Author Archives: Dr. Diana Stout

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About Dr. Diana Stout

Screenwriter, author, developmental editor, former professor of writing classes

A Necessary Evil: Feeding the Writer

A Necessary Evil: Feeding the Writer…with a Chicken & Stuffing Casserole I’m one of those writers who wants to go into the kitchen and ten minutes later be eating a solid meal. Second to that, I’m good with a dish … Continue reading

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Pluviophile Productivity: Writing in the rain

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group December 2 question – Are there months or times of the year that you are more productive with your writing than other months, and why? Pluviophile Productivity: Writing in the rain I’m an avid, solid … Continue reading

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The Reasons Why I Write What I Write

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group November 4 question – Albert Camus once said, “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” Flannery O’Conner said, “I write to discover what I know.” Authors across time and distance … Continue reading

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Characteristics of the Working Writer

What’s the difference between an aspiring writer, a hobbyist, and a working writer? Continue reading

Posted in #IWSG, Struggling to write, writing, Writing Behind the Scenes | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Wishful Beta Partner Thinking

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group September 2 question – If you could choose one author, living or dead, to be your beta partner, who would it be and why? This question has to be one of easiest ever. No thinking … Continue reading

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Gluten Glutton

The stuff that goes on Behind the Scenes of a writer isn’t just about the words, the creativity, or finding new and better ways to get one’s butt into the chair to do the work. To be effective Behind the … Continue reading

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Finding My Way Through the Genre Wilderness

Which comes first: form & genre or story idea? Continue reading

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How to Write When Struggling – Part II

Making Changes Can Make a Difference Writers write in the best of times: when they’re healthy, working full-time, parenting, maintaining their homes, special celebratory events, births, and socializing. They write in the worst of times: when ill, laid off, dealing … Continue reading

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How to Write When Struggling – Part 1

When struggling with characters, plot, interest, or the writing In wanting to write a new blog, I started going through my TO BE WRITTEN file of blog ideas. I came across a copy of Maggie Doonan’s blog, “4 Signs It’s … Continue reading

Posted in #amwriting, Characters, Failures, Inspiration, Motivation, Persistance, Procrastination, writing | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

A Writing Dream

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group July 1 question – There have been many industry changes in the last decade, so what are some changes you would like to see happen in the next decade? A Writing Dream Ideally, I would … Continue reading

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