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How Do Authors Make Money?
58:36|Soman and Victoria discuss the nuances of supporting yourself as an artist — and how to structure your advances and royalties to work for you. They also reveal what makes an idea “flawed at conception” and whether they get control over their book covers. Soman has a billion dollar business idea (think monkeys!) and Victoria is contemplating writing on a walking pad.Theme of the Week (05:50)Goals of the Week (15:10)Industry Nonsense (27:56) Reader Mailbag (47:28Plot Twists in Real Life (54:02)Pup Twist (56:51)
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Should You Date An Artist?
57:39|Soman and Victoria debate what it takes to date an artist – and whether or not artists can successfully date other artists. They also reveal their approaches to quelling online embarrassment, as well as commissioning illustrators for their books. Victoria is gearing up for a season of travel and Soman thinks there’s going to be a renaissance in young people reading.Theme of the Week (06:47)Goals of the Week (12:41Industry Nonsense (24:16) Reader Mailbag (44:45)Plot Twists in Real Life (51:11)Pup Twist (55:05)How Do You Make a Book a Hit?
01:04:53|Soman and Victoria are in their pub year for their new books and debate how to make their books succeed – while also considering what “success” actually is. Also they dive into the Amazon monopoly over book sales and distinguish between the different kinds of edits. Soman went into hermit mode over the holidays, and Victoria is ready to go into the bunker to finish her copyedits. Theme of the Week (06:40)Goals of the Week (12:42)Industry Nonsense (30:15) Reader Mailbag (52:06)Plot Twists in Real Life (57:30)Pup Twist (01:02:50)Victoria Can Finally Talk About TEMPEST – The Episode!
56:26|The cat is out of the bag, and Victoria can finally reveal some - but not all - of her TEMPEST secrets, with preorders open now. She spills the beans with Soman, answering your burning questions about her next novel, a swashbuckling pirate epic. Plus, a pitch for a very “spicy” episode to come.New Years Preview! Plus: 2025 Hot Takes & Funniest Moments
51:23|Victoria and Soman ring in 2026 with a preview of what’s coming this year for PLOT TWIST. Plus, a look back at our Top 10 most provocative arguments and 10 funny moments that brought us joy.Is Jealousy Part Of Being An Artist?
01:01:20|Soman and Victoria take on the evil green-eyed snake – and consider whether jealousy isn’t so evil after all. Also they discuss the economics of buying books second-hand and whether poor sales can lead a publisher to cut a series short. Victoria is working on a secret project, and Soman thinks he should be the one to own Warner Brothers.Theme of the Week (07:49)Goals of the Week (19:25)Industry Nonsense (26:13) Reader Mailbag (47:30)Plot Twists in Real Life (54:14)Pup Twist (58:39)What Do Editors Actually Do?
58:22|Soman and Victoria break down what an editor does — and more importantly, shouldn’t do. Also they commiserate over what to do on days where you don’t feel like writing. Soman wants to gain his weight back, and Victoria wants more time to actually read books.Theme of the Week (07:07)Goals of the Week (14:39)Industry Nonsense (22:15) Reader Mailbag (48:05)Plot Twists in Real Life (53:54)Pup Twist (56:35)