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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 (57:17 SPONSORS  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 (47:28 Plot 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 (12:41 Industry 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.

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.

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) SPONSORS Goals of the Week is sponsored by Wordsmith Workshops.  This week’s Industry Nonsense is sponsored by First Draft Pro. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria present their radically different philosophies on book tour — and debate which one is better. Also they answer questions about physical appearance in books and fantasy contraceptives (really). Soman wants to teleport back to 1997, and Victoria wants Americans to get better at striking. Theme of the Week (04:50) Goals of the Week (15:46) Industry Nonsense (28:55)  Reader Mailbag(49:21) Plot Twists in Real Life (55:30) Pup Twist (58:11) This week’s Industry nonsense is sponsored by First Draft Pro. First Draft Pro offer! Use code PLOTTWIST20 (Valid until December 31, 2025) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soman and Victoria tackle one of the most controversial questions looming over every artistic medium. Also they talk about when you should copyright your work and how to find the right freelance editor or consultant. S is finishing a chapter of his new fantasy novel post-YOUNG WORLD, and Victoria wants to go Soman Mode. Show notes Theme of the Week (02:56) Goals of the Week (10:33) Industry Nonsense (24:14)  Reader Mailbag(46:00) Plot Twists in Real Life (54:51) Industry Nonsense is sponsored by First Draft Pro. Additional sponsorship by the Starrett System, created by The Ready State. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.