The Scripturient Society

Hey there, writers! In this minisode, Karissa/Katherine breaks down City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. This urban fantasy blends the dangerously magical with the gritty setting of New York City when Clary Fray witnesses something terrifying and shortly after experiences her first meeting with the Shadowhunters. Karissa as she dives into City of Bones, offering a review of what does and doesn't...

Word of the week: Hiraeth In this week's episode the hosts discuss the most important elements of a character's backstory, as well as tips for crafting a realistic character complete with emotional wounds, wants, needs, fears, etc., as well as how to dispense a character's backstory in a way that avoids info dumping AND moves the plot forward. Join Ash and Karissa as they take a loo...

Hey there, writers! In this minisode, Karissa/Katherine breaks down Lord of the Flies by William Golding. This well-known yet haunting classic is heavy with themes of human nature, morality, and more, all while presenting a story that will keep you holding your breath despite a plot that isn't all that busy in reality. Join Karissa as she dives into Lord of the Flies, offering a review of wha...

Word of the week: Tintinnabulation In this week's episode the hosts discuss the difference between a based-on and inspired-by retelling, as well as how writers can craft a truly spectacular retelling and what to avoid when attempting to pull off one of the most difficult types of books to write. Join Ash and Karissa as they take a look at best practices for writing retellings, offering their...

Hey there, writers! In this minisode, Karissa/Katherine breaks down Dividing Eden by Joelle Charbonneau. This YA fantasy takes an interesting look at family obligations, sibling relationships, and the threat of betrayal when it comes to seeking the crown.  Join Karissa as she dives into Dividing Eden, offering a review of what does and doesn't work from a writer's perspective! Keep writi...

Word of the week: Opsimath In this week's episode the hosts discuss why reading is such an important practice for writers, as well as how writers can learn to read critically to allow themselves and their stories to benefit as much as possible from the books we all love. Join Ash and Karissa as they take a look at why and how writers should read, offering their thoughts, feelings, and general...

Hey there, writers! In this minisode, Karissa/Katherine breaks down Soulless by Gail Carriger. This steampunk paranormal romance has plenty to offer to young adult,  new adult, and adult readers alike - although it is technically classified as an adult novel.  Join Karissa as she dives into Soulless, offering a review of what does and doesn't work from a writer's perspective! Keep writin...

Word of the week: Jeremiad In this week's episode the hosts discuss the hallmarks of cheesy dialogue, as well as the best ways to avoid it. Whether you struggle with writing dialogue or identify as a dialogue virtuoso, the hosts have something to say about the dialogue best practices, and the worst practices to avoid. Join Ash and Karissa as they take a look at how to craft authentic, compell...

Hey there, writers! In this minisode, Karissa/Katherine breaks down Wandering Star  by Romina Russell. This YA sci-fi weaves together classic elements of the genre with those of astrology, for a uniquely fantastical take on the space saga. Join Karissa as she dives into Wandering Star , offering a review of what does and doesn't work from a writer's perspective! Keep writing, everyone, a...

Word of the week: Collywobbles In this week's episode the hosts discuss the famous "show don't tell" writing philosophy, starting with the purpose of the writing strategy itself, then delving into everything from how and when to use the strategy, to when it might be better to tell instead of show - scandalous, we know. Join Ash and Karissa as they take a look at how to use the...

Hey there, writers! In this minisode, Karissa/Katherine breaks down Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. This bestselling YA fantasy is considered a classic of the genre, and has remained a fan-favorite ever since its release. But what makes the world of Inkheart so impossibly enchanting? Join Karissa as she dives into Inkheart , offering a review of what does and doesn't work from a writer's per...

Word of the week: Taradiddle In this week's episode the hosts discuss the much-belabored "saving the girl" trope, from all the best things about it to all of the worst, as well as what to keep in mind if your story includes one. Join Ash and Karissa as they take a look at how to use the "save the girl" trope in your writing, offering their thoughts, feelings, and general a...

Hey there, writers! In this minisode, Karissa/Katherine breaks down The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson. This unique YA fantasy utilizes a unique magic system against the backdrop of a very altered United States. Join Karissa as she dives into The Rithmatist , offering a review of what does and doesn't work from a writer's perspective! Keep writing, everyone, and we'll see you on th...

Word of the week: Zaftig In this week's episode the hosts discuss the time-worn and much-beloved trope of the chosen one. From figuring out what should actually make your chosen one special, to keeping them relatable enough to inspire your readers, the chosen one trope has a unique potential to engage your readers like no other trope can. Join Ash and Karissa as they take a look at how to wri...

Hey there, writers! In this minisode, Karissa/Katherine breaks down Lore by Alexandra Bracken. This YA fantasy inspired by mythology deals with destiny, fate, and hard choices, all with a unique spin on some of the familiar myths we know and love.  Join Karissa as she dives into Lore , a book written by one of her all-time favorite authors, offering a review of what does and doesn't work from...

Word of the week: Sweven In this week's episode the hosts discuss dream sequences, visions, nightmares, and all the best ways to use them in your writing (as well as a few pitfalls to avoid). From foreshadowing to plot propulsion and setting the tone - particularly for paranormal, horror, and books with other darker themes - dream scenes can be a powerful writing tool (when used correctly). J...

Hey there, writers! In this minisode, Karissa/Katherine breaks down Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. This YA fantasy revolves around all the magical (and terrible) consequences when a prison is given the choice between death or life as the commander's poison taster - and chooses poison. With an original spin on some classic fantasy worldbuilding as well as some tried-and-true young adult trop...

Word of the week: Anecdoche In this week's episode the hosts discuss the famous (or infamous) miscommunication trope in writing, as well as when and how to use it in a way that won't make your readers want to pull their hair out, especially in regard to romance books and parent-child relationships. Join Ash and Karissa as they take a look at the miscommunication trope, offering their tho...

Hey there, writers! In this minisode, Karissa/Katherine breaks down The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh. This retelling of the Korean folktale "The Tale of Shim Cheong" employs all kinds of strategies to put a new spin on this little-known fairytale.  Join Karissa as she dives into this story, offering a review of what does and doesn't work from a writer's perspective...

Word of the week: Oeuvre In this week's episode the hosts discuss the difference between a pseudonym and a pen name, as well as when and why to use them, and how to choose a name that will suit your individual goals as a writer. Join Ash and Karissa as they take a look at pen names, offering their thoughts, feelings, and general advice on the subject. Skippers jump to 22:15 Find us on social...

Hey there, writers! In this minisode, Karissa/Katherine breaks down Ruthless Magic by Megan Crewe. With hunger-game type elements, a unique magic system, and more, this YA Fantasy definitely captures the imagination.  Join Karissa as she dives into this story of competition and magic-wielding teenagers, figuring out what does and doesn't work from a writer's perspective along the way! Ke...

Word of the week: Quidnunc In this week's episode the hosts discuss the problem with using your characters as a soapbox to communicate your message, as well as the myriad of other ways writers can communicate their opinions on everything from politics to religion and more by honing their craft and applying specific thematic strategies to their story, without compromising the quality of the en...

Hey there, writers! In this minisode, Karissa/Katherine breaks down The Witcher series written by Andrzej Sapkowski. Made particularly famous by video games and now a Netflix show, join Karissa as she dives into the series that captured the imaginations of readers, gamers, and viewers around the world, figuring out what does and doesn't work from a writer's perspective along the way! Kee...

Word of the week: Pluviophile In this week's episode the hosts discuss when and how to use cliffhangers most effectively, as well as the different types of cliffhangers authors can utilize to make sure the stakes remain balanced from book to book within a series, as well as the importance of intermediate cliffhangers within a single story.  Join Ash and Karissa as they take a look at cliffhan...

Hey there, writers! In this minisode, Karissa/Katherine breaks down The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski, one of the short story collections that inspired The Witcher Netflix series, video games, and more. Join Karissa as she dives into this fan-favorite to analyze what does or doesn't work from a writer's perspective! Keep writing, everyone, and we'll see you on the next page... Find...