by Dr. Diana Stout

I always considered myself a self-starter as a writer but found writing difficult to pursue regularly as a new writer. Inspiration always came after reading writing magazines, how-to books, attending conferences, and monthly meetings. But, back at my desk, that aspiration to write more didn’t occur.… Read the post

by Diana Stout

You’ve got a great idea for a new story. You have an idea of how it’s going to end. You have at least one main character, maybe two, so you start writing while the idea is hot.

The idea grows as you’re writing, so you’re making it up as you go along, and the characters are revealing who they are.… Read the post

By Dr. Diana Stout

When a baby goes from crawling to walking to running, rarely does she do it in a day. It’s a process of practicing over a number of days, sometimes weeks.

First, she learns to stand by hoisting herself up while clinging to something sturdy.… Read the post

by Dr. Diana Stout

Over the years, I’ve heard writers say, “I don’t need to learn grammar and punctuation. That’s why I have an editor.” When one student discovered he’d be editing his writing, he said, “I’ll be handing my correspondence to my secretary.… Read the post

by Diana Stout, MFA, PhD

The day started out like any other. I sat at the computer prepared to continue writing a first draft for a new book, but that day turned out to be unlike any other.

The Writer's Block Day of Infamy

That day, writer's block paralyzed me for 10 ½ straight hours, the screen blinking at me the entire time.… Read the post