Is the Algorithm Killing Authors?

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 about how they plan sequels and whether an anti-AI publishing house could emerge. Soman needs to learn what the term ‘black-tie’ means, and Victoria wants to thank everyone who voted.Theme of the Week (06:49)Goals of the Week (13:28)Industry Nonsense (25:53) Reader Mailbag (49:31)Plot Twists in Real Life (54:47)Click here to become a member of the Plot Twist Patreon. Click here for the merch store. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 onboard. They also discuss the potential career goals of a mid-career author, and strategies to keep up with youth lingo. Victoria is trying to be gentle with herself (but also hates that phrase), and Soman wants ‘Indian Bryan Cranston’ to play him in a biopic.Theme of the Week (07:15)Goals of the Week (12:38)Industry Nonsense (25:23) Reader Mailbag (01:00)Plot Twists in Real Life (01:06:05)Pup Twist (01:09:29) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 manage exposition in fantasy novels. Soman wants someone to hire him as the Dean of Joy and Victoria just wants her normal life back.Theme of the Week (10:13)Goals of the Week (15:54)Industry Nonsense (25:15) Reader Mailbag (52:31)Plot Twists in Real Life (55:37)Pup Twist (57:09)Click here to become a member of the Plot Twist Patreon. Click here for the merch store. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 chronologically across multiple timelines and how to algorithmically target your potential reader. Victoria is in denial about another long flight next week, and Soman wishes he had sung the national anthem at his tennis tournament.Theme of the Week (09:40Goals of the Week (20:41)Industry Nonsense (28:29) Reader Mailbag (53:22)Plot Twists in Real Life (57:39)Click here to become a member of the Plot Twist Patreon. Click here for the merch store. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 authors – and readers! – and how it ties to parasocial relationships that have been festering for a long time. They also answer questions about whether a fantasy author can successfully live in the real world and when a character’s time “has come.” Soman is close to finishing DAMAGER, and Victoria wants people to give away less to the audience before they read the book!Theme of the Week (06:14)Goals of the Week (13:34)Industry Nonsense (19:09) Reader Mailbag (42:09)Plot Twists in Real Life (48:49)Click here to become a member of the Plot Twist Patreon. Click here for the merch store. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Life (53:06) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 to hit three bestseller lists and what Victoria has learned from the release so far. They also answer questions from the audience and reveal what they’ve been working on in the pod’s hiatus. Victoria has a deadline to hit for Tempest’s sequel, and Soman is on the verge of inventing another genre… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 09:07Industry Nonsense 15:52Reader Mailbag 34:53Plot Twists In Real Life43:15 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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 Workshops.Industry Nonsense is sponsored by First Draft Pro.Reader Mailbag is sponsored by Starret Systems Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.