PLOT TWIST

Soman and Victoria lay out a clear path for how new – and established – authors need to approach their work to survive a future of AI and slop. They also discuss the importance of voice and how to develop it, as well as the qualities of a great retelling. Victoria is trying to avoid a meltdown, and Soman has some belated advice for Ilia Malinin. Theme of the Week (09:14)Goals of the Week (16:48)Industry Nonsense (33:07) Reader Mailbag (53:18)Plot Twists in Real Life (57:20)

A new New York Times article about AI-powered authors has set off a firestorm – Victoria and Soman are here to cover the fall out. They also discuss how audiobooks are made and try to pin down their desired daily word count. Soman has some hazardous Young World swag, and Victoria wants to vicariously live in the Olympic village. Theme of the Week (08:09)Goals of the Week (17:45)Industry Nonsense (30:07) Reader Mailbag (52:36)Plot Twists in Real Life (57:47)

Soman and Victoria tackle the tricky question of how artists respond to our current political moment. They also reveal how to deal with taxes as authors and how far ahead they knew the ending of their book series. Victoria needs to find out if her car is totaled, and Soman thinks he would make a pretty good eighth-string Elphaba.Theme of the Week (04;24)Goals of the Week (13:13)Industry Nonsense (27:34) Reader Mailbag (52:46)Plot Twists in Real Life (57:17SPONSORS This week’s sponsor is Bold-and-Bookish.com. Are you a writer who is looking to grow their skills and connect with others who share your passion? Join the Bold & Bookish virtual writers retreat on Feb 28th. With skill-building activities, critique circles and built in bursts of writing time you’ll leave feeling motivated, connected and ready to conquer your writing goals.

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)

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)

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)

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.

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.

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)