Grendel’s Mother in Large Print
Available now in LARGE PRINT, along with the traditional size, and as an eBook.
What’s New!
Writing Secrets, Myths & Truths
Years ago, when the Internet was relatively new, I formed a group of screenwriters, called Scribelink. It was popular with lots of good quality sharing of information. I made a lot of screenwriter friends because of that group. Many who are still friends today.
Because I miss that camaraderie, I’ve formed a Facebook group for all genres, of all levels, called “Writing Secrets, Myths & Truth with Diana Stout.” While there are many writers groups out there today, I find that many are narrowed by genre or writing element, like self-publishing. I want an all-inclusive group, as we can all learn from each other and from different genres. I learned a lot of writing novels using screenwriting techniques.
Writing Secrets… is a closed group, meaning you have to make the request to join and answer a few easy questions, but no one can see the posts unless they are a member.
Come ask your questions, share your expertise, and join this fun group of people, who share your love of writing.
Recommended Books – are these books on your shelf?
Because I’m repeatedly asked to recommend books for writers, here is the start of my list. Some of these are older books, but they stand the test of time. I can’t get rid of them because I refer back to them from time-to-time. I use them to teach from. Plus, it would take forever to remove all the Post-Its that mark important pages!
More to be added . . . 
https://sharpenedpencilsproductions.com/index.php/recommended-books/
My book, 9 Tips to Creating Inspiration
It’s the old chicken or the egg story. Which comes first? Habit or Inspiration?
Check out my latest blog, “9 Tips to Creating Inspiration” and find out.
The Eyes Have It–Or Do They?
See a new Behind the Scenes blog that talks about using eyes vs. gaze. Which is the most correct usage? Do you know?
Should I Blog? What Should I Write?
Check out my Behind the Scenes blog, “As a Writer Should I Blog? What Should I Write?”
While directed toward writers, the content is applicable to anyone who is thinking about a writing a blog.
Also, did you know that 300 blogs a year are turned into books? According to the book, How to Blog a Book, it’s true!
Shattered Dreams has a release date!
High school sweethearts, Mason and Shelley, separated abruptly the day after graduation are confronted by their past a decade later. Now that Mason is back in town, he’s determined to learn what happened. Both are stunned as they uncover the truth. Can their shattered dreams ever be repaired, or is it too late?
Available as a pre-order eBook on Amazon! Only 99 cents!
Publishing date: Tuesday, July 12, 2016.
Shattered Dreams, is the first of seven novellas against the backdrop of Laurel Ridge, Georgia, a small southern community. Seven couples, seven situations, and seven conflicts.
Conferences, Retreats & Write-Ins: Oh, my!
Conferences, retreats, and write-ins serve different purposes.
While a good conference can be informational, I get more writing done at retreats and write-ins.
Learn more at my Only for the Brave blog, by clicking here.
Which is your favorite?
A new series!
The first story of the Laurel Ridge novella series is coming soon!!
To appear on Amazon as an e-book!
Seven stories with seven couples. Each couple with their own story, told against the backdrop of a small southern community of Laurel Ridge, Georgia.
SHATTERED DREAMS – Mason Baylock has returned to his hometown as a newly appointed judge. He’s hoping to reconnect with his high school sweetheart, Shelley Willis, but she’s not interested. To keep him foremost in her mind, he frequents the diner, located across from the courthouse and where Shelley works, on a regular basis. Once a week for the more than the past three months, he’s been asking her out. And, once a week for more than the past three months, she’s been turning him down.
And then one evening, they become locked up in the kitchen’s cooler by accident. That’s when there’s no more escaping–the real conversation begins–and where the heat gets turned on. She can’t deny she isn’t attracted to him, but she’s not about to date someone who shattered her dreams years ago, either. And then, she discovers that there is more to the earth-shattering consequences than even she imagined, which threatens to fracture and splinter life as they know it.
Will both their dreams be shattered forever? Or does enough of a spark remain that they can rekindle the love they once shared?