Semi-Sages of the Pages

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The writing podcast where we don't know where we're going...but we're having an adventure! The four semi-sages are women who write primarily speculative fiction. Join them as they explore the ever-evolving world of writing and publication.

Semi-Sages


    • Nov 18, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 143 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Semi-Sages of the Pages

    From Barbie to Scrooge - Why Character Arcs Make All the Difference!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2023 3:24


    In this episode, we explain the importance of character arcs. Thank you for watching semi-sages of the pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects into the world. Join us on discord — where you can compete in the Race to Rejection, get feedback and swap pages, or just commiserate with your fellow writers. www.semisagesofthepages.comwww.semisagesofthepages.com

    Writing Powerful Stakes that Elevate YOUR Story!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2023 17:36


    All tips & tricks related to creating powerful stakes that compel your readers! Including real examples from Hunger Games, Mighty Ducks, and sports movies. BONUS - If Stacy competes in a steak grilling competition to distract vampires in order to stake one...what kind of stakes could you have in that story?

    Writing Interesting Characters

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023 14:15


    Join the sages as they talk about how to writing tricks to create interesting characters. Thank you for watching Semi-Sages of the Pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects into the world. Join us on discord — where you can compete in the Race to Rejection, get feedback and swap pages, or just commiserate with your fellow writers. www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Debate: Save the Cat vs Story Genius

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2023 12:19


    Which craft book is better—Save the Cat or Story Genius? Watch the Semi-Sages debate. Let us know in the comments which one you think is better!Thank you for watching Semi-Sages of the Pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects into the world. Join us on discord — where you can compete in the Race to Rejection, get feedback and swap pages, or just commiserate with your fellow writers. www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Comparing Macro and Micro Conflict #craftbook #writingbook #authorcommunity #writingadvice

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2023 12:06


    What is the writing secret to making better conflict, and what even is Micro conflict anyway?Thank you for watching Semi-Sages of the Pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects into the world. Join us on discord — where you can compete in the Race to Rejection, get feedback and swap pages, or just commiserate with your fellow writers. www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Time for a Halloween Writing Contest!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2023 7:06


    Monsters. Vampires. Ghouls. Spirits. 'Tis the season for the spooktacular. Celebrate by entering our 500 word flash fiction contest. For more information check out www.semisagesofthepages.com or join us on Discord.

    Keep your STORY from FALling ApaRt and why StRucTure Matters #writingadvice #author #creative #story

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2023 14:36


    In this episode, we explain the importance of structure in strengthening your story.Thank you for watching semi-sages of the pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects into the world. Join us on discord — where you can compete in the Race to Rejection, get feedback and swap pages, or just commiserate with your fellow writers. www.semisagesofthepages.comwww.semisagesofthepages.com

    Does Size (of your story) Matter?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2023 12:11


    Watch the Sages discuss why it's important to decide how big your story is going to be, before you really get going on it.Thank you for watching Semi-Sages of the Pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects into the world. Join us on discord — where you can compete in the Race to Rejection, get feedback and swap pages, or just commiserate with your fellow writers. www.semisagesofthepages.com

    What Keeps Good Authors from Publishing?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2023 15:55


    In this episode, we work with No Bad Books editor and owner Theresa Halvorsen to learn what keeps good authors from being publishedThank you for watching semi-sages of the pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects into the world. Join us on discord — where you can compete in the Race to Rejection, get feedback and swap pages, or just commiserate with your fellow writers. www.semisagesofthepages.comwww.semisagesofthepages.com

    Does SIZE Matter?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2023 12:11


    How Big is your...Story?Watch the Sages discuss why it's important to decide how big your story is going to be, before you really get going on it.Thank you for watching Semi-Sages of the Pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects into the world. Join us on discord — where you can compete in the Race to Rejection, get feedback and swap pages, or just commiserate with your fellow writers. www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Finding the Novelty in your Novel

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2023 17:14


    Now is the perfect time in the writing process to dive into what makes your novel unique!Why do we keep retelling the same stories over and over again? What captivates us? And yet each version, while telling the same story, has its own twists and turns, its own novelty. We discuss what makes our stories both unique and yet approachable to readers. The decisions we have to make about POV, tense, voice, and tropes - those are all ways we distinguish our stories. Remember - there are no new ideas, but the execution is where you can make your mark!Check us out at www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Does your Writing SUCK?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2023 11:55


    Learn from the Sages on how to hide your writing weaknesses and lean into your strengths. Thank you for watching Semi-Sages of the Pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects into the world. Join us on discord — where you can compete in the Race to Rejection, get feedback and swap pages, or just commiserate with your fellow writers. www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Leverage your STRENGTHS for Ultimate SUCCESS

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2023 10:07


    Thank you for watching Semi-Sages of the Pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects into the world. Join us on discord — where you can compete in the Race to Rejection, get feedback and swap pages, or just commiserate with your fellow writers. www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Start Here: 3 Choices To Write a Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2023 10:53


    hank you for watching semi-sages of the pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects into the world. Join us on discord — where you can compete in the Race to Rejection, get feedback and swap pages, or just commiserate with your fellow writers. www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Did BarBie Actually Fail?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2023 20:17


    Love it or hate it, the Barbie movie has people talking. In this episode of the Semi-sages of the Pages we discuss the goal of the writers behind Barbie the movie. Analyzing theme, conflict, setting, and moral we will explore the questions the writers asked and if they succeeded or failed.Thank you for watching semi-sages of the pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -  whether you haven't started a project yet or you've been published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects out into the world. Join our discord (https://discord.gg/s3dqb6Aj) - where you can compete in the Race to Rejection, get feedback and swap pages, or just commiserate with your fellow writers.  www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Land Survey - Writer's Checklist

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2023 5:23


    You've made it to the first milestone! Congratulations! But what should you have accomplished to this point? Watch this video to make sure you're ready to move onto the next phase.As we move into Phase 2 - Architecture, let us know: If your dream book was a house, what kind of house would it be???

    Writing Goals that Lead to Success!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2023 8:15


    You're ready to write your book! Then you look at that blank page and realize you have no idea where to start. The task of writing down 60k, 70k, 100k or more words just seems too daunting. We're here too help you set smart, realistic goals that you can actually meet, increasing your likelihood of finishing your novel. But if that fails, how do we reward ourselves and keep the motivation going through the hard & difficult times? Watch to find out!Question for you all - how do you reward yourself when you hit a writing goal???

    3 Things We Wish We Knew BEFORE We Started Writing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2023 8:30


    We share the 3 things (plus a few bonus items!!!) we wish someone had told us BEFORE we started writing big projects. These are some of the keys to go from a blank page to an actual story!Let us know - what things did we miss? What did you wish someone had told you???Thank you for watching semi-sages of the pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects into the world.Join us on discord — where you can compete in the Race to Rejection, get feedback and swap pages, or just commiserate with your fellow writers. www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Writers! Do you have what it takes?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2023 20:21


    Writing is hard. For most of us we can be our own worst enemy. Self-doubt, comparative thinking, and being overwhelmed with "real" life can all threaten our ability to write our own dream story. If you are going to make it as a writer you are going to need motivation, but not just any motivation, the right type. The type that will get you showing up to put words down when you think you can't. In this episode, we will explore how you can chose a project that provides enough motivation to carry your from a fun beginning to a strong finish. Thank you for watching semi-sages of the pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects into the world.Join us on discord — where you can compete in the Race to Rejection, get feedback and swap pages, or just commiserate with your fellow writers. www.semisagesofthepages.com

    What is the BEST REASON to WRITE?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2023 4:45


    Before we write any story, we all need to answer why we are doing it. Answering this questions can make the difference between loving the writing process and giving up on a great idea. Thank you for watching semi-sages of the pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -  whether you haven't started a project yet or you've been published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects out into the world. Join our discord - where you can compete in the Race to Rejection, get feedback and swap pages, or just commiserate with your fellow writers.  www.semisagesofthepages.com

    The Secret to Finishing your Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 8:01


    Before we write any story, we all need to answer not one, but two questions about why we are doing it. Answering these questions can be the difference between loving the writing process and giving up on your great idea. Thank you for watching semi-sages of the pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -  whether you haven't started a project yet or you've been published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects out into the world. Join our discord - where you can compete in the Race to Rejection, get feedback and swap pages, or just commiserate with your fellow writers.  www.semisagesofthepages.com

    What's the Core of your Story?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2023 25:52


    Join the Semi-Sages as they talk about how to find the core of your story with three simple steps—deciding on the conflict, setting and theme. This is part of the land survey phase of building your dream book. Join our discord! www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Writers be Like: Don't Interrupt Me!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2023 2:48


    Theresa and Morrigan offer tips for a common writer problem—when you get interrupted. www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Phase 1: Land Survey Overview

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2023 16:07


    What's the first thing you need to do when you decide you're going to write a new book or story?!?!?! How do you start with a blank page and make something magical?Join us as we discuss how to start and what things you can do to set yourself up for success!www.semisagesofthepages.com

    More 1 Star Reviews of Popular Books

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2023 2:02


    Join the Semi-Sages as they read 1 star reviews from famous books. Play along and try to guess which book they're talking about!www.semisagesofthepages.com

    7 Phases to Write Your Dream Book!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2023 26:49


    Join the Sages as we talk about the 7 phase you need to write your dream book! www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Ready to Write your Dream Book? We'll help!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 18:27


    It's time for the Semi-Sages to tell you all about writing a book! Join the sages as they laugh and talk about 7 simple phases you need to create your book.www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Reading 1 Star Reviews on Amazon

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2023 6:44


    Watch the Semi-Sages read 1 star reviews and play along to find out which New York Times bestselling book they're talking about.Semi-Sages of the Pages is a group of authors, helping you write your dream book one page at a time. www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Which Pop Culture Book got 1 star Reviews?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 3:55


    Join the sages as they read 1 star reviews for popular books and try to guess which book they're talking about!

    3 Questions to Answer Before Writing Any Story

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 15:26


    Join the sages as they discuss how to write a book and the three questions you need to answer before writing a story.

    Which Classic Author Got 1 Star Reviews?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2023 3:06


    Join the sages as we read 1 star reviews and guess which book and author got them. www.semisagesofthepages.com

    We Read & Critique Your First Pages

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2023 16:20


    Join us live as we read & provide feedback on your submitted first pages!Want us to critique you? Submit your first page at http://www.semisagesofthepages.com/culture-club.html

    Realistic Writing Expectations

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2023 17:45


    Join us live as we discuss what are "realistic" writing expectations! Just starting your journey or well on your way, we want to hear from you! Tell us, what are your expectations? Have they changed over the years? What has most surprised you?Check us out at http://www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Authors Critique First Pages

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2023 24:56


    Join us as we provide live feedback on your first pages!Check us out at http://www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Our Experiences at the AWP 2023 Conference

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2023 18:13


    Join us LIVE as we discuss our experiences at North America's largest writer's conference - AWP! Find out what we thought about being around 9,000 other authors and the sessions we attended.Check us out at http://www.semisagesofthepages.com

    Interview with a Big 5 Industry Professional

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2023 32:35


    Listen as Molly and Theresa talk to a Big 5 Industry Professional about their experiences in the publishing world. 

    How to Use Rejection to Fuel your Writing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2023 24:55


    Join us  as we interview our 2022 Race to Rejection Winner - KJ Shepard!

    The Insidious Cycle of Book Banning & Should a Title be "Voicey"?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2023 43:52


    It's 2023, and the Semi-Sages are exploring everything from book banning to finding a good title. So if you're an author looking for a community dedicated to craft and connection this is the place for you.New York Time's Article on Book Banning - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/19/briefing/book-bans.htmlCheck us out at www.semisagesofthepages.com or come join our discord!

    Subplots & Pitching Series

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2022 69:30


    Special Guest Chris Bannor joins us for this discussion on subplots & series. We cover many facets of subplots, including: how not to fall into rabbit holes, how subplots drive series, the popularity of the romance subplot, how to challenge your characters, and more!Plus, we delve into pitching the first book of a series! 

    Writing Humor

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2022 56:41


    In this episode, Molly and Theresa explore pop culture as they talk about what works and doesn't work when writing humor. Listen to them and learn how to intersperse humor in your writing as they talk about What They do in the Shadows, Lord of the Rings and Firefly. 

    Writing about Mysteries with Dennis Crosby

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2022 53:08


    With guest host Dennis K. Crosby, the Semi-Sages talk about plotting vs pantsing mysteries and what goes into writing a good mystery. We talk about why you need to choose a good title and cover that meets the genre expectations. And finally, we talk about building complex characters that push the plot forward, rather than building plots that push the characters forward. Dennis K. Crosby is the award-winning urban fantasy author of Death's Legacy and Death's Debt, available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and all the other places you purchase your books from.Thanks Dennis for a fun conversation!

    Culture Club Discusses Poe-try

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2022 43:56


    Tis the season for horror. So sit back, grab your drink of choice and enjoy a foray into the life and works of the famous Edgar Allan Poe.  Then treat yourself to the "Even Better If" section where the sages provide positive feedback to viewer submitted first pages.

    Culture Club Explores the Genre of Mystery Via The Maid by Nita Prose

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2022 64:57


    Writing or reading a mystery? If so, join our adventure as we analyze the strengths and weaknesses' of Nita Prose's best selling book The Maid.  Then stay for the fun and hopefully insightful segment we call "Even Better If", where the sages read viewer submitted first pages and provide positive feedback. 

    Tension in Horror, Picking the Right Idea, and the Importance of Boobs with Screenwriter Stephen Lancellotti

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2022 48:44


    In this episode, we are joined by special guest Stephen Lancellotti. We discuss:-How Stephen got into Screenwriting-Pivoting and Discovering your Voice-Picking the "Right" Idea-Tension & Expectations in Horror...and more!

    Talking about Writing Cliffhangers and Why is Paper getting so Expensive?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2022 44:52


    In this episode, the sages discuss when and how to write cliffhangers versus chapters that make the reader want to turn the page. We also talk about how the price of paper is affecting publishing and authors. And we say goodbye to one of the Sages--Sarah is moving on to other projects and personal priorities. We will miss her and wish her nothing but the best!

    What Makes a Cult Classic?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2022 52:51


    Have you wondered if there's a formula for writing one or what exactly a cult classic is? Check out our chat about cult classics as we turn the pages!

    Writing about Quests, Inciting Incidents and Rough Transitions

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2022 56:13


    In this episode, the sages talk about how they started on their quest to be a writer, what an inciting incident is and whether it's best to write what you know when it comes to locations or just do research (or fly to Hawaii!).Join us as we laugh, and learn from each other. 

    Writing "Timeless" or "In-The-Moment"? Plus, Staying Relevant to our Readers

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2022 38:36


    We cover the following topics:Our Page - More Details on Culture ClubA Page - Importance of Staying Relevant to our ReadersThe Page - Is all Fiction Women's Fiction? Why Labels Don't Work Like They Used To.Your Page - Race to Rejection Update

    Announcing Culture Club!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2022 4:16


    We are announcing a new series this fall, Culture Club! Join us every other Wednesday from 6:30- 7:30 PM - Pacific Time. Where we dive into a selection of literature, media, or art and evaluate its contributions to our current literary landscape. Then things get really interesting as we read and provide feedback on your submissions. Each week will be genre themed and selections will (ideally) be associated with that theme. Culture Club seeks to make everyone's writing "even better" and we hope to provide constructive feedback that will take all our writing to the next level.The first episode will be on Sep 7th, where we discuss Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children. Don't forget to submit for critique, especially for magical realism! Details & submission can be found here - http://www.semisagesofthepages.com/culture-club.html

    Barnes & Noble did what?!?! Plus, Submit to Culture Club!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2022 28:26


    Announcing Culture Club - where we analyze books, film & television for storytelling lessons! Every Culture Club will be LIVE and will also be critiquing your first pages! SUBMIT HERE - http://www.semisagesofthepages.com/culture-club.htmlIn our Industry section, we discuss Barnes & Noble's newest policy and how it could hurt authors.Special shout-out to our wonderful community and how well some of them did on the NYC Midnight Flash Fiction competition!

    Fridging, Tropes, Socioeconomic Classes and Saving Money

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2022 54:35


    In this episode, the Semi-Sages talk about tropes, including fridging in Thor: Love and Thunder. The Sages also discuss the importance of choosing socioeconomic classes when building your characters as it affects world-building. And they wrap it up by discussing places you, as an author, can save money. 

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