The Scripturient Society

✨ Come behind the scenes of our Spring 2025 Story Sirens Writing Retreat—a weekend filled with creativity, connection, and storytelling magic! In this short episode, we share some of our favorite moments from Story Sirens inaugural retreat and discuss some of the things we are looking forward to at our next one! 🌿 Whether you're drafting a novel, revising a memoir, or just craving time with...

Word of the week: Braggadocio In 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 ti...

Word of the week: Zemblanity In 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 yo...

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...

Word of the week: Anathema This 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 the...

Word of the week: Suspiration This 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...

Word of the week: Hirsute In 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 reader...

Word of the week: Aglifft In 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 d...

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 @thescripturientsociety Support the show Don't forget to visit our writing group on Facebook to tell us about what you've been working on!...

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...

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 relationship...

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 Ka...

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 m...

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...

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&...

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...

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 Kar...

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 d...

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 theologic...

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 episod...

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 t...

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...

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...

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 D...

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...