A Writing Challenge for Human Creativity

The Order of the Written Word (O2W) was born out of a deep commitment to human imagination and artistic integrity in a world increasingly shaped by AI-generated content. Founded by Holly Rhiannon and supported by her small press, The Stygian Society, O2W is a dedicated space for authors, poets, and storytellers who value careful, deliberate creativity and find encouragement within a community that respects the true art of literature.

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Who We Are

The Order runs its challenges online via the Stygian Discord server and in person through our Montreal chapter. Our vision is to expand with a dedicated website (you are here! But it will be better.), word-tracking tools, and chapters in other cities, creating a network of writers committed to the craft of storytelling free from AI influence.

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Meet Holly Rhiannon

Holly Rhiannon is a multi-faceted creator and author whose work spans writing, visual art, and the supernatural. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, she was shaped by the city’s intense winters and reflective spirit. Holly studied Fine Arts at the University of Manitoba and is certified in photography. While in Winnipeg, she self-published a novella and two graphic novels and founded Drawn and Plastered, an interactive art event blending performance and visual media.

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Holly’s creative journey includes alternative modeling and a deep appreciation for cult cinema, inspired by a role in the film Father’s Day by Troma & Astron-6. Since relocating to Montreal in 2015, she has focused on literature and publishing. She is the co-founder and CEO of The Stygian Society, a small press dedicated to publishing with care, focusing on literary talent, and resisting AI-generated work.

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Beyond publishing, Holly co-hosts The Writing Craft Podcast and runs the Haunted Montreal YouTube channel, where she brings local ghost stories to life. Her debut novel, A Time When Demons (2022), and her forthcoming fantasy novel, Synterra: Awakening (2026), showcase her passion for dark fiction and speculative storytelling.

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Why The Order of the Written Word?

Holly served as one of Montreal’s Municipal Liaisons for NaNoWriMo for three years, guiding writers through the challenges of storytelling. In 2024, after NaNoWriMo announced support for AI-assisted writing, Holly resigned, disagreeing with the decision to include AI-generated content in a competition meant to celebrate human creativity.

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Immediately after stepping down, Holly founded The Order of the Written Word. On a five-hour train ride home from a family wedding, she created landing pages, built the Discord server, crafted the challenge plans, sent press releases, and secured interviews and sponsorships from companies like Freewrite, Scrivener, and Ellipsus — all supporters who had previously backed NaNoWriMo.

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What We Offer

The Order hosts a signature November writing challenge with options tailored to different writing goals; whether drafting a novel, compiling poems or stories, or revising existing work. Our year-round Conclaves in Spring and Summer keep writers motivated with daily writing or editing goals.

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By centering human creativity, O2W provides a space where writers can:

• Focus on their craft free from AI influence

• Connect with a community of like-minded creators

• Access support and resources through events and online gatherings

• Participate in local meetups and future chapters beyond Montreal

 

The Stygian Society Connection

The Order is closely tied to The Stygian Society, which gives special attention to work by O2W participants when reviewing submissions for our zines and other projects. By taking part in the challenge, writers increase their visibility and may be considered for publication opportunities that align with the Society’s values. This connection helps bridge the gap between drafting and publishing, without sacrificing craft for convenience.