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)

SPONSORS

Leftie Aube’s Writing Podcast

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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.

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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(53:51)

Plot Twists in Real Life (58:59)

To order a signed copy of Tempest, go here!

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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)

Reader Mailbag(48:00)

Plot Twists in Real Life (52:07)

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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)

Plot Twists in Real Life (01:00:55)

Sponsors:

Monster Claw Ranch

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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 Mailbag(53:48)

Plot Twists in Real Life (59:11)

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