Comments on: Why A Sagging Middle Needs a Strong Mirror Moment

By: Matthew

Matthew — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 04:33:06 +0000

Nice essay Dr.Diana! You speak of novels with serious emotional mechanisms. But not all novels are like this. There is no emotional mechanism in a game or amusement park ride. Some novels are like that. One enjoys them (if one does) merely for the sake of the ride.

By: Diana Stout

Diana Stout — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:49:08 +0000

In reply to Alexsandra Thompson. That’s AWESome Alexandra! Glad I could help. Thanks for sharing.

By: Diana Stout

Diana Stout — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:48:07 +0000

In reply to Beth Gelman. Awww, thanks, Beth! Yes, you got them all right. :)

By: Alexsandra Thompson

Alexsandra Thompson — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:24:33 +0000

I really NEEDED to read this today. In all my years as a writer, I had not heard of the mirror moment. And that is exactly what is wrong with every one of my manuscripts. This is the wake up call I needed.

By: Beth Gelman

Beth Gelman — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:12:08 +0000

Diana's wisdom is heartfelt, direct, and filled with actionable items. I've had the pleasure of working with Diana for almost two years, and I can tell you, she knows the art of writing inside and out! (Did I get all my commas, Diana?? LOL)

By: denise

denise — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 03:18:53 +0000

Have to work through it till it's right.

Pride and Prejudice & Persuasion

By: Diana Stout

Diana Stout — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:48:45 +0000

In reply to Linda Fletcher. Linda, you are so very welcome. You, too, have made my day! Thanks for sharing.

By: Linda Fletcher

Linda Fletcher — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:09:53 +0000

Dr. Diana, this is an AWESOME article! It's getting printed out and stuck inside the bible of the novel I'm working on now. This part, especially: "She's [Anne from Persuasion] followed a life script others wanted for her (and still do), plus she spent her life trying to make everyone else happy. As a result, she never said no and doesn’t experience true happiness, until the end, when she finally says no and follows her own path." It describes my character's issue perfectly. And thanks to the article, I know what to look for. Thank you!

By: Diana Stout

Diana Stout — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:29:41 +0000

In reply to Debbie Vilardi. I enjoy worlds too and early in my writing began thinking about them in character terms, asking: If this were a different world, would their wound work as well as it does here? Often the answer was no, because the world is a significant part of that wound. Anymore, I'm instantly zeroed in on a character, questioning their motives. Thanks for sharing.

By: Diana Stout

Diana Stout — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:24:49 +0000

In reply to Carol Baldwin. Thanks for telling me, Carol! A high compliment, indeed! You just made my day. :)