The Scripturient Society

Word of the week: Littoral

In 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 d...

Word of the week: Axiomatic

In 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 charac...

Word of the week: Limerence

In 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 disc...

Word of the week: Scurryfunge

In 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 th...

Word of the week: Dormiveglia

In 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.
 
Jo...

Word of the week: Crepuscular

In 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 f...

Word of the week: Spurious

In 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 epi...

Word of the week: Persiflage

In 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 dis...

Word of the week: Saturnine

In 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...

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 c...

Word of the week: Velleity

In 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, Kar...

Word of the week: Cephalic

Have 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 ...

Word of the week: Sibilance

In 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 ...

Word of the week: Aeipathy

In 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 l...

Word of the week: Meliorism

In 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 t...

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 doe...

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 cr...

Word of the week: Bellicose

In 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 support...

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 an...