Diana Stout | Writers In The Storm

Why A Sagging Middle Needs a Strong Mirror Moment

Guest Blogger — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:08:00 +0000

What makes characters memorable? We love them because they overcome, moving past situations or people, which in turn creates growth and inner joy.

The post Why A Sagging Middle Needs a Strong Mirror Moment first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Common Questions Writers Are Asked

Guest Blogger — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Why do you write? A simple question with a complex answer, that opens doorways into a mysterious and creative life. Are you brave enough to step in?

The post Common Questions Writers Are Asked first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

How to Deepen Your Story With Motifs

Guest Blogger — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:50:00 +0000

The use of motif creates tension, deepens emotion, and is often well-remembered. Dr. Diana Stout shares examples of motifs from literature and film.

The post How to Deepen Your Story With Motifs first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Accountability Can Be a Writer’s Best Tool

Guest Blogger — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 08:20:00 +0000

As a new writer, it can be difficult to pursue writing regularly. Diana Stout shares suggestions for staying accountable.

The post Accountability Can Be a Writer’s Best Tool first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Dead Zone Ahead: The Sagging Middle

Guest Blogger — Mon, 13 May 2024 08:50:00 +0000

Do you get stuck in that "dead zone" halfway through the story? (aka "the sagging middle"...where great ideas weaken and stagnate. Read on to fix it!

The post Dead Zone Ahead: The Sagging Middle first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

The Practice of Writing: How Much and What Kind Is Needed?

Guest Blogger — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 09:19:00 +0000

There's a process to learning. No one is a master on the first day. Learning creates muscle memory. We often need a mentor, teacher, master, or a cheerleader!

The post The Practice of Writing: How Much and What Kind Is Needed? first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Why You Want to Become a Better Self-Editor

Guest Blogger — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 10:44:00 +0000

Due to rising costs, publishing houses are reducing staff numbers. Publishers want polished manuscripts. Diana Stout shares how to get your work seen.

The post Why You Want to Become a Better Self-Editor first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Does Writer's Block Really Exist?

Guest Blogger — Mon, 01 May 2023 09:19:00 +0000

Writer's block can be paralyzing. Diana Stout shows us how to see it for what it is and how to get past this troubling issue.

The post Does Writer's Block Really Exist? first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Critiques – How to Get Them, How to Receive Them

Guest Blogger — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000

As hard as they are to receive, critiques are a necessary element to your growth as a writer. Follow Diana Stout's advice for using critiques in writing.

The post Critiques – How to Get Them, How to Receive Them first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

13 Reasons Why Your Submission Could Have Been Rejected

Guest Blogger — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 09:34:00 +0000

The difference between a seasoned writer and a new writer is that the experienced writer knows a rejection doesn't signify the writing was bad.

The post 13 Reasons Why Your Submission Could Have Been Rejected first appeared on Writers In The Storm.