Semi-Sages of the Pages
146 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsLearn how to build your dream book, one page at a time.
We're here to support you at every phase of your journey - whether you haven't started a project yet or you've been published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects out into the world.
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Episodes
From Barbie to Scrooge - Why Character Arcs Make All the Difference!
November 18, 2023 03:00 - 3 minutes - 2.39 MBIn this episode, we explain the importance of character arcs. Thank you for watching semi-sages of the pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and su...
Writing Powerful Stakes that Elevate YOUR Story!
November 13, 2023 04:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBAll tips & tricks related to creating powerful stakes that compel your readers! Including real examples from Hunger Games, Mighty Ducks, and sports movies. BONUS - If Stacy competes in a steak grilling competition to distract vampires in order to stake one...what kind of stakes could you have in that story?
Writing Interesting Characters
October 27, 2023 03:00 - 14 minutes - 9.84 MBJoin the sages as they talk about how to writing tricks to create interesting characters. Thank you for watching Semi-Sages of the Pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the won...
Debate: Save the Cat vs Story Genius
October 19, 2023 05:00 - 12 minutes - 8.51 MBWhich craft book is better—Save the Cat or Story Genius? Watch the Semi-Sages debate. Let us know in the comments which one you think is better! Thank you for watching Semi-Sages of the Pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple ti...
Comparing Macro and Micro Conflict #craftbook #writingbook #authorcommunity #writingadvice
October 13, 2023 02:00 - 12 minutes - 8.36 MBWhat is the writing secret to making better conflict, and what even is Micro conflict anyway? Thank you for watching Semi-Sages of the Pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the ...
Time for a Halloween Writing Contest!
October 06, 2023 03:00 - 7 minutes - 4.92 MBMonsters. Vampires. Ghouls. Spirits. 'Tis the season for the spooktacular. Celebrate by entering our 500 word flash fiction contest. For more information check out www.semisagesofthepages.com or join us on Discord.
Keep your STORY from FALling ApaRt and why StRucTure Matters #writingadvice #author #creative #story
September 29, 2023 04:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBIn this episode, we explain the importance of structure in strengthening your story. Thank you for watching semi-sages of the pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders o...
What Keeps Good Authors from Publishing?
September 23, 2023 03:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBIn this episode, we work with No Bad Books editor and owner Theresa Halvorsen to learn what keeps good authors from being published Thank you for watching semi-sages of the pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together...
Does Size (of your story) Matter?
September 23, 2023 03:00 - 12 minutes - 8.41 MBWatch the Sages discuss why it's important to decide how big your story is going to be, before you really get going on it. Thank you for watching Semi-Sages of the Pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birt...
Does SIZE Matter?
September 14, 2023 04:00 - 12 minutes - 8.41 MBHow Big is your...Story? Watch the Sages discuss why it's important to decide how big your story is going to be, before you really get going on it. Thank you for watching Semi-Sages of the Pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multipl...
Finding the Novelty in your Novel
September 01, 2023 02:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBNow is the perfect time in the writing process to dive into what makes your novel unique! Why do we keep retelling the same stories over and over again? What captivates us? And yet each version, while telling the same story, has its own twists and turns, its own novelty. We discuss what makes our stories both unique and yet approachable to readers. The decisions we have to make about POV, tense, voice, and tropes - those are all ways we distinguish our stories. Remember - there are no n...
Does your Writing SUCK?
August 24, 2023 03:00 - 11 minutes - 8.24 MBLearn from the Sages on how to hide your writing weaknesses and lean into your strengths. Thank you for watching Semi-Sages of the Pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the won...
Leverage your STRENGTHS for Ultimate SUCCESS
August 18, 2023 00:00 - 10 minutes - 7 MBThank you for watching Semi-Sages of the Pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects into the ...
Start Here: 3 Choices To Write a Story
August 10, 2023 01:00 - 10 minutes - 7.53 MBhank you for watching semi-sages of the pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey -- where you haven't even started writing or have published multiple times. Together, we birth our stories, celebrate the wonders of storytelling, and support those brave enough to put their passion projects into the w...
Did BarBie Actually Fail?
August 03, 2023 03:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBLove it or hate it, the Barbie movie has people talking. In this episode of the Semi-sages of the Pages we discuss the goal of the writers behind Barbie the movie. Analyzing theme, conflict, setting, and moral we will explore the questions the writers asked and if they succeeded or failed. Thank you for watching semi-sages of the pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page...
Land Survey - Writer's Checklist
July 21, 2023 14:00 - 5 minutes - 3.75 MBYou've made it to the first milestone! Congratulations! But what should you have accomplished to this point? Watch this video to make sure you're ready to move onto the next phase. As we move into Phase 2 - Architecture, let us know: If your dream book was a house, what kind of house would it be???
Writing Goals that Lead to Success!
July 06, 2023 03:00 - 8 minutes - 5.72 MBYou're ready to write your book! Then you look at that blank page and realize you have no idea where to start. The task of writing down 60k, 70k, 100k or more words just seems too daunting. We're here too help you set smart, realistic goals that you can actually meet, increasing your likelihood of finishing your novel. But if that fails, how do we reward ourselves and keep the motivation going through the hard & difficult times? Watch to find out! Question for you all - how do you reward ...
3 Things We Wish We Knew BEFORE We Started Writing
June 30, 2023 03:00 - 8 minutes - 5.89 MBWe share the 3 things (plus a few bonus items!!!) we wish someone had told us BEFORE we started writing big projects. These are some of the keys to go from a blank page to an actual story! Let us know - what things did we miss? What did you wish someone had told you??? Thank you for watching semi-sages of the pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're he...
Writers! Do you have what it takes?
June 22, 2023 03:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBWriting is hard. For most of us we can be our own worst enemy. Self-doubt, comparative thinking, and being overwhelmed with "real" life can all threaten our ability to write our own dream story. If you are going to make it as a writer you are going to need motivation, but not just any motivation, the right type. The type that will get you showing up to put words down when you think you can't. In this episode, we will explore how you can chose a project that provides enough motivation to car...
What is the BEST REASON to WRITE?
June 15, 2023 04:00 - 4 minutes - 3.32 MBBefore we write any story, we all need to answer why we are doing it. Answering this questions can make the difference between loving the writing process and giving up on a great idea. Thank you for watching semi-sages of the pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our journey - whether you haven't starte...
The Secret to Finishing your Story
June 08, 2023 03:00 - 8 minutes - 5.56 MBBefore we write any story, we all need to answer not one, but two questions about why we are doing it. Answering these questions can be the difference between loving the writing process and giving up on your great idea. Thank you for watching semi-sages of the pages. We believe that great writers support each other, which is why we have created a positive writing community where we can all build our dream books, one page at a time. We're here to support each other at every phase of our jour...
What's the Core of your Story?
June 02, 2023 12:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBJoin the Semi-Sages as they talk about how to find the core of your story with three simple steps—deciding on the conflict, setting and theme. This is part of the land survey phase of building your dream book. Join our discord! www.semisagesofthepages.com
Writers be Like: Don't Interrupt Me!
May 30, 2023 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.97 MBTheresa and Morrigan offer tips for a common writer problem—when you get interrupted. www.semisagesofthepages.com
Phase 1: Land Survey Overview
May 25, 2023 04:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBWhat's the first thing you need to do when you decide you're going to write a new book or story?!?!?! How do you start with a blank page and make something magical? Join us as we discuss how to start and what things you can do to set yourself up for success! www.semisagesofthepages.com
More 1 Star Reviews of Popular Books
May 23, 2023 02:00 - 2 minutes - 1.45 MBJoin the Semi-Sages as they read 1 star reviews from famous books. Play along and try to guess which book they're talking about! www.semisagesofthepages.com
7 Phases to Write Your Dream Book!
May 19, 2023 00:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBJoin the Sages as we talk about the 7 phase you need to write your dream book! www.semisagesofthepages.com
Ready to Write your Dream Book? We'll help!
May 11, 2023 03:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBIt's time for the Semi-Sages to tell you all about writing a book! Join the sages as they laugh and talk about 7 simple phases you need to create your book. www.semisagesofthepages.com
Reading 1 Star Reviews on Amazon
May 09, 2023 02:00 - 6 minutes - 4.68 MBWatch the Semi-Sages read 1 star reviews and play along to find out which New York Times bestselling book they're talking about. Semi-Sages of the Pages is a group of authors, helping you write your dream book one page at a time. www.semisagesofthepages.com
Which Pop Culture Book got 1 star Reviews?
May 03, 2023 02:00 - 3 minutes - 2.74 MBJoin the sages as they read 1 star reviews for popular books and try to guess which book they're talking about!
3 Questions to Answer Before Writing Any Story
May 03, 2023 02:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBJoin the sages as they discuss how to write a book and the three questions you need to answer before writing a story.
Which Classic Author Got 1 Star Reviews?
April 28, 2023 03:00 - 3 minutes - 2.18 MBJoin the sages as we read 1 star reviews and guess which book and author got them. www.semisagesofthepages.com
Authors Critique First Pages
April 16, 2023 23:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MBJoin us as we provide live feedback on your first pages! Check us out at http://www.semisagesofthepages.com
We Read & Critique Your First Pages
April 16, 2023 23:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBJoin us live as we read & provide feedback on your submitted first pages! Want us to critique you? Submit your first page at http://www.semisagesofthepages.com/culture-club.html
Realistic Writing Expectations
April 16, 2023 23:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBJoin us live as we discuss what are "realistic" writing expectations! Just starting your journey or well on your way, we want to hear from you! Tell us, what are your expectations? Have they changed over the years? What has most surprised you? Check us out at http://www.semisagesofthepages.com
Our Experiences at the AWP 2023 Conference
April 16, 2023 22:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBJoin us LIVE as we discuss our experiences at North America's largest writer's conference - AWP! Find out what we thought about being around 9,000 other authors and the sessions we attended. Check us out at http://www.semisagesofthepages.com
Interview with a Big 5 Industry Professional
April 16, 2023 22:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBListen as Molly and Theresa talk to a Big 5 Industry Professional about their experiences in the publishing world.
How to Use Rejection to Fuel your Writing
April 15, 2023 22:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBJoin us as we interview our 2022 Race to Rejection Winner - KJ Shepard!
The Insidious Cycle of Book Banning & Should a Title be "Voicey"?
January 08, 2023 23:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBIt's 2023, and the Semi-Sages are exploring everything from book banning to finding a good title. So if you're an author looking for a community dedicated to craft and connection this is the place for you. New York Time's Article on Book Banning - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/19/briefing/book-bans.html Check us out at www.semisagesofthepages.com or come join our discord!
Subplots & Pitching Series
December 22, 2022 01:00 - 1 hour - 47.8 MBSpecial Guest Chris Bannor joins us for this discussion on subplots & series. We cover many facets of subplots, including: how not to fall into rabbit holes, how subplots drive series, the popularity of the romance subplot, how to challenge your characters, and more! Plus, we delve into pitching the first book of a series!
Writing Humor
December 07, 2022 05:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MBIn this episode, Molly and Theresa explore pop culture as they talk about what works and doesn't work when writing humor. Listen to them and learn how to intersperse humor in your writing as they talk about What They do in the Shadows, Lord of the Rings and Firefly.
Writing about Mysteries with Dennis Crosby
November 23, 2022 04:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MBWith guest host Dennis K. Crosby, the Semi-Sages talk about plotting vs pantsing mysteries and what goes into writing a good mystery. We talk about why you need to choose a good title and cover that meets the genre expectations. And finally, we talk about building complex characters that push the plot forward, rather than building plots that push the characters forward. Dennis K. Crosby is the award-winning urban fantasy author of Death's Legacy and Death's Debt, available at Amazon, Barne...
Culture Club Discusses Poe-try
November 13, 2022 05:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBTis the season for horror. So sit back, grab your drink of choice and enjoy a foray into the life and works of the famous Edgar Allan Poe. Then treat yourself to the "Even Better If" section where the sages provide positive feedback to viewer submitted first pages.
Culture Club Explores the Genre of Mystery Via The Maid by Nita Prose
November 13, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 44.6 MBWriting or reading a mystery? If so, join our adventure as we analyze the strengths and weaknesses' of Nita Prose's best selling book The Maid. Then stay for the fun and hopefully insightful segment we call "Even Better If", where the sages read viewer submitted first pages and provide positive feedback.
Tension in Horror, Picking the Right Idea, and the Importance of Boobs with Screenwriter Stephen Lancellotti
November 11, 2022 05:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MBIn this episode, we are joined by special guest Stephen Lancellotti. We discuss: -How Stephen got into Screenwriting -Pivoting and Discovering your Voice -Picking the "Right" Idea -Tension & Expectations in Horror ...and more!
Talking about Writing Cliffhangers and Why is Paper getting so Expensive?
October 25, 2022 03:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBIn this episode, the sages discuss when and how to write cliffhangers versus chapters that make the reader want to turn the page. We also talk about how the price of paper is affecting publishing and authors. And we say goodbye to one of the Sages--Sarah is moving on to other projects and personal priorities. We will miss her and wish her nothing but the best!
What Makes a Cult Classic?
October 12, 2022 07:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBHave you wondered if there's a formula for writing one or what exactly a cult classic is? Check out our chat about cult classics as we turn the pages!
Writing about Quests, Inciting Incidents and Rough Transitions
September 25, 2022 18:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBIn this episode, the sages talk about how they started on their quest to be a writer, what an inciting incident is and whether it's best to write what you know when it comes to locations or just do research (or fly to Hawaii!). Join us as we laugh, and learn from each other.
Writing "Timeless" or "In-The-Moment"? Plus, Staying Relevant to our Readers
September 15, 2022 02:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBWe cover the following topics: Our Page - More Details on Culture Club A Page - Importance of Staying Relevant to our Readers The Page - Is all Fiction Women's Fiction? Why Labels Don't Work Like They Used To. Your Page - Race to Rejection Update
Announcing Culture Club!
September 01, 2022 03:00 - 4 minutes - 2.97 MBWe are announcing a new series this fall, Culture Club! Join us every other Wednesday from 6:30- 7:30 PM - Pacific Time. Where we dive into a selection of literature, media, or art and evaluate its contributions to our current literary landscape. Then things get really interesting as we read and provide feedback on your submissions. Each week will be genre themed and selections will (ideally) be associated with that theme. Culture Club seeks to make everyone's writing "even better" and we ho...
Barnes & Noble did what?!?! Plus, Submit to Culture Club!
September 01, 2022 03:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBAnnouncing Culture Club - where we analyze books, film & television for storytelling lessons! Every Culture Club will be LIVE and will also be critiquing your first pages! SUBMIT HERE - http://www.semisagesofthepages.com/culture-club.html In our Industry section, we discuss Barnes & Noble's newest policy and how it could hurt authors. Special shout-out to our wonderful community and how well some of them did on the NYC Midnight Flash Fiction competition!