PLOT TWIST
Hosted by worldwide bestselling authors Victoria Aveyard (RED QUEEN series, REALM BREAKER series) & Soman Chainani (THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD & EVIL series), PLOT TWIST takes you behind the scenes of the biggest swings in our careers. Victoria’s TEMPEST, her very first novel for adults, an epic pirate fantasy… and Soman’s YOUNG WORLD, a red-hot young adult political thriller. Each week, we pull back the curtain of our creative process and give you our hot takes on thorny issues in publishing and entertainment, answer your mailbag questions, plus pitch plot twists we want to see in real life. New episodes every Thurs...
Is There an Optimist’s Case for AI in Art?
Is There an Optimist’s Case for AI in Art?
Soman lays out 5 optimistic scenarios for how AI could be used positively by authors, and Victoria tries valiantly to get onboard. They also discuss the potential career goals of a mid-career author, and strategies to keep up with youth lingo. Victoria is trying to be gentle with herself (but also hates that phrase), and Soman wants ‘Indian Bryan Cranston’ to play him in a biopic.
Theme of the Week (07:15)
Goals of the Week (12:38)
Industry Nonsense (25:23)
Reader Mailbag (01:00)
Plot...
Is the Algorithm Killing Authors?
Soman and Victoria lay out ten ways that the algorithm is destroying creative careers and the best ways to fight it. They also discuss world building tips and how to manage exposition in fantasy novels. Soman wants someone to hire him as the Dean of Joy and Victoria just wants her normal life back.
Theme of the Week (10:13)
Goals of the Week (15:54)
Industry Nonsense (25:15)
Reader Mailbag (52:31)
Plot Twists in Real Life (55:37)
Pup Twist (57:09)
Click here to become a member of the Plot Twist Patreon.
<...Are Publishers Secretly Using AI?
Soman and Victoria discuss a bombshell story from WIRED about the rampant use of AI by publishers and whether AI is inevitable in the workflow. They also discuss writing chronologically across multiple timelines and how to algorithmically target your potential reader. Victoria is in denial about another long flight next week, and Soman wishes he had sung the national anthem at his tennis tournament.
Theme of the Week (09:40
Goals of the Week (20:41)
Industry Nonsense (28:29)
Reader Mailbag (53:22)
Plot Twists in Real Life (57:39)
Click here to become a member...
SEASON PREMIERE! Is There a Secret Plan to Get Rid of Authors?
Live from Kansas City! Soman and Victoria welcome a new season of the pod and lay out the new Patreon! They explore the AI’s companies not-so-secret plan to eliminate authors – and readers! – and how it ties to parasocial relationships that have been festering for a long time. They also answer questions about whether a fantasy author can successfully live in the real world and when a character’s time “has come.” Soman is close to finishing DAMAGER, and Victoria wants people to give away less to the audience before they read the book!
Theme of the Week (06...
Re-Read: Is Writing Actually a Sport?
Soman and Victoria discuss the tricks of staying healthy as a professional artist. Also, they discuss celebrity ghostwriting and how not to fall out of love with your work mid-stream. Soman is launching a new coaching lab for teenagers, and Victoria wants to freeze time.
Theme of the Week (03:31)
Goals for the Week (12:58)
Industry Nonsense (27:21)
Reader Mailbag (47:59)
Plot Twists in Real Life (53:06)
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SPECIAL EPISODE! What Did We Learn from the TEMPEST Release?
LIVE FROM ST. LOUIS! A special bonus episode, featuring Soman in conversation with Victoria during the TEMPEST book tour. Together, they explore what it took for TEMPEST to hit three bestseller lists and what Victoria has learned from the release so far. They also answer questions from the audience and reveal what they’ve been working on in the pod’s hiatus. Victoria has a deadline to hit for Tempest’s sequel, and Soman is on the verge of inventing another genre…
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Re-Read: Should Authors Want To Make Money?
This week on the podcast Victoria and Soman discuss the tension between the love of making art and the need to make money. Also they discuss questions about using sensitivity readers and whether they read other authors' books while writing. Finally, Soman opens up to Victoria about a plot twist he wished he could have seen coming. (Trigger warning: Pet loss.)
Theme Of The Week02:33
Goals Of The Week 09:07
Industry Nonsense 15:52
Reader Mailbag 34:53
Plot Twists In Real Life43:15
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Re-Read: Did We Ruin Fandom?
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)
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Re-Read: Is Your Idea Worth A Book - And A Book Deal?
Soman and Victoria debate the difference between a good idea and a great one that’s worth writing. They also sort through the different kinds of characters and ways to avoid clunky exposition. Soman is getting very wet recreating an iconic Taylor Swift photo, while Victoria wants her payout from the AI companies!
Theme of the Week (03:13)
Goals for the Week (12:55)
Industry Nonsense (24:31)
Reader Mailbag(44:43)
Plot Twists in Real Life (51:33)
Pup Twist (56:51)
Goals of the Week is sponsored by Wordsmith Workshops.
Ind...
Re-Read: When Does Fan Fiction Cross A Line?
Soman and Victoria discuss when fan fiction crosses the line into grift. Also they answer questions about whether authors really need to be on social media and whether they like to plot out their stories or improvise as they go. Victoria has a big battle scene to rewrite, and Soman has a brand new addition to his family.
Show notes
Theme of the Week (04:50)
Goals for the Week (13:13)
Industry Nonsense (23:52)
Reader Mailbag (45:24)
Plot Twists in Real Life (53:16)
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Re-Read: Can You Like The Book and Hate The Author?
Soman and Victoria discuss the paradox of loving the book -- and rejecting the author. Also they talk duologies vs. trilogies and the hazards of publishing under your legal name. Victoria is trying to power through her edits, and Soman thinks he should play Evita.
Theme of the Week (02:46)
Goals for the Week (12:33)
Industry Nonsense (20:06)
Reader Mailbag (35:05)
Plot Twists in Real Life (43:16)
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What Happens if Kids Stop Reading?
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)
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What Is the Future of AI Publishing?
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 Acas...
Are Authors Lying About Using AI?
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)
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Are We In A Book Bubble?
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)
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Your Book Is Being Made Into A Movie…How Should You Behave?
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...
Has It Become Legal To Steal Your Work?
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 t...
Does Sex Make a Book 'Adult?'
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)
Can a Book Be Popular…and Still Not Sell?
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...
Is Ambition The Key To Success Or A Curse?
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.
If you’re seri...
Do Writers Compete With Each Other?
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...
What Happened To YA? (with Veronica Roth)
This week Soman is joined by Veronica Roth to trace the rise and fall of the Young Adult genre, from Twilight to today’s more muddled market. They also talk about how to stay in love with your work when the going gets tough and how to manage the pressure of deadlines. Veronica is trying to get back into the social media saddle and Soman wants to be a Stepford Man.
Theme of the Week (04:31)
Goals of the Week (10:26)
Industry Nonsense (19:58)
Reader Mailbag(42:41)
Plot Twists in Real Life (47:49)
<...How Do You Become A Bestseller?
Soman is back this week and he and Victoria decode the mysteries and magic by which a book becomes a best-seller. They also debate how readers “self-inserting” has become an epidemic and the ideal word count for a fantasy novel. Soman is trying to stay healthy for the final week of his tour, and Victoria wants to save kids from the long term consequences of AI.
Theme of the Week (08:49)
Goals of the Week (16:05)
Industry Nonsense (16:51)
Reader Mailbag(52:46)
Plot Twists in Real Life (01:02:29)
H...
How Do You Survive Social Media? (with Veronica Roth)
Victoria and guest Veronica Roth discuss how they’ve survived the evolution of social media from the fun of unfiltered chatting on Twitter to the algorithmic nightmare we now found ourselves in. Also they talk about the myriad and complicated ways a book becomes a New York Times Bestseller and if romantasy and fairytales are the only things people want. Victoria is scribbling on some new ideas, and Veronica wants internet forums back!
Theme of the Week (06:09 )
Goals of the Week (10:43)
Industry Nonsense (21:33)
Reader Mailbag(56:01)
Plot Twists in Rea...
Are We In A Time Loop? (with Veronica Roth)
Victoria and special guest Veronica Roth discuss how audiences are craving familiar stories at difficult times and what it means for them as authors who have left some of their work behind. Also they discuss release schedules and book titles. Victoria is scribbling some new ideas, and Veronica is hoping to drink enough water on tour.
Theme of the Week (05:08)
Goals of the Week (10:07)
Industry Nonsense (19:41)
Reader Mailbag(46:34)
Plot Twists in Real Life (01:03:39)
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Is Release Week the Best Week for an Author… or the Worst?
It’s YOUNG WORLD release week!! Soman and Victoria discuss the glories and stress of putting out a new book and surviving the first 7 days. Also they talk about writing characters with different identities than themselves and whether or not writing groups are dead. Victoria is disaster planning for potential flight issues on her tour, and Soman hopes YOUNG WORLD will kick off debate-offs IRL.
Theme of the Week (08:12)
Goals of the Week (15:13)
Industry Nonsense (29:45)
Reader Mailbag(54:55)
Plot Twists in Real Life (01:00:30)
Hos...
Can Books Survive The Future?
Live from Book Con 2026 in New York City, Soman and Victoria envision what books will look like in 10 years – for both readers and writers. They also cover how AI will evolve and what the media landscape will likely become. Soman is ready for the YOUNG WORLD revolution and Victoria reveals the title of the TEMPEST sequel.
Theme of the Week (07:54)
Goals of the Week (14:11)
Industry Nonsense (21:03)
Reader Mailbag(44:42)
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When Does a Book Become a Cash Grab?
Soman and Victoria argue over what defines a cash grab and whether artists need to justify their work. They also debate approaches to imposter syndrome and what to do if you’re not feeling connected to a project anymore. Victoria is reconsidering her fashion for Book Con, and Soman wants to take PLOT TWIST on a national tour!
Theme of the Week (10:15)
Goals of the Week (22:53)
Industry Nonsense (36:03)
Reader Mailbag(56:52)
Plot Twists in Real Life (01:00:41)
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Are Book Influencers More Powerful Than Authors?
Soman and Victoria debate whether influencers have displaced authors at the top of the literary ecosystem. Also they consider how authors’ writing styles are influenced by AI and whether fantasy books can stand up to the greatest works of literature. Soman is seeking his own Plot Twist and Victoria just wants a Polo Bar reservation.
Theme of the Week (10:03)
Goals of the Week (20:09)
Industry Nonsense (33:24)
Reader Mailbag(54:56)
Plot Twists in Real Life (01:02:13)
SPONSORS
Leftie Aube’s Writing Podcast
Hosted...
Can We Get Teenage Boys To Read Again?
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.
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Do Trigger Warnings Ruin Books?
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!
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Should Authors Who Use AI Lose Their Publishing Deals?
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)
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Why Do Publishers Keep Giving Deals To Fanfiction?
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
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What Happens Behind The Scenes Of A Book Tour?
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)
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What Makes A ‘Bad’ Book Cover?
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)
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Are Authors Too Sensitive?
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)
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Can a New Writer Survive?
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 Aca...
Has Publishing Lost Its Moral Compass?
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)
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Should Authors Be Political?
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...
How Do Authors Make Money?
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)
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