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PODCAST

PLOT TWIST

Soman Chainani and Victoria Aveyard

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 processandgive you our hot takes on thorny issues in publishing and

arts books

All Episodes

1:04:35

Has Publishing Lost Its Moral Compass?

PLOT TWIST ·

2026/02/12

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) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for

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1:03:46

Should Authors Be Political?

PLOT TWIST ·

2026/02/05

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 (57:17SPONSORSThis week’s sponsor is

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58:36

How Do Authors Make Money?

PLOT TWIST ·

2026/01/29

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 (47:28Plot Twists in Real Life (54:02)Pup

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57:39

Should You Date An Artist?

PLOT TWIST ·

2026/01/22

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 (12:41Industry Nonsense (24:16)Reader Mailbag(44:45)Plot Twists in Real Life (51:11)Pup Twist

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1:04:53

How Do You Make a Book a Hit?

PLOT TWIST ·

2026/01/15

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

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56:26

Victoria Can Finally Talk About TEMPEST – The Episode!

PLOT TWIST ·

2026/01/08

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.

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51:23

New Years Preview! Plus: 2025 Hot Takes & Funniest...

PLOT TWIST ·

2026/01/01

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.

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1:01:20

Is Jealousy Part Of Being An Artist?

PLOT TWIST ·

2025/12/18

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

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58:22

What Do Editors Actually Do?

PLOT TWIST ·

2025/12/11

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.

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1:00:14

Should Artists Still Own Their Work?

PLOT TWIST ·

2025/12/04

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.

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53:51

Why Are Women Less Forgiving Of Women?

PLOT TWIST ·

2025/11/20

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.

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1:01:05

Why Are Authors And Reviewers Fighting?

PLOT TWIST ·

2025/11/13

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

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57:48

When Did Authors Become Brands Instead of Artists?

PLOT TWIST ·

2025/11/06

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

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1:01:45

Did We Ruin Fandom?

PLOT TWIST ·

2025/10/30

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

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1:00:45

What Is The Real Point of a Book Tour?

PLOT TWIST ·

2025/10/23

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

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57:49

Who Is Allowed To Write What?

PLOT TWIST ·

2025/10/16

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 (24:14)Reader Mailbag(46:00)Plot Twists in Real Life (54:51)Industry Nonsense is sponsored by First Draft

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57:51

Would You Rather Be A Flop… Or a Fraud?

PLOT TWIST ·

2025/10/09

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,

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59:31

Is Your Idea Worth A Book - And A Book Deal?

PLOT TWIST ·

2025/10/02

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

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1:01:28

What Do Authors Owe Their Readers — and Each Other?

PLOT TWIST ·

2025/09/25

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

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47:31

IS THIS BOOK THE FUTURE OF YA... OR THE END OF IT?...

PLOT TWIST ·

2025/09/18

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.

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