PLOT TWIST

This week, a special conversation between Soman and Dr. Rose Brock about whether we’ve lost teenage boys for good and how we can make books ‘cool’ again. They discuss the educator bias towards female perspectives, the history of boys and books, and why YOUNG WORLD takes an unconventional approach to getting them back. Recorded live from the South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria disagree over whether trigger warnings are inherently a problem. Also they discuss how loopholes in contracts can affect your career, plus the initial spark that helps them land on an idea. Victoria has officially bunkered into edits, and Soman is deciding whether he needs peptides.Theme of the Week (11:18)Goals of the Week (20:16)Industry Nonsense (32:04) Reader Mailbag(53:51)Plot Twists in Real Life (58:59)To order a signed copy of Tempest, go here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria do a deep dive on the recent cancellation of a mainstream book due to AI concerns — and debate what it means for the rest of publishing. They also discuss sex in marketing and the best way to find an agent. Soman wants young people to run for office and Victoria is just trying to make it to Italy.Theme of the Week (08:39)Goals of the Week (16:35)Industry Nonsense ( 22:56) Reader Mailbag(48:00)Plot Twists in Real Life (52:07) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria make the link between Timmy Chalamet’s comments about ballet and opera — and fanfiction IP. Also they discuss the pros and cons of writing groups and how to become a lead title in traditional publishing. Soman is trying to decaffeinate and Victoria wants to be shameless. Theme of the Week (08:33)Goals of the Week (17:38)Industry Nonsense (35:44) Reader Mailbag(55:27)Plot Twists in Real Life (01:00:55)Sponsors:Monster Claw Ranch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria take you behind the scenes of book tours and give you all the insider secrets. Also they discuss the importance of trade reviews and how much social media should give away when it comes to spoilers. Soman is headed to Austin for South by Southwest and Victoria has plans for a giant themed RV.Theme of the Week (12:46)Goals of the Week (17:18)Industry Nonsense (28:31) Reader Mailbag(53:48)Plot Twists in Real Life (59:11) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria pinpoint what gives you the ‘ick’ when looking at book covers. Also they reveal a general strategy for managing film/tv adaptations and the best way to buy a book to ensure the author gets compensated. Victoria needs a teleportation button, and Soman gets candid about his history dating Mormons.Theme of the Week (11:44)Goals of the Week (23:42)Industry Nonsense (36:23) Reader Mailbag(55:35)Plot Twists in Real Life (61:10) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Victoria and Soman stake out different positions on the question of whether authors are too sensitive to survive in today’s industry. They also explain how libraries factor into book sales and dive into the ways to dilute the loneliness of an author’s job. Soman is drowning in AI slop, and Victoria wants that slop to be legislated by the US government. Theme of the Week (08:55)Goals of the Week (13:12)Industry Nonsense (28:13) Reader Mailbag(49:28)Plot Twists in Real Life (54:08) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria forecast the disturbing future of professionally produced content. Also they discuss rewriting first drafts and what really sells books. Victoria is working on her secret project, and Soman wants to repeat his Smackdown Spectacular at every tour stop for YOUNG WORLD. Theme of the Week (06:48)Goals of the Week (14:50)Industry Nonsense (28:05) Reader Mailbag(43:13)Plot Twists in Real Life (52:55)Pup Twist (57:15) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria debate why women are so much harder on each other in publishing and entertainment. They also break down editing strategies and bemoan overdone character traits in books. Soman wants to launch a matchmaking service and Victoria wants to know the secret to perfect hair.Theme of the Week (04:00)Goals of the Week (09:34)Industry Nonsense (18:56) Reader Mailbag(36:19)Plot Twists in Real Life (46:35)Pup Twist (51:26) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria discuss the taboo relationship between authors and critics — and cautionary tales where either side crossed the line. They also debate the explosion of special editions and how they determine what project to take on next. Victoria wants to put TEMPEST to sail, and Soman wants Dua Lipa’s back up dancers.Theme of the Week (06:39)Goals of the Week (17:33)Industry Nonsense (25:21) Reader Mailbag(44:55)Plot Twists in Real Life (52:11)Pup Twist (57:51) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.