Semi-Sages of the Pages
146 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 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.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Fridging, Tropes, Socioeconomic Classes and Saving Money
August 17, 2022 03:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MBIn this episode, the Semi-Sages talk about tropes, including fridging in Thor: Love and Thunder. The Sages also discuss the importance of choosing socioeconomic classes when building your characters as it affects world-building. And they wrap it up by discussing places you, as an author, can save money.
Wanda to Scarlet Witch - from Mother to Villain
July 27, 2022 04:00 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MBIn this special episode, Molly & Theresa do a deep dive looking into the character of Wanda Maximov. In some of our recent videos, we discuss moms in literature and creating relatable characters (even when they're antagonists). Scarlet Witch is the perfect example of both of those aspects. Includes spoilers for Avengers, WandaVision, and Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness. We talk about Wanda's character arc, her experience with trauma, her heel to face to heel turns, her identity as ...
Reactions: Tiktok lifehack on Amazon returns
July 19, 2022 04:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBIn this episode we talk about our reaction to our careers, the importance of creating reaction in our works and our reaction to the tiktok #lifehack to return books to Amazon after reading them. We also address some of the conversations you've all had our discord channel--things are rough right now and we see and hear all of you. But we wanted to give you all a virtual shout out in our episode.
Keeping the Fun Alive!
July 06, 2022 04:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MBIt's important to remember - writing is fun! Don't let the sometimes slog get you down. Listen in as we share our biggest joys and fun tricks to keep the magic alive. My Page - Our favorite parts of writing The Page - How to find fun when interacting with the publishing industry A Page - We cover a very "fun" topic, generating names! Your Page - The fun our community is having! This episode is for anyone who wants a little bolstering!
Writing Anxious and Neurodivergent Characters
June 22, 2022 03:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MBIn this episode M.S. Ewing, S. Faxon and Theresa Halvorsen talk allow listeners to mine their experiences with anxiety and they talk about writing anxious characters. There's also an in-depth discussion on what neurodivergency is, how to write neurodivergent characters and the industry's reaction to such.
Moms in Literature
June 09, 2022 04:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MBWhat's on My Page - we talk about tools we use to stay organized What's on The Page - for this industry discussion, we go over how we stay connected with industry, social media, and, you guessed it...algorithms! What's on A Page - our bread'n butter craft discussion, this time we tackle moms and mom archetypes in literature What's on Your Page - Race to Rejection Update!
Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard Trial: The Power of Word Choice
May 25, 2022 04:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBIn this episode, we focus on word choice and how word choice can set tone. We discuss multiple instances in the Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard defamation trial where word choice and definition is contested and why it matters. Following that, how we can apply this in our own writing to set tone, drive narratives, and create conflict on the page. Let us know what you think by commenting on our discord or twitter!
Creating Reliable, not Likable Characters
April 27, 2022 04:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBIn this episode, we cover: On Our Page - author branding On The Page - industry & authors giving other authors reviews On A Page - craft around creating characters who are not likable, yet the reader cheers for them anyway On Your Page - The Semi-Sage discord shares their sewing! And Race to Rejection Update
We're Still Figuring it Out
April 13, 2022 03:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBIn this episode, Sarah, Morrigan and Theresa talk about the marathon that is the writing life. In the What's on My Page section, the Semi-Sages discuss where they are in their writing journeys and what they've learned so far. In the What's on The Page, the Semi-Sages discuss conferences, and in particular their experience at Wondercon In the What's on A Page, the Semi-Sages discuss creating relatable, but unlikeable characters. And in What's Your Page, the Semi-Sages discuss what's goi...
Did Brandon Sanderson Break Traditional Publishing?
March 31, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 44.7 MBIn this episode: Our Page - We give an update on current projects, including the fact that we'll be at WonderCon 2022, come see us! The Page - In this industry section, we discuss how Brandon Sanderson created the most successful Kickstarter in history & how that impacts the publishing word A Page - In our Craft discussion, learn how line edits and grammar choices can have a huge impact on your author voice Your Page - We share your successes, including an update on the Race to Rejection!
The End of PitchWars
March 16, 2022 04:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBWhat we cover on this week's episode: Our Page - Beta Reading Industry - PitchWars & PitMad are ending Craft - Log Lines Your Page - Update on your lives & the Race to Rejection Patreon link - https://www.patreon.com/SemiSages
The End of PitchWars
March 16, 2022 04:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBWhat we cover on this week's episode: Our Page - Beta Reading Industry - PitchWars & PitMad are ending Craft - Log Lines Your Page - Update on your lives & the Race to Rejection Patreon link - https://www.patreon.com/SemiSages
Agents in Legal Trouble & Why Hunger Games had a Bad Ending
February 16, 2022 05:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBWhat we cover on this week's episode: Our Page - Update on the projects in our lives Industry - Latest news stories about agents getting in legal trouble Craft - Exploring a satisfying ending, (and why Hunger Games didn't have one) Your Page - Update on your lives & the Race to Rejection Patreon link - https://www.patreon.com/SemiSages
Black Author Appreciation & More
February 02, 2022 05:00 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MBOn this episode: On My Page - The Semi-Sages discuss our favorite black authors. On The Page (Industry) - We debate hustle culture and the surrounding toxicity. On A Page (Craft) - How Point of View constrains your choices in a piece On Your Page - Race to Rejection Update Also - an exciting announcement, we've started a RedBubble. If you want to support our podcast and buy some merch, check out our store - https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/100010261.
This Too Shall Pass
January 19, 2022 05:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MBIn this episode, we cover: What's on My Page: We discuss COVID-19 fatigue and how it has impacted our lives. What's on The Page: The boom in Indie publishing during the pandemic. What's on A Page: Are you an Under or Over Editor? What's on Your Page: The 2022 Race to Rejection is OPEN! Join in our discord! www.semisagesofthepages.com
Turning the Page on a New Year!
January 05, 2022 05:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MBWelcome to 2022! In this episode we discuss: -What's new in our lives -Is it the right time to query industry? -How to increase or decrease pacing in our works -Update from our community & the Race to Rejection
Ranting about NaNoWriMo & Space Fairies!
December 08, 2021 03:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MBFor many of us, NaNoWriMo is great. It can be productive and motivating. But not for everyone. Do we end up ranting...yes! Hopefully you can also relate. We also end up discussing details of the non-fiction market and accidentally start brainstorming our next project.
US Department of Justice Sues Penguin Random House
November 24, 2021 05:00 - 42 minutes - 28.9 MBJoin the Semi-Sages of the Pages as we discuss current industry news, writing craft-shop-talk, and the updates on all of our pages. This week, we're talking about the Department of Justice taking on one of the members of the "Big five" as well as some important nuances for writing scenes with multiple characters.
Turning the Page and Becoming a Goldfish
November 10, 2021 04:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBWe're turning the page because we're turning two! Join the Semi-Sages as we talk about what's on our pages, what's on the craft pages, and, most importantly, what's on YOUR pages! Check out our website: http://www.semisagesofthepages.com/ And here's the link to the book where Molly's short story is published and that Sarah and Theresa edited: https://books2read.com/u/bwax19
Halloween Cookies and Horror Writing
October 27, 2021 02:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBListen in for this special episode as we discuss our favorite Halloween traditions and the best features of horror/suspense writing all while decorating cookies! Come get spooky with us! In the background of this episode, you can hear the precious dog, Minnow, making herself known.
Anger
September 29, 2021 04:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBIs anger healthy or harmful? In this episode, the Semi-Sages discuss using this powerful emotion in our writing.
Family
September 15, 2021 04:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MBThe Semi-Sages discuss portraying family in writing. We explore different archetypes, tropes, and storylines on this topic. We'll answer once and for all: Is blood really thicker than water?
Secrets
September 01, 2021 05:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBAs a child, the adage Molly learned was: "Secrets, secrets are no fun. Secrets, secrets hurt someone." But as a writer, perhaps a better phrase is: "Secrets, secrets are lots of fun. Secrets, secrets still hurt someone." In this episode, we talk all about secrets in writing! Reasons to use them, how to use them, how they can be used to increase stakes, informing characters, and resolving them too. Secrets are an invaluable tool in the writer toolbox, don't forget to utilize them!
Beauty
August 04, 2021 03:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBA rose by any other name would still smell as sweet...but would it be as beautiful? What aspects of beauty do we tackle in our writing? We discuss our characters' appearances, how they chose to present themselves to the world, the messages our works send about beauty & image, and more in this episode!
Critical Consumption of Media
July 22, 2021 03:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBThe Semi-Sages talk about critically examining the media we consume - whether it's television, movies, other books, comics, etc... More importantly, the lessons we can learn from these types of analysis and how to apply that to our own works. Mild spoilers - WW84, Black Widow
I Know Every Tree in Sacramento...or How to Maintain Momentum in Writing
June 29, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 42.5 MBWriting is difficult. Not only the craft itself, but also the process. We talk about the difficulties not only of finding balance in your schedule to write, but also how to maintain momentum and keep building on successes. We point out some common pitfalls that can drag you down and keep you from rolling with the flow - chasing perfection, falling down research rabbit holes, and over plotting. We also talk about strategies we use and that we're all just doing our best out there!
Animal Archetypes
June 18, 2021 04:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MBAre you considering using animals as symbols in your next writing piece? Sit down with the Semi-Sages to hear them talk about the various ways to respectfully draw inspiration from animals.
Don't Get Me Started on Tycho Brahe...or How to Write Animals as Characters
June 02, 2021 03:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBIn this episode, we discuss how to incorporate animals into our stories. We cover aspects such as: writing animals to characterize our humans, reasons to write animals, making animals their own characters, and even animals as villains. Tycho Brahe had a pet moose. That will always be a relevant fact.
Episode 29: Healthy & Productive Writing Groups
May 19, 2021 06:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MBThere's only so much time in the day. Where we spend it matters and who we spend it with matters just as much. Listen in as we discuss habits of healthy and productive author groups. We also discuss the opposite - red flags to avoid! Takeaway - just come join our discord community and have fun with us there!
Episode 28: Our Experiences at Flights of Foundry
May 05, 2021 03:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBWe detail all the lovely things we got to do and people we met at Flights of Foundry, an online & free virtual convention. Also, listen-in to hear some exciting updates from No Bad Books Press! https://nobadbookspress.com/
Episode 27: We Cry...But Hopefully Because It's Healing
April 21, 2021 04:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBThere are many different reasons to write and today we talk about the power of writing to heal. The ladies share personal stories, strategies, and thoughts about this powerful topic. As we say during the episode, we are not professionals, we are not doctors. We are simply talking about things that have helped us grow as both people and authors.
Episode 26: Dialogue vs. Description - Finding your Balance
April 08, 2021 02:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBIf dialogue is yellow thread and description is blue thread, when you weave them together, does your book tapestry look green?
Episode 26: Dialogue vs. Description - Finding your Balance
April 08, 2021 02:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBIf dialogue is yellow thread and description is blue thread, when you weave them together, does your book tapestry look green?
Episode 25: Craft in Kid Lit
March 25, 2021 04:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MBMolly and Morrigan talk about the intricacies in Children's Literature, specifically Middle Grade and Young Adult. What defines each age category? What topics can you address? What type of vocabulary/grammar should you use? We discuss all this and more here!
Episode 24: Deliberately Writing to Market
March 10, 2021 06:00 - 53 minutes - 36.6 MBIn this episode, the Semi-Sages discuss what it means to write marketably. Like any good topic, it starts with introspection and an understanding of what your writing goals are! We dive into style, trends, age categories, genres, tropes, and more!
Episode 23: One Year Anniversary Party!
February 25, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 42.9 MBIn a special 1 year celebration, we answer audience questions, reflect on the last year, & what's upcoming. We also read entries from our latest Flash Fiction contest and announce the winners! Thank you to everyone out there for listening and supporting us this past year. Sending all the love!
Episode 22: Character Emotions - Feelin' the Feels
February 10, 2021 05:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBOne of the ultimate goals of writing is to make a reader feel and feel alongside your characters. In this episode, the Semi-Sages discuss how to convey a character's emotion on the page in a genuine way that will connect with readers. This is a multi-dimensional topic including but not limited to - show vs. tell, character reaction, blocking, scene & set-up, over vs. under-emoting, and formatting.
Theresa's Hot Takes: Authors Leaving Reviews for Authors
February 03, 2021 04:00 - 7 minutes - 4.92 MBIn this Semi-Sode Theresa talks about the pitfalls associated with authors leaving reviews for other authors. It includes some tips on what to do if you HAVE to leave a review for a book you don't like and a caution about blindly leaving 5 star reviews.
Episode 21: Betrayed by our Brains
January 27, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBAs authors we have great plans. We plot our stories and make multiple drafts. And yet...sometimes our subconscious still trickles into our stories in unexpected ways. Our brains can betray us in all manner of ways - through inherent biases, uncooperative characters, our fears, or even our dreams.
Just For Today - A Semi-Sode By S. Faxon
January 20, 2021 07:00 - 9 minutes - 6.38 MBSemi-Sage Sarah Faxon talks about how she stays focused so that maybe a part of her process will inspire you.
Episode 20: A Writer's Holiday Special
January 06, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 67.3 MBAudio from our live show! Join us for some holiday trivia and fun times. If you want to watch the youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fghZXCNbDk&ab_channel=Semi-SagesforthePages Special shout out to Bubbles!
Episode 19: Sexy Writing
December 17, 2020 06:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MBDisclaimer - we talk about sex and writing sex. Be aware of the following topics: sex, rape, & anatomical names of body parts. If this is not for you, then don't listen. We decided to tackle this topic because writing sex scenes is something that many of us as authors have to face. But it is often a stigmatized topic and not freely discussed. We go over the follow points - deciding if you need a sex scene, point of view of your scene, the balance between authenticity and mood, how a sex sce...
Molly Explains: Show Don't Tell
December 09, 2020 07:00 - 13 minutes - 8.99 MBWelcome to this semi-sode of Molly Explains, where she completely overanalyzes something that everyone else probably thinks is common knowledge. This time, we dive into "Show Don't Tell" -learn where the phrase came from, how it came to be popularized in the writing community and what the heck it even means! As always, there are concrete examples and a rule of thumb at the end. Because it's not fun if you can't make it into an algorithm.
Episode 18: Slogging Through the Trenches
December 02, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 43.6 MBListen in as the Semi-Sages talk about their experiences with querying. We're not here to tell you how to do it, but instead discuss what our experiences have looked like. We talk all about the emotional rollercoaster and how we handle it. Or, sometimes, we don't handle it. Make sure to listen to the end for a guest appearance from Sarah's furry friend!
Moments with Morrigan: Questioning the Hook
November 18, 2020 00:00 - 11 minutes - 8.12 MBThis Moments with Morrigan episode explores the importance of planning the opening of your story around reader engagement. Morrigan analyzes the introduction paragraph of five best selling books to elucidate how authors set readers up to ask questions that serve the overall setting, theme, and characterization of the story. Like a great book, this episode may have a hidden surprise!
Halloween Hangover Show
November 11, 2020 05:00 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MBJoin the Semi-Sages of the Pages for our Halloween Hangover including costumes, games, and we'll announce the winner of our 100 word Horror Story competition!
Theresa's Semi-Sode: Writing Dialogue
October 28, 2020 01:00 - 8 minutes - 5.73 MBIn this episode, Theresa shares tips and tricks for creating memorable dialogue to improve your writing craft.
Announcing our 100 word Horror Story Competition
October 21, 2020 04:00 - 53 seconds - 664 KBThat's right, we're running another competition! Listen in for details and don't miss our live Halloween Hangover Show on November 1st at 10:00 am PST to hear us read our favorites and announce a winner.
Episode 17: The Semi-Sages talk Social Media Algorithms
October 21, 2020 04:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MBSocial media can be a great resource, way to connect with others, build a community, and see uplifting stories. It can also be a huge time sink, is full of bullies and trolls, and can cause anxiety. With this conflagration of contradictions, how do we find balance? As an author, do you need to have a social media presence? And if so, why and how much? Listen in as we discuss all this and more.
After Your Launch
October 14, 2020 04:00 - 5 minutes - 3.77 MBThink the journey of your book ends once it's available for purchase? You may want to hear what Semi-Sage Sarah has to share about her advice of steps to take after your book is launched.