Tag Archives: writing

9 Tips to Creating Inspiration

Posted on April 26, 2017 by Dr. Diana Stout

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 by Dr. Diana Stout

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 , , , | 3 Comments

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

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Dr. Diana Stout

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 by Dr. Diana Stout

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 →

Posted in Blogging | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

I’m not inspired to write…now, what do I do?

Posted on May 27, 2016 by Dr. Diana Stout

Because I’m on various writing forums, I hear new writers asking, How do I write when I’m not inspired? When I was a beginning writer, I wrote when inspired. At the time, I had a lot to say. My creative … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, writing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Error-Free Writing

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Dr. Diana Stout

When I made the decision to leave academic teaching and become a full-time writer, I knew the days would be long.  I had this vision that I would be writing new prose every day. Now that I’ve been at this … Continue reading →

Posted in Errors when writing, Publishing books, writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Grendel’s Mother: Its Genesis and Development

Posted on January 17, 2016 by Dr. Diana Stout

Part I: The Genesis There is no question about this project: it was huge. The initial idea was huge.  The fact that I wrote 20 pages that same night in an hour’s time was huge.  In fact, those pages were … Continue reading →

Posted in The creation of Grendel's Mother | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments