Author Archives: Diana Stout

About Diana Stout

Screenwriter, author, former English professor

Failures – Part I

Posted on July 13, 2019

This blog was originally published November 27, 2017, on my Only for the Brave blog, which is being eliminated as I decided to merge the two blogs. Because failure is an important part of succeeding for writers, I felt it was … Continue reading →

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Personal Traits and Deepening Characters

Posted on July 3, 2019

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group July question: What personal traits have you written into your character(s)? Personal Traits & Deepening Characters Currently writing a romance series of seven novellas, I’m starting the first draft of the fourth novella, Buried Hearts. … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, Characters, Inspiration, Laurel Ridge novellas, Motivation, Publishing books, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Making a Difference

Posted on June 15, 2019

Have you ever uttered, “Why bother? It won’t make a difference,” or something like that? Yeah, I have. Lots of times. When I started writing and putting my work out in the public forum, I figured few would read my … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, Inspiration, Motivation, Persistance | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Down the Rabbit Hole a.k.a. Life’s Little Hiccups & Big Booms

Posted on March 30, 2019

I’m behind in my writing. Again. I wish I could say that I don’t know how it happens, but I do. While I accuse Life of sticking out its foot and tripping me so that I’ll look funny with arms … Continue reading →

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A New Year Means New Opportunities: But Wait It’s February Already!

Posted on February 5, 2019

Okay, I admit it, I’m a bit behind. But since there’s a meme on Facebook that says January was a practice month, that 2019 started with February, I’m on time! Because it is the new year, it’s time to talk … Continue reading →

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9 Tips to Creating Inspiration

Posted on April 26, 2017

Inspiration doesn’t just happen. Inspiration is the reaction of doing something else first. In all good stories, characters act and then react. In the same way, there are actions, you, as a writer, must act first. The inspiration will follow. … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, writing | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

The Eyes Have It–Or Do They?

Posted on September 26, 2016

Her eyes flew across the room. His eyes dropped to her chest. These two examples are typical detached body parts I see in written literature, more often than not, from beginners. I don’t know about you, but for me, not … Continue reading →

Posted in Errors when writing, Stylistic Choices | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

If My Characters Feel So Real, How Can They Be Imaginary?

Posted on August 1, 2016

My life as a writer has provided me many meetings—some fun and some strange. Fun meetings involve other writers, some best-selling authors, new authors, and many writes in between. Many have become friends. Other fun meetings involve readers. Their enthusiasm … Continue reading →

Posted in Characters, Inspiration, writing | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

As a Writer Should I Blog? What Should I Write?

Posted on July 10, 2016

Often, when a new writer finds out that I blog, I’m asked one or more of the following questions: Should I blog? Blogging has different definitions depending on whom you ask. I liken blogging to the old newspaper and magazine … Continue reading →

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When is a Book Ready for a Beta Reader?

Posted on June 19, 2016

I gave a presentation recently, “Self-Editing Made Easier,” to a group of writers who are at varying levels regarding their careers: some are new writers, just finishing the first draft of their first book; a few have multiple books out; … Continue reading →

Posted in Errors when writing, writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment