The Scripturient Society

Word of the week: Affray In this week's episode, the hosts are joined by special guest Kendall Shaw AKA The Duke AKA Dr. Spoons Palermo from That Pretentious Book Club , for an in-depth discussion of how, when, and why to kill off characters. A particularly spirited episode, this one is bound to make the writers chuckle and satisfy any fans of Avatar the Last Airbender. Skippers jump to 19:41...

Hey there, writers! In this minisode, Karissa/Katherine breaks down Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. This book defines whimsy, and is well-known around the world both for the story itself as well as its numerous movie and other adaptation. What can writers of today learn from this book? Tune in to find out. Keep writing, everyone, and we'll see you on the next page! Find us on social med...

Word of the week: Bosky In this week's episode, the hosts discuss what makes a good or bad plot twist, as well as how to build up to the twist for the perfect reaction. Bonus discussions on how to deal with the very mixed feelings of seeing others succeed in the publishing industry when personal success can feel far off. Skippers jump to 38:09 Find us on social media @thescripturientsociety C...

Hey there, writers! In this minisode, Karissa/Katherine breaks down Small Favors by Erin A. Craig, author of House of Salt and Sorrows. This new fairytale retelling was just recently released, and is inspired by the story of Rumpelstiltskin. Listen on for Katherine's analysis of this long-awaited book from a writer's perspective.  Keep writing, everyone, and we'll see you on the nex...

Word of the week: Verisimilitude In this week's episode, the hosts discuss what it takes to build a magic system for your fantasy novel, as well as the importance of doing the groundwork to make your system feel authentic. From comparisons to some of the most popular fantasy series of all time to first-hand experience, this episode is particularly fun and a definite must-listen for fantasy wr...

Hey there, writers! Welcome to the very first minisode of Katherine's Corner, hosted by none other than Karissa Harlow AKA Lewis! In this minisode, Karissa/Katherine breaks down The Mirror Visitor Quartet by Christelle Dabos, translated from French to English - a current favorite of the host's. Karissa takes the time to work out what makes this story as compelling as it is from a writer&...

Word of the week: Cicatrize In this week's episode, Karissa AKA Lewis lets the listeners in on her theory of the primary four components it takes to write to a truly good book. A somewhat shorter episode than usual, this one is still jam-packed with excellent writing advice, and accented by the "charmingly throaty" voice of a very ill Ash AKA Tolkien. Skippers jump to 12:52 Find us...

Word of the week: Antediluvian In this week's episode the TSS hosts discuss what it takes to write a truly compelling ending, as well as what common problems can result in a disappointing/dissatisfying ending. Not only do the hosts determine that it is important to answer any plot questions posed throughout the story, but they discuss the importance of giving some indication of what happens t...

In this first-ever Christmas special from Story Sirens Production Studio, sister podcasts That Pretentious Book Club and The Scripturient Society team up for the most bookish company Christmas party of all time! Absolutely chocked full of laughter and silliness, this episode is made to fill the void that every super-lame-company-holiday-party has left in its wake. From silly games to a truly wild...

Word of the Week: Malapert In this week's episode, the hosts discuss whether or not it's worth it to focus on "marketable" writing, as well as exactly what "marketable" writing refers to in regard to the constantly changing trends of the literary industry.  Skippers jump to 19:34 Find us on social media @thescripturientsociety Check out our sister podcast That Pretent...

Word of the Week: Paramnesia In this week's episode, the hosts discuss Ash's least favorite writing trope of all time - amnesia. From discussions on whether or not amnesia can be used correctly as a trope, and if so how to do it, to the risks an author is running by engaging in this historically heartbreaking and infuriating plot device, the hosts of plenty to say on this topic. Skippers...

Word of the Week: Abditory In this week's episode, Ash and Karissa discuss how to write the perfect villain. While certain tropes are popular for a reason, it can be hard to write compelling villains that are unique where it counts. The hosts do their best to figure out what makes a great villain, as well as how to distill those practices into their own writing. Skippers jump to 31:35 Find us...

Word of the Week: Zenosyne In this week's episode, Ash and Karissa discuss the concept "write what you know" as well as whether or not this is really an applicable writing practice, and if so, how. From discussions over what is considered valuable "life experience" to genre-specific requirements for certain fields of knowledge, the hosts do their best to spread some light...

Word of the Week: Expergefactor In this week's episode Ash and Karissa discuss love triangles - how to write them well and which pitfalls to avoid. As a lover of love triangles, Ash has a lot to say on the subject - and as a hater of love triangles, so does Karissa, resulting in a fun and thorough take on when and how to use this favorite trope, plus a bonus discussion on the hosts' para...

Word of the week: Absquatuate In this week's episode Ash and Karissa discuss the dramatic principle Chekhov's Gun, which essentially states that every element introduced to a story should be used by the end of the story. The hosts discuss this concept in relation to foreshadowing, as well as how, when, and why to employ it. Skippers jump to 14:56 Find us on social media @thescripturients...

Word of the week: Alexithymia In this week's episode Ash and Karissa discuss the pros and cons of self-publishing, the process of self-publishing, as well as how to tell when it might be a good idea to self-publish versus when an author might want to wait. Ash brings her own experience with self-publishing and a wry sense of humor to bear on this episode. Skippers jump to 19:30 Find us on soc...

Word of the week: Eldritch In this week's episode Ash and Karissa are joined by a special guest from sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club to discuss everything fanfiction! From discussions over the practical use of fanfiction to dishing long-held fanfiction secrets, if you have read, written, or thought about reading or writing a fanfiction, this episode has something for you. Disclaimer...

Word of the week: Bugbear In this week's episode Ash and Karissa discuss how to deal with query letter rejection. From personal anecdotes about the trials of querying and a rough tally of each writer's rejections (and counting), it's clear that rejections may actually present important opportunities for authors to understand both themselves and their writing. Skippers jump to 24:35...

Word of the week: Hebetude   In this week's episode Ash and Karissa discuss the problem with main characters who love reading by default. From discussions of fun, unique hobbies the hosts would like to see more of, to delving into the actual purpose of the hobbies, interests, and jobs we give our characters (aka plot support, character building, and setting cohesion), there are plenty of ways...

Word of the week: Gimcrack Romantic subplots are something many of us have become accustomed to in just about every book (especially in the Young Adult fiction universe), but do these sometimes do more harm than good to the quality of the story? In this episode of The Scripturient Society Ash and Karissa discuss when, why. and how to use romantic subplots - as well as how to determine when you mig...

Word of the week: Jouska In this episode of The Scripturient Society Ash and Karissa open a dialogue all about dialogue! This discussion includes debate over the best way to communicate emphasis in dialogue without looking like an amateur,  how to use the iceberg method to layer your message authentically into your story without preaching at your readers, as well as easy tips for getting your dial...

Word of the week: Carriwitchet In this episode of The Scripturient Society Ash and Karissa discuss the differences between first, second, and third person, as well as how to figure out which one is right for your book. This episode also features some true crime discussion (specifically how it influences story building for people like Karissa) and tales of oceans filled with tuna fish.  Skippers ju...

Word of the week: Cacoethes In this episode of The Scripturient Society Ash and Karissa discuss what makes a bad boy versus a psychopath and how to build a convincing character template for both. They also discuss a potential beetle rapture and the problem with the "nice guys never win" dilemma among other quandaries. Skippers jump to 13:05   Find us on social media @thescripturientsocie...

Word of the week: Scripturient In this debut episode of comedy-podcast-for-writers The Scripturient Society, get to know the hosts, Ash O'Rourke of That Pretentious Book Club (a comedy podcast about books) and Karissa Harlow (arguably the most writer-y writer in the world). This week the hosts discuss the unique and potentially cringe-worthy origin of their friendship before jumping into an i...