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.

Soman and Victoria find the thin line between con and artist. Also they debate their favorite couples in literature and how to figure out if a literary agent is credible. Victoria is buckling up for her European tour, and Soman wants to be Nomi from Showgirls. 

Theme of the Week (02:40)

Goals for the Week (15:15)

Industry Nonsense (28:28) 

Reader Mailbag (44:42)

Plot Twists in Real Life (52:59)

Pup Twist (59:54)

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.

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.

Industry Nonsense is sponsored by First Draft Pro.

Additional sponsorship by The Ready State.

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

Soman and Victoria debate the line between fandom and parasocial relationships, not just between authors and fans but also between authors. Plus, they try to determine when it’s time to take your artistic career “seriously” and if authors should be thinking about TV and film adaptations while writing. V has thoughts turning fanfic into original novels, and Soman wants to coach a college tennis team.

Theme of the Week (02:33)

Goals of the Week (13:25)

Industry Nonsense (28:36) 

Reader Mailbag(52:34)

Plot Twists in Real Life (56:48)

Pup Twist (59:31)

Goals of the Week is sponsored by Wordsmith Workshops.

Industry Nonsense is sponsored by First Draft Pro.

Additional sponsorship by The Ready State.

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