PLOT TWIST

Latest Episodes:

What Happens if Kids Stop Reading? Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

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.

What Is the Future of AI Publishing? Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

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.

Are Authors Lying About Using AI? Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

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.

Are We In A Book Bubble? Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

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.

Your Book Is Being Made Into A Movie…How Should You Behave? Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

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.

Has It Become Legal To Steal Your Work? Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

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.

Does Sex Make a Book 'Adult?' Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

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.

Can a Book Be Popular…and Still Not Sell? Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

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.

Is Ambition The Key To Success Or A Curse? Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

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.

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

Do Writers Compete With Each Other? Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

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.

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