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)

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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)

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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 Real Life (01:05:54)

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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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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)

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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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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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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)

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