What Motivates My Reading Choices
My reading preferences have been somewhat eclectic over the years, and I’ve now returned to mysteries again. How about your reading preferences?
https://dianastout.net/2021/03/02/what-motivates-my-reading-choices
My reading preferences have been somewhat eclectic over the years, and I’ve now returned to mysteries again. How about your reading preferences?
https://dianastout.net/2021/03/02/what-motivates-my-reading-choices
In Keri’s first blog she talked about what she wished she’d known before publishing her first book. Here, she talks about what she’s doing right.
Many of her mistakes were mine, too. I find that via the questions many new writers are asking in various online writers’ groups I belong to, that they’re making the same mistakes, as well.
Babies don’t come with instruction, neither is there one handbook for new writers. However, there are lots of books, media groups, and local/regional groups where new writers can find help. And thankfully, there’s always Google!
People look at me and see success. Published in multiple media, in multiple genres, with various awards. With an MFA and a Ph.D., too, but there have been many failures along the way.
I have failed so many times I’ve lost count, from beginning, middle, and end.
In the beginning, I couldn’t get anything published. I tried big publications, national publications, regional, and small publications. All submissions boomeranged back. Once in a while, I’d get a handwritten note at the bottom of the mimeographed rejection, saying, I like your voice, or Please submit to us in the future…
Behind the Scenes with Diana Stout, MFA, PhD
This month’s question: What personal traits have you written into your character(s)?
My response isn’t about specific traits but rather the one thing that drives the character(s), and which often says a lot about their traits.
For more information about The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
A new blog where I feature writers and others associated with the writing field. Today’s features are Diana Rubino and Rosanne Bitner, the Queen of Historical Romance.
Check it out: https://dianastout.org/
Available now in LARGE PRINT, along with the traditional size, and as an eBook.
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.
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!
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.