PLOT TWIST

Latest Episodes:

How Do You Make a Book a Hit? Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

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.

Victoria Can Finally Talk About TEMPEST – The Episode! Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

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.

New Years Preview! Plus: 2025 Hot Takes & Funniest Moments Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

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.

Is Jealousy Part Of Being An Artist? Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

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.

What Do Editors Actually Do? Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

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.

Should Artists Still Own Their Work? Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

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.

Why Are Women Less Forgiving Of Women? Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

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.

Why Are Authors And Reviewers Fighting? Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

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.

When Did Authors Become Brands Instead of Artists? Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

Soman and Victoria consider whether authors themselves have become part of the book package in the new content economy. Also they discuss how to find the best agent for your book and if it’s possible to switch genres after having success. Soman wants to go back to the farm, and Victoria is ready for a writers’ retreat.

Theme of the Week (05:47)

Goals of the Week (10:44)

Industry Nonsense (26:55)

Reader Mailbag(44:44)

Plot Twists in Real Life (53:32)

Pup Twist (55:30)

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

Did We Ruin Fandom? Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

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)