PLOT TWIST
Hosted by bestselling authors Victoria Aveyard and Soman Chainani, PLOT TWIST takes listeners behind the scenes of their creative processes. Each week, they discuss their current projects, share hot takes on publishing and entertainment, answer mailbag questions, and pitch plot twists they'd like to see in real life. New episodes drop every Thursday.
Episodes
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 (4
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)&
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 Nonsen
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)Indu
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 (2
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
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 l
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 wit
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
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
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
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
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
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, an
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 Nonsen
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
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
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 (36:0
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 Nonsens
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. Hosted on
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
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) R
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)Pl
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
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) Read
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 We
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:
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 Nonse
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 (
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 o
Should You Date An Artist?
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 o
How Do You Make a Book a Hit?
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
Victoria Can Finally Talk About TEMPEST – The Episode!
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
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?
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 No
What Do Editors Actually Do?
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 Twis
Should Artists Still Own Their Work?
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 T
Why Are Women Less Forgiving Of Women?
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
Why Are Authors And Reviewers Fighting?
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)&n
When Did Authors Become Brands Instead of Artists?
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) 
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 Mailb
What Is The Real Point of a Book Tour?
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
Who Is Allowed To Write What?
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 notesTheme of the Week (02:56)Goals of the Week (10:33)Industry Nonsense (
Would You Rather Be A Flop… Or a Fraud?
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 (52:5
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) Read
What Do Authors Owe Their Readers — and Each Other?
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 tea
IS THIS BOOK THE FUTURE OF YA... OR THE END OF IT? (Plus a Special Announcement!)
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! Soman’s next book, YOUNG WORLD, is available for preorder with an insanely cool preorder gift. This week, Victoria and Soman discuss how the book became Soman’s mad-quest Noah’s Ark – and what to expect from his neon-color, mixed-media, genre-buster. You can pre-order YOUNG WORLD at: revoltingyouth.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can You Make Too Much Art? (Taylor’s Version)
Soman and Victoria wonder whether an artist can overproduce, using TSwift as a case study. Also they break down the art of writing transition scenes and how to decide on what POV to use. Victoria has to clean her office and Soman wants kids to know about life before smart phones.Theme of the Week (03:50)Goals for the Week (12:01)Industry Nonsense (28:34) Reader Mailbag(47:26)Plot Twists in Re
Can You Handle The Truth About Your Work?
Title: Can You Handle The Truth About Your Work? (Taylor’s Version)Soman and Victoria debate whether we’ve gotten too soft in how we handle feedback, both on and off the page. Also they discuss whether or not an author needs a college degree and if publishers are responsible for policing plagiarism. Soman is about to start the YOUNG WORLD preorder campaign and Victoria wants to make sure you aren’
Can Good Writing Be Taught?
Soman and Victoria discuss whether good writing is nature or nurture. Also they discuss when is the right time to reach out to agents and how to avoid cliches. Victoria has a lot of errands to run, and Soman wants publishers to bid for writers like AI companies do for researchers.Show notesTheme of the Week (02:45)Goals for the Week (10:28)Industry Nonsense (21:13) Reader Mailbag(41:17)
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
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 notesTheme of the Week (04:50)Goals for the Week (13:13)Industry Nonsense
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 Week02:33Goals Of The Week
Do Authors Have Pretty Privilege?
Soman and Victoria discuss whether being physically attractive helps an author get ahead. Also they talk about world building in writing and how they react to being recognized in public. Soman is trying to level-up his tennis and Victoria wants a movie about the Blue Angels.Show notesTheme of the Week (01:26)Goals for the Week (11:04)Industry Nonsense (22:02) Reader Mailbag(40:20)Plot Twists
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.Show notesTheme of the Week (02:46)Goals for the Week (12:33)Industry Nonsense (20:06) Reader Mailbag (35:05)Plot Twists in Re
Is a Public Profile Worth The Risk?
Soman and Victoria discuss the pros and cons of having public profiles and get surprisingly emotional. Also they talk about how to sell a book as a debut author and how to craft the buzziest plot twists. Soman is planning a trip to London to meet the British publishing team for YOUNG WORLD and Victoria just wants *one* better news cycle. Theme of the Week (21:51)Goals for the Week (14:02)Indu
Will Literature Survive?
Soman and Victoria discuss whether literary fiction will survive over the next several decades. Also they talk about the differences between a good editor and a bad one, and what they plan to write next. Victoria is trying to figure out what to do with her visiting family, and Soman thinks it’s time for a talk with Usha Vance.Theme of the Week (02:14)Goals for the Week (15:19)Industry Nonsense (22
Are You A Career Author or a Hobby Author?
Soman and Victoria discuss the difference between career and hobby authors. Also they discuss how to decide what ideas to write next and if they plan to write spin-offs of their old books. Soman is trying to find a new routine, and Victoria wants to hear less about rats.Theme of the Week (02:01)Goals for the Week (15:05)Industry Nonsense (12:25) Reader Mailbag (28:16)Plot Twists in Real
Would You Read A Novel Written By AI?
Soman and Victoria discuss whether they, or anyone, would read a book generated by AI. Also they discuss their editing process and how they balanced writing back when they had day jobs. Victoria talks about wanting her ‘yoga journey’ to start this week and Soman just wants planes to be checked for problems BEFORE he gets on them.Theme of the Week (02:58)Goals for the Week (07:13)Industry Nonsense
Is the Algorithm Turning Authors into Cartoons?
Soman and Victoria discuss whether social media and algorithms are making them less authentic. Also they fantasize about their perfect work day and talk about turning haters into fans. Soman talks about all the little pieces of YOUNG WORLD coming together, and Victoria just wants her printer to work. Theme of the Week (02:35)Goals for the Week (11:32)Industry Nonsense (20:01) Reade
Does Sex Really Sell?
Soman and Victoria cover the new 'spice' industry and try to find the line of sexual content in YA versus adult work, and what really makes a book “for adults.” Plus how much input authors get on their covers, whether they prefer drafting or editing, Victoria's ongoing dilemma of whether TEMPEST draft is one book or two, and Soman's dream of a Wimbledon wild card.Theme of the Week (06:00)Goal
Inspiration… or Infringement?
Victoria and Soman discuss the boundaries of plagiarism, plus the pros and cons of having a traditional publisher and how to tell if a book festival is worth going to. They also introduce their new novels, how they met, their goals and themes for the week, plus plot twists they want to see in real life!Theme of the Week (12:30)Goals for the Week (20:43)Industry Nonsense (26:48) Reader Mailbag
PLOT TWIST. Coming June 12th.
Don't miss the first episode of PLOT TWIST, coming June 12th wherever you get your podcasts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
