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.