PLOT TWIST

Did a Fanfiction Scandal Reveal the Future of Publishing?

Soman and Victoria discuss the massive hack of the world’s most popular fan-fiction site and how it reveals clues to what’s ahead for authors. They also answer questions

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 onbo

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 mana

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

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 aut

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 wor

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

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 sensiti

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 ho

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 av

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 th

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 leg

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

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 lik

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 mark

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

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

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 dea

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 t

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