to today’s more muddled market. They also talk about how to stay in love with your work when the going gets tough and how to manage the pressure of deadlines. Veronica is trying to get back into the social media saddle and Soman wants to be a Stepford Man. Theme of the Week (04:31) Goals of the Week (10:26) Industry Nonsense (19:58) Reader Mailbag(42:41) Plot Twists in Real Life (47:49) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman is back this week and he and Victoria decode the mysteries and magic by which a book becomes a best-seller. They also debate how readers “self-inserting” has become an epidemic and the ideal word count for a fantasy novel. Soman is trying to stay healthy for the final week of his tour, and Victoria wants to save kids from the long term consequences of AI. Theme of the Week (08:49) Goals of the Week (16:05) Industry Nonsense (16:51) Reader Mailbag(52:46) Plot Twists in Real Life (01:02:29) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Victoria and guest Veronica Roth discuss how they’ve survived the evolution of social media from the fun of unfiltered chatting on Twitter to the algorithmic nightmare we now found ourselves in. Also they talk about the myriad and complicated ways a book becomes a New York Times Bestseller and if romantasy and fairytales are the only things people want. Victoria is scribbling on some new ideas, and Veronica wants internet forums back! Theme of the Week (06:09 ) Goals of the Week (10:43) Industry Nonsense (21:33) Reader Mailbag(56:01) Plot Twists in Real Life (01:05:54) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Victoria and special guest Veronica Roth discuss how audiences are craving familiar stories at difficult times and what it means for them as authors who have left some of their work behind. Also they discuss release schedules and book titles. Victoria is scribbling some new ideas, and Veronica is hoping to drink enough water on tour. Theme of the Week (05:08) Goals of the Week (10:07) Industry Nonsense (19:41) Reader Mailbag(46:34) Plot Twists in Real Life (01:03:39) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s YOUNG WORLD release week!! Soman and Victoria discuss the glories and stress of putting out a new book and surviving the first 7 days. Also they talk about writing characters with different identities than themselves and whether or not writing groups are dead. Victoria is disaster planning for potential flight issues on her tour, and Soman hopes YOUNG WORLD will kick off debate-offs IRL. Theme of the Week (08:12) Goals of the Week (15:13) Industry Nonsense (29:45) Reader Mailbag(54:55) Plot Twists in Real Life (01:00:30) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Book Con 2026 in New York City, Soman and Victoria envision what books will look like in 10 years – for both readers and writers. They also cover how AI will evolve and what the media landscape will likely become. Soman is ready for the YOUNG WORLD revolution and Victoria reveals the title of the TEMPEST sequel. Theme of the Week (07:54) Goals of the Week (14:11) Industry Nonsense (21:03) Reader Mailbag(44:42) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.