The Scripturient Society

Word of the week: BraggadocioIn this episode of The Scripturient Society, Ash and Karissa dive into a listener-requested topic: how to transform your floating ideas into a full-fledged manuscript. From characters and settings to those elusive concepts that won't leave your mind, the hosts share their secrets for weaving it all into a solid, workable premise. Plus, they dish out practical tips to overcome procrastination and spark the motivation to finally start writing that book you've been dreaming about.Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will get you off the sidelines and into the writing game—no more waiting for the perfect moment to start!Join Ash and Karissa as they take the plunge into beginning your book with braggadocio!Skippers jump to 34:17Don't forget to apply for the Story Sirens Studio Spring 2025 Writing Retreat! This year the spring retreat will be held from May 1-4 in Texas. Learn more here: https://storysirensstudio.com/retreats/spring2025Support the showDon't forget to visit the Scripturient Society Writing Group on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the pod and work out your writing muscles with this book of fantasy writing prompts from Story Sirens Studio.Looking for a laugh? Visit our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club!

Word of the week: ZemblanityIn this episode of The Scripturient Society, the hosts dive into the unbelievable world of suspension of disbelief and why it's absolutely crucial for writers--particularly when writing science fiction or fantasy. Whether it's magic, aliens, time travel, or anything else outside the norm, Ash and Karissa discuss how to craft that sweet, sweet immersion to pull your audience in and keep them engaged, no matter how outlandish your story becomes. Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss suspension of disbelief!Skippers jump to 33:49Support the showDon't forget to visit the Scripturient Society Writing Group on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the pod and work out your writing muscles with this book of fantasy writing prompts from Story Sirens Studio.Looking for a laugh? Visit our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club!

It's that time of year again! Are you ready to throw out the time codes and embrace the nonsense?Welcome to Episode 117 of The Scripturient Society, also known as Season 5 Episode 16 of That Pretentious Book Club, also known as the 4th Annual Story Sirens Studio Christmas Party!Join the hosts for a series of bookish games, deranged laughter, and friendship as all four hosts come together for the first time ever for this holiday extravaganza. This year you can look forward to (or possibly fear), a return of Lewis's custom madlibs and a shockingly dark Christmas chain story.Keep your teacups full, pinkies high, and we'll see you on the next pretentious page! Did we do that right?Support the showDon't forget to visit the Scripturient Society Writing Group on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the pod and work out your writing muscles with this book of fantasy writing prompts from Story Sirens Studio.Looking for a laugh? Visit our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club!

Word of the week: AnathemaThis week the hosts of The Scripturient Society writers group and podcast discuss "plot conveniences", including their personal favorite/least favorite conveniences, as well as how and when to use them. Not sure what the hosts are referring to as a "plot convenience"? If you have seen a character develop a sudden infinity for the exact super power they need to move the plot along, or a character finds just enough of a letter to send them in the right direction, you know what we're talking about. Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss plot conveniences!Skippers jump to 27:00Support the showDon't forget to visit the Scripturient Society Writing Group on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the pod and work out your writing muscles with this book of fantasy writing prompts from Story Sirens Studio.Looking for a laugh? Visit our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club!

Word of the week: SuspirationThis week the hosts of The Scripturient Society writers group and podcast discuss the value of working on the books that come to you easily versus the books that are a labor of love. Is one better than the other? And how do we keep the writing spark alive? Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss the different types of books divided by mental/emotional effort.Skippers jump to 37:50Support the Show.Don't forget to visit the Scripturient Society Writing Group on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietyLooking for a laugh? Visit our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club!

Word of the week: HirsuteIn line with the theme of this week's episode, the hosts discuss perhaps the most unlikeable word of the week yet, before diving in to the process for crafting an unlikeable protagonist. From when to utilize an unlikeable protagonist to tips for walking that fine line between an unlikeable protagonist that readers will root for versus an unlikeable protagonist readers cease to care about, there is plenty to say on this interesting and complex topic. Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss the science (or art) of writing an unlikeable protagonist.Skippers jump to 30:19Support the Show.Don't forget to visit the Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietyLooking for a laugh? Visit our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club!

Word of the week: AglifftIn this episode the hosts discuss how to identify elements of a story that need to be cut or replaced to take your story to the next level. Learning how to recognize elements of a story that only serve a purpose once or twice as a plot device is important to developing a watertight story that doesn't leave readers shaking their heads. Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss the uses, dangers, and fixes for plot devices that just don't quite fit into the larger story.Skippers jump to 44:14Support the Show.Don't forget to visit the Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietyLooking for a laugh? Visit our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club!

Hey there, writers! Karissa popping in for this brief announcement to let everyone know that we will be taking a brief hiatus for the rest of May 2024, but we will be back in June with your regularly scheduled writing rambles.Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the Show.

Word of the week: LittoralIn this episode the hosts discuss novellas! From what separates a novella from other forms of short fiction to stylistic expectations and the strategy they require, for such small books there's certainly a lot to talk about. For instance, how many characters can be included in a novella before the quality of the character development starts to suffer? Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss writing, editing, and publishing possibilities for novellas.Don't forget to visit the Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 23:08Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the Show.

Word of the week: AxiomaticIn this episode the hosts discuss what to keep in mind when crafting romantic and other relationships for your side or supporting characters. Did you know that a supporting character's choice in relationship can say something about them -- and may even say something about the main character?  Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss the value of including relationships for side characters in your writing!Don't forget to visit the Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 29:16Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: LimerenceIn this episode the hosts discuss the best ways to incorporate riddles, prophesies, letters, diary entries, and other asides into writing. From how frequently to include these in a single book to ways to separate these from the rest of the text, and even whether these should be included in query material, the hosts find plenty to discuss on this topic! Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss what to keep in mind when including asides in your writing!Don't forget to visit the Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 29:39Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: ScurryfungeIn this episode the hosts discuss all the ways to clackety clack (AKA type - including methods that don't involve clackety clacking at all)! From desktop and laptop keyboards with a shockingly fascinating origin story to old and new typewriters, collapsible keyboards, dictation tools, and more, there are many ways to get your story on paper. While some of these methods may be prime for those who write on-the-go, others may be easier for marathon writers to employ. Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss some of the bst ways to clackety clack!Don't forget to visit the Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 32:21Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: DormivegliaIn this episode the hosts discuss frame stories! From classic and modern examples of this popular storytelling to technique to how frame stories can be used to keep readers on the edge of their seats, this technique is habitually underestimated. The benefits of a frame story are unique, substantial, and far-reaching, offering intrigue for readers and extra flexibility for authors. Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss frame stories!Don't forget to visit the Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 34:27Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: CrepuscularIn this episode the hosts discuss the unalived/missing parent trope, as well as when and how to use it, and some unique alternatives to keep stories feeling fresh and down to earth. It's no secret that superhero stories and young adult fiction love this trope, but is it always the best choice? Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss new ways to use this trope!Don't forget to visit the Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 27:19Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: SpuriousIn this episode the hosts discuss  writing contests (or writing competitions, depending on which synonym you prefer). From the different types of contests and whether submitting something is worth it, to the red flags that may indicate a poorly conducted contest or even a scam, if you have ever considered entering a writing contest for short stories, poetry, or any other form of fiction, this episode is for you. Join Ash and Karissa for this very non-spurious discussion of writing contests and their value!Don't forget to visit the Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 26:58Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: PersiflageIn this episode the hosts discuss the many tropes in modern fiction and young adult fiction in particular that were inspired by tropes made famous by none other than the bard himself -- William Shakespeare. From entertaining mishap with identical twins to being in love with love, there is plenty to inspire comedies and tragedies in all kinds of genres. Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss Shakespearean tropes in modern writing!Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 25:45Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: SaturnineIn this first episode back following the holiday hiatus and Ash's maternity leave, the hosts discuss staying on task for the new year! From tips for staying focused to setting reasonable goals and staying motivated, the hosts have plenty say on this topic as they look forward to a new year of writing and everything that comes with it.Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss staying on task and writing plans for 2024!Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 34:25Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Welcome to Episode 103 of The Scripturient Society and  Season 5 Episode 9 of That Pretentious Book Club!Join sister podcasts and Story Sirens Studio productions The Scripturient Society and That Pretentious Book Club in this third annual Christmas party for readers, writers, and nerds, and lovers of babies! This year the hosts witness a return of the bookish madlibs and a wholesome yet theologically confusing Christmas chain story. Join the story sirens as they celebrate the season in true comedic-yet-literary fashion!For all the storytellers out there, keep writing, and we'll see you on the next page!Find this season's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores!Follow The Scripturient Society on Instagram and TikTok!Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudioFind Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke now available on Amazon!Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietyVisit the pod online at storysirensstudio.comCheck out our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club for some refreshing book club comedy!Support the show

Word of the week: VelleityIn this special episode the hosts are joined by host of sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club Kendall "Spoons" Shaw to discuss some of the best and most powerful aesthetics and themed "cores" that have become so popular. This is also the society's last pre-recorded episode, marking the return of Ash from her maternity leave in the next episode! Join Ash, Karissa, and Kendall as they discuss some of the most delightful aesthetics in literature!Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 47:13Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: CephalicHave you ever wondered what your favorite punctuation mark says about you? In this episode (another recorded in advance of Ash's maternity leave), the hosts discuss their favorite and least favorite punctuation marks, as well as what those punctuation marks might imply about a person--from their general temperament to zodiac signs and more! Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss the punctuation marks every writing nerd knows and loves (and sometimes hates), and make wild assumptions about what those punctuation marks say about a person.Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 20:46Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: SibilanceIn this pre-pre-recorded episode the hosts discuss some of the best and worst minor romantic tropes in writing. From the ballgown gasp to many other favorites, these occasionally romance-challenged writers seek to put a name to the unnamed little tropes that add magic to any romance.Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss minor romantic tropes!Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 24:41Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: AeipathyIn this special 100th episode, the hosts are joined by two special guests to chat movies, books, and get quizzed on their knowledge of literary and bookish terminology! How many of these answers do you know? Join the writing group as Ash and Karissa attempt to establish just how far outside the scope of normal society they really are, and seek to find common ground with these somewhat less avid consumers of books and writing... Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: MeliorismIn this episode the hosts discuss series VS stanndalones, as well as the appropriate instances for utilizing these storytelling structures. Stuck between the two? The hosts offer some foolproof ways to make this big decision.Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss series, standalones, and survival!Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 30:37Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Hey there, writers!In this minisode, Karissa  breaks down The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper; this five-book contemporary fantasy series bridges the gap between children's and young adult fiction in a uniquely refreshing way, while providing a gripping story interwoven with Celtic and Arthurian legend. Join Karissa as she analyzes The Dark is Rising Sequence , offering a review of what does and doesn't work from a writer's perspective!Keep writing, everyone, and we'll see you on the next page...Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietyCheck out our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club for bookish comedy content!Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio or check out merch and more at storysirensstudio.comSupport the show

Hey there, writers!In this minisode, Karissa  breaks down the mammoth-like urban fantasy Lady Midnight, book one in The Dark Artifices series by YA fiction icon Cassandra Clare! From assessing the need for 700 pages of content to the presence of "fluff" and a possible dip in the writing quality compared to Clare's previous works, to red pen points in which Karissa/Katherine withdraws some of her previous critiques about this book, there is plenty to cover in this long-awaited episode.Join Karissa as she analyzes Lady Midnight, offering a review of what does and doesn't work from a writer's perspective!Keep writing, everyone, and we'll see you on the next page...Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietyCheck out our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club for bookish comedy content!Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio or check out merch and more at storysirensstudio.comSupport the show

Word of the week: BellicoseIn this episode the hosts discuss plot armor -- AKA the concept of putting your characters through physical injuries and/or challenges that require a certain suspension of disbelief for readers to accept. With conditions ranging from blood loss and oxygen deprivation to the effects of heat, cold, and more, do you know where to draw the line for your story and genre to make sure it can be supported by your readers suspended disbelief?Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss how to write injuries, physical challenges, and the consequences in appropriately vague, realistic, yet inspiring ways!Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 30:37Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Hey there, writers!In this minisode, Karissa finally breaks down  one of her co-host's all-time favorite books - If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio. This murder mystery thriller straddles the line between new adult and adult fiction, utilizing flashbacks for a unique delivery along with endless references to the bard himself (i.e. Shakespeare). This book is an ideal choice for readers who appreciate impeccable craft and/or live theater, and is arguably an equally good for those looking to build on their own writing skills by reading artfully concocted books.Join Karissa as she analyzes If We Were Villains, offering a review of what does and doesn't work from a writer's perspective!Keep writing, everyone, and we'll see you on the next page...Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietyCheck out our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club for bookish comedy content!Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio or check out merch and more at storysirensstudio.comSupport the show

Word of the week: ImbroglioIn this episode the hosts discuss easy editing hacks to improve the brevity and thereby the impact of your writing! From the most important rules of grammar to the best opportunities for grammar rule-breaking, a message delivered in as few words as possible is often the best way to go. Join Ash and Karissa as they grammar and writing rules to improve conciseness and give your story a cleaner, more powerful delivery.Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 34:52Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Hey there, writers!In this minisode, Karissa breaks down  popular duology Gilded by Myrissa Meyer, master of the YA fantasy genre and fairytale retellings in particular. Not only does this book carry the same tone and craft as Meyer's famous Lunar Chronicles books, but it delves into somewhat lesser-known fairytales for a refreshing spin on what has become a beloved genre. Rife with danger, ill-fated love, and impossible ultimatums (including spinning straw into gold), this duology promises a classic, high-stakes fantasy with an originality that only Meyer brings to the table.Join Karissa as she analyzes Gilded the duology, offering a review of what does and doesn't work from a writer's perspective!Keep writing, everyone, and we'll see you on the next page...Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietyCheck out our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club for bookish comedy content!Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio or check out merch and more at storysirensstudio.comSupport the show

Word of the week: FrissonIn this episode the hosts discuss all the best and worst things about the soulmate trope. From philosophical disagreements about the existence of soulmates to the parts of the trope that make it truly magical, the soulmates trope may have more to offer than first meets the eye - even for skeptics like Ash.  Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss how and when to use the soulmate trope in your writing!Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 51:27Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Hey there, writers!In this minisode, Karissa breaks down true thriller Never Saw Me Coming by Vera Kurian. Not only does this book stand out as an excellent example of a true NA novel, offering more mature content in a highly justified setting and application, but it also centers around a unique concept; what if a university offered scholarships to diagnosed psychopaths in exchange for their cooperation in campus research?Join Karissa as she analyzes Never Saw Me Coming, offering a review of what does and doesn't work from a writer's perspective!Keep writing, everyone, and we'll see you on the next page...Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietyCheck out our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club for bookish comedy content!Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio or check out merch and more at storysirensstudio.comSupport the show

Word of the week: FolderolIn this episode the hosts are joined by guest novelist and writing coach Mary Adkins to discuss how to write from and about personal trauma without retraumatizing yourself or your readers. From the responsibility a writer has to protect their readers, to the methods a writer can take to protect their own mental health during the creative writing process, Karissa, Ash, and Mary have plenty of thoughts on this rarely-discussed subject that affects so many writers (and readers)! Join Ash, Karissa, and Mary Adkins as they discuss how to responsibly and artfully write from trauma...Visit Mary Adkins online, explore her books Palm Beach, When You Read This, and Privilege, and explore her writing program THE BOOK INCUBATOR™ (AKA the last writing program you'll ever need).Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 20:53Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Hey there, writers!In this minisode, Karissa breaks down YA fantasy The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber; this is the second book following Once Upon a Broken Heart in the sequel series to the magical and beloved Caraval.  This book is a prime example of consistency in quality, style, and worldbuilding, providing a satisfying story that feels brand new despite having an air of familiarity with its related book. Join Karissa as she analyzes The Ballad of Never After, offering a review of what does and doesn't work from a writer's perspective!Keep writing, everyone, and we'll see you on the next page...Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietyCheck out our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club for bookish comedy content!Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio or check out merch and more at storysirensstudio.comSupport the show

Word of the week: BowdlerizeIn this episode the hosts discuss how to write fiction as a Christian (or as anyone trying to communicate an important message). There are a variety of cringeworthy and painfully common pitfalls that Christian writers tend to fall into; in this episode these self-proclaimed writers who are Christian get to the bottom of how to write high-quality stories with Christian or otherwise meaningful themes, without tripping over the ol' soapbox.  Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss how to write the best and worst of fiction as a Christian author!Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 40:58Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Hey there, writers!In this minisode, Karissa breaks down YA fantasy romance recommendation The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller. This book provides all the satisfaction of a classic YA fantasy as well as that of the more recently popular NA or "New Adult" fantasy genre. Fast-paced and full of rich, magical imagery, this book could be the antidote to anyone finding themself in a reading slump.Join Karissa as she analyzes The Shadows Between Us, offering a review of what does and doesn't work from a writer's perspective!Keep writing, everyone, and we'll see you on the next page...Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietyCheck out our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club for bookish comedy content!Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio or check out merch and more at storysirensstudio.comSupport the show

Word of the week: WinkleIn this episode the hosts discuss the celebrity writer phenomenon - both celebrities turned writers, and writers turned celebrities, as well as some interesting observations about these categories and pitfalls these realms of fiction tend to fall prey to. Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss celebrity writers and keeping standards high!Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 36:27Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Hey there, writers!In this minisode, Karissa/Lewis/Katherineis returning from hiatus to break down a popular TikTok book rec, Kingdom of the Wicked  by none other than Kerri Maniscalco. Well-known for her Stalking Jack the Ripper series, this author has a reputation for crafting enticingly original premises, but does the qualify of the craft stand up to the hype?  Join Karissa as she analyzes this popular young adult (or new  adult masquerading as young adult) novel for all its best and possibly problematic aspects, offering a review of what does and doesn't work from a writer's perspective!Keep writing, everyone, and we'll see you on the next page...Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietyCheck out our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club for bookish comedy content!Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio or check out merch and more at storysirensstudio.comSupport the show

Word of the week: EccedentesiastIn this episode the hosts discuss the pros and cons of romanticizing romance, particularly in YA/NA fiction. What's the right balance between realism and fantasy fulfillment when writing romance and developing romantic relationships?Join Ash and Karissa as they broadly discuss the ideal way to craft fictional romances!Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 32:54Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: PeccableIn this episode the hosts discuss all things POETRY! From the best poets and poetic devices to the cringiest poetic mistakes, the importance of cultural and historical context when reading poetry, and what the non-poets can learn from this type of art, the hosts find plenty to discuss. Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss what makes the best and worst of poetry!Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 31:12Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: Athazagoraphobia In this episode the hosts discuss the time-honored trope of the meet cute (or meet-cute, depending on your hyphenation preferences). From meet cute ideas ranging from the classic to original, as well as unique ways to utilize the meet cute in your writing regardless of genre, the hosts have plenty to say about this trope that quite frankly never gets old. Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss how to write the perfect meet cute!Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 23:52Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: DrapetomaniaIn this episode the hosts discuss when, how, and why to hire an editor (or editors) to look over your book before publishing! From in-depth explanations of developmental and structural edits, line edits and content edits, to the difference between copy edits and proofreading, the hosts are here to give writers and new editors alike insight into the common terminology used to describe these services. Not sure how to budget for an editor or if hiring one is really worth it? The hosts have plenty of suggestions on this as well! Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss all things editing for you and your book!Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 40:14Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: NovaturientIn this episode the hosts discuss some of the best, unique, and most practical ways to prep for writing your book - even if you are a self-proclaimed and committed pantser. Regardless of where you fall on the plotter VS pantser spectrum of writers, this episode is full of helpful tips to keep you and your story moving, avoid writers block, and avoid those little inconsistencies that can make a book or series slowly fall apart. Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss their favorite prepper tips for pantsers.Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 23:54Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: Forelsket In this episode the hosts discuss "reader response theory" and other forms of literary criticism, both from an academic and common perspective, as well as some of the problems that arise when readers - particularly on BookTok - use this as the sole method for judging a book's value. Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss this hyper-nerdy way of talking about and reading books.Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 15:42Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: NebulochaoticIn this episode the hosts discuss the concept of "clean" versus "explicit" writing, as well as the differences in writing strategy, craft, audience, and more. Join Ash and Karissa as they bring their personal and professional thoughts to the discussion, elaborating on what both types of writing can learn from the other, and the value of knowing and respecting your readers and their taste. Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 21:33Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: InsidiousIn this episode the hosts discuss the raging debate over what role if any AI should have in artistry, and whether AI writers will be the downfall of writing as we know it. Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss some of the most positive and dire predictions brought up by this debate, as well as their personal takes on AI books vs writers. Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 18:48Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: MonachopsisIn this episode the hosts discuss montages as a literary device. From the training montage to the makeover montage and more, this cinematic device is used in the literary world to varying degrees of success. Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss the best and worst ways to use a montage in your writing.Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 32:27Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietySupport the show

Word of the week: ConcatenationIn this episode the hosts discuss the infamous Bechdel Test (also known as the Bechdel-Wallace test), as well as when, where, and how to apply it to modern writing - if it should be applied at all. Join Ash and Karissa as they break down what truly makes for good representation of women and men alike in fiction across genres, and whether the Bechdel Test is still as applicable as it was in 1985... Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 22:54Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietyVisit the pod online at storysirensstudio.comCheck out our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club for some refreshing book club comedy!Support the show

Word of the week: SciamachyIn this episode the hosts discuss all things speculative fiction! From the technical definition of speculative fiction versus the more common definition, to the biggest subgenres including sci-fi, fantasy, horror, magical realism, alternate history, and more. Join Ash and Karissa as they talk speculative fiction, including hallmarks of the genre and subgenre, and how to categorize your book. Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 24:21Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietyVisit the pod online at storysirensstudio.comCheck out our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club for some refreshing book club comedy!Support the show

Word of the week: PulchritudinousIn this episode the hosts discuss when and how to sprinkle in your characters' physical and non-physical descriptions without feeling inauthentic, interrupting the pace, or feeling too expositionary. From eye, hair, and skin color to personal attributes from bravery to cowardice and beyond, Ash and Karissa have plenty to say about some of the best (and worst) ways to describe  characters when writing your book.Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 49:24Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietyVisit the pod online at storysirensstudio.comCheck out our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club for some refreshing book club comedy!Support the show

Word of the week: BailiwickIn this episode the hosts discuss the beloved and time-honored hidden power trope - especially as it relates to Young Adult fantasy and science fiction writing! From magical awakenings to genetic modifications, there's no limit to the strange and amazing powers your characters can use to change their world in big and small ways. Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss best (and worst) practices for using the hidden power trope.Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 24:57Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietyVisit the pod online at storysirensstudio.comCheck out our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club for some refreshing book club comedy!Support the show

Word of the week: HabromaniaIn this episode the hosts discuss dialect, accents, and dialectical writing - including favorite and least favorite examples! Have you ever wondered how to write an accent or dialect that sounds authentic? So have the hosts! Join Ash and Karissa as they discuss the pros, cons, and uses of dialectical writing!Don't forget to visit the NEW Scripturient Society WRITING GROUP on Discord to talk about what you've been working on! (https://discord.gg/YAzqwsHH)Skippers jump to 19:49Find us on social media @thescripturientsocietyVisit the pod online at storysirensstudio.comCheck out our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club for some refreshing book club comedy!Support the show