Stephanie

A brown-eyed writer who loves police procedurals, s’mores, House of Anubis, and twentieth-century history | aO3 @talestoldbyabrowneyedgirl | Wattpad @theStphnieCollection

[thegirlfrombrowneyedcounty]

Hi Tumblr! My name is Stephanie, and before I start posting random story excerpts or fangirl over some of my favorite shows & movies I’m currently writing fanfictions for, I thought a brief introduction would be suitable as I plan to post weekly on this platform.

I first realized I wanted to be a writer some time in 2015 or 2016 when I posted a fanfiction on Fanfiction.net. Despite being riddled with capitalization errors, misspellings, and even inconsistent verb tenses, “Till the end” was my first solid piece of work, and boy was I proud! I went on to write multiple fanfictions after that, eventually migrating to platforms like Wattpad and Archive of Our Own. Although it would take me until 2022 to grow serious about writing original work (a newfound love for historical fiction also helped) and for my post-WWII short story, “The Doughertys’ Home Front” to come to fruition, I have since then been able to push out additional short stories and a novella, many of which have seen recognition from ambassador-led Wattpad contests. Today, I feel more secure than ever in calling myself a historical writer specializing in twentieth-century history.

Now on to the real story.

As much as I’d like to portray my writing journey simply, going from a fanfiction writer to a original fiction writer, that is not the case. Throughout my teen years and into my twenties, I struggled to write the stories I wanted to tell. I’d write fanfictions to appease certain audiences, and before I wrote historical fiction, settled on YA because it was “safe” and what I saw selling. I suppose I could sum it up like this: I fought the notion that my writing should grow with my body, my mind, and my interests, and instead, wrote stories that were not true to me.

But that continues no more.

Frankly, I never thought that I’d be writing fanfiction AND historical fiction side-by-side, with the former focused on a show that ruled my childhood for half a decade. Yet, here I am, doing exactly that, and I couldn’t be more excited to share my work and my love for certain fandoms with all of you. So, on my Tumble page, expect news about upcoming stories (maybe even some full-length chapters), tips and methods that keep me disciplined as a writer, and “interesting” facts about me.

Bear with me on that last part—I might just end up sharing some twentieth-century history facts with you all! :)

You can find my aO3 and Wattpad usernames in my bio.

xoxo

[an0neemouse]

Boredom is so important for creativity. We spend our lives constantly inundated with entertainment. Phones in our pockets with games and apps that function like tiny computers. TVs in every waiting room, restaurant, and living room. Music on every radio, computer, and phone. It's everywhere. And we've been trained to think that boredom is bad so we are constantly seeking more and more stimulation.

But boredom is actually necessary for creativity. Our brains need that rest in order to get really primed to create some great shit. It's why we think of the best lines of dialogue in the shower, the best scenes right before we fall asleep. You have to stop feeding your mind constant stimuli if you want to be able to create art of any kind.

And sure, other media is great for inspiration. Everything has its place and time. But if you're sitting there trying to write or draw or sculpt or whatever with the TV on, music blaring, a game on your phone and no ideas will come to you, turn it off. Whatever it is, turn it off. Embrace the boredom. Let your mind wander. It takes practice, but it's worth it. I promise.

You'll be a better artist for it.

[thegirlfrombrowneyedcounty]

I’ve heard many pieces of advice when it comes to writing, but I don’t think I’ve heard one about embracing boredom. But it’s true, folks! As soon as I leave my screens behind and climb into bed or plop onto my swing out back, plot hole fixes and story ideas wash over my mind unapologetically.

In other words, there’s nothing quite better for a writer than to take advantage of the quiet and sit with just your mind and yourself. We’ve got some important stories to think about! 💭

[thegirlfrombrowneyedcounty]

On Leave (1945) by Norman Rockwell (1894-1978)

Happy 250th Birthday, America! Thank you for inspiring historical fiction writers like me (and for giving my mom a reason to pull out the crockpot and Dolly Parton’s potato salad recipe). ❤️🤍💙

Wishing every artist, every historian, every soldier, every veteran, every writer, and everyone in-between a safe 4th of July!

🎆

[thegirlfrombrowneyedcounty]

This quote definitely hits when I think of all my writing goals I want to accomplish this summer.

I’ll reach them. And so will all of you. ♥️

[thegirlfrombrowneyedcounty]

The Glass Fortress (1950) by Tom Lovell (1909-1997)

“You can do hard things” -Anna Engelschall, one of my favorite fitness influencers.

Five simple words, but oh how they go far!

[thegirlfrombrowneyedcounty]

At Florida’s Boca Raton Club (1948) by Edwin Georgi (1896-1964)

When I scrolled through my Pinterest board tonight, I came across this painting I saved some time ago by Edwin Georgi. An advertisement for cigars, it was not the cigar in the man’s hand that made me go “yes, this one!” Rather, it was the look in the woman’s face—distant and lost, maybe even a little teary—that pulled me in immediately, for she reminded me that moments like hers are universal.

I have recently found that I’m in one of these moments now, trying to shake the disappointment that hard work does not always lead to perfect endings, that we’re never “owed” something just because we put in the effort. And although my current predicament is not necessarily related to my writing or any of my other imaginary projects, it still has made it difficult to hop back on the writing horse.

Instead, I’ve had to feel everything, every emotion that’s made me question if all my non-writing pursuits were worth the tears and the late nights. Doing so has allowed me to mourn what could have been while also helping me break a cycle of entitlement. It’s humbled me.

And while I think I’ve got a little bit more processing to do, I’ve begun to revisit some of my past story ideas and my unfinished Ao3 work. Writing is always going to be a part of me, and I’m confident I’ll be back in that saddle soon. 🐴

Thank you for letting me check in, Tumblr and my fellow writers!

[lannegarrett]

[thegirlfrombrowneyedcounty]

This is one of those Tumblr posts that are just too, too, too real! As a writer, I rely way too much on my memory! I’ve got to start writing those NYT bestselling ideas down, am I right? ;)

[pantserspen]

How to Fix Underwriting

1. Slow down at emotionally important moments.

Big emotions need space to land. If a scene feels rushed, pause the plot briefly to show how the moment affects the character.

2. Add reactions, not explanations.

Instead of explaining what a character feels, show it through physical responses, hesitation, or small actions that reveal emotion naturally.

3. Ground every scene in the senses.

If a scene feels thin, add one or two sensory details—sound, texture, smell, or temperature—to make the moment feel lived-in.

4. Let thoughts interrupt action.

A line of internal thought can deepen a scene without slowing it too much. Thoughts show stakes, fear, longing, or conflict beneath the action.

5. Expand consequences, not events.

You don’t need more things to happen—you need to show what matters. Focus on how events change relationships, decisions, or self-perception.

6. Strengthen setting where emotion peaks.

The environment should echo or contrast the emotion of the scene. Setting is not decoration—it’s emotional reinforcement.

7. Add specific details instead of general ones.

Underwriting often relies on vague language. Swap “they argued” for one sharp line of dialogue or a specific breaking point.

8. Let dialogue breathe.

Short dialogue exchanges without pauses can feel flat. Add beats—silence, gestures, interruptions—to give the conversation weight.

9. Show transitions between scenes.

If scenes jump too quickly, readers feel disoriented. A brief transition helps establish time, mood, and emotional continuity.

10. Clarify stakes early in the scene.

If readers don’t know what can be lost, scenes feel empty. Make sure the character wants something specific and fears losing it.

11. Use the “what are they feeling right now?” check.

After each major beat, ask what emotion is dominant in that moment. If it’s missing on the page, the scene is likely underwritten.

12. Expand scenes that feel “too clean.”

If a scene resolves too neatly or quickly, it probably needs more tension. Messy emotions and unresolved feelings add depth.

[thegirlfrombrowneyedcounty]

The bit about sensory details is so TRUE! Plus, they make for a better reading experience and have your readers coming back for more—readers want to FEEL like they’re in the scene with your characters.

I personally think one’s tactile sense (touch) is such an underrated sensory component in writing today, at least in the stories I’ve read. Tell us about the cold wall against your protagonist’s back or the hot concrete on their bare feet. Sensory details make a story more realistic, which in turn increases your credibility as a writer.

This is just me putting in my two *senses* though! Get it?🦉👀

[lost-in-eriador]

in 2026, remember how GOOD writing feels. remember how satsfying it is to get your characters to the point you have been dying to get to, where they will experience the love, fear, relief or whatever the feeling you want to bring to life may be. let this year be the year of writing, prgress and of satisfactory endings.

[thegirlfrombrowneyedcounty]

A great reminder to self this 2026. ✨

[thegirlfrombrowneyedcounty]

Pajama Party (1950-59) by Victor Kalin (1919-1991)

Happy New Year, Tumblr! May the new year bring us laughter and smiles like the ones worn by the ladies in this Victor Kalin painting.

While I do have some resolutions in mind this year, my most simplest one is to write when I can. I’ve learned from the past that stringent writing schedules/goals don’t always work out, and that, some times, it’s just better to take advantage of the free time you have and spend it doing something you love. Writing is that something for me.

And so is reading, listening to music, and being with my dog—ha!

Goodbye 2025 and hello 2026!

[thegirlfrombrowneyedcounty]

From one writer to another,

I’m a bit blue this week after one of my creative nonfiction pieces got rejected from a literary journal I had submitted it to for publication consideration and one of my short stories didn’t make it to the long list for a contest. I’ve been rejected before—but not twice in one week!

And how have I been coping? Well, I’ve been crying. Questioning. Self-critiquing. Thinking about how I should have given my characters a happier ending or how I should have used a different structure or how I should have been less experimental.

I know what I’m feeling is normal. My hurt shows I care, that I want this caramel core of a dream so sweet I can still picture my wall of accolades and New York Times’ mentions now.

Rejections stink, but not writing is worse. So I’m going to keep trying even if that means more rejections and tears.

We’ll all make it out there, writers.

[thegirlfrombrowneyedcounty]

I’ve been feeling extra appreciative of fall lately. 🍂 As a writer, I feel like my story ideas change with the seasons so much that I’ve been recently thinking about writing a Halloween-esque story. I’m not one of those writers who can dive right in though—outlining and researching are my two go-to steps before I start writing on my bed or on my couch with an IPad and a pair of earbuds. I guess you can say my writing process is much like the changing leaves, slow and patient until I fall right in.

This doesn’t mean, however, that I—or any other writer—can’t experiment with the writing process. Even its substituting my iPad for my laptop or doing research and writing concurrently, my process can change to match my needs—and my story’s.

For now though, I’m going to stick with the path I’m comfortable with, and perhaps I’ll still be writing a Halloween-esque story with snow on the ground and a lit tree in my living room. Ha!

May October bring you inspiration too, dear writers out there.

[thegirlfrombrowneyedcounty]

It’s October, and I’m ready with my Halloweentown-inspired peg dolls and my frosted pumpkin pie pop tarts! 🎃 I ended September on a semi-high note by publishing a new short story, “Beige Faux Fur” on my Wattpad account @ theStphnieCollection. I’m still having doubts about the story but I’m ready to let it live on Wattpad for a little bit while I enjoy the new month. I’ve learned that moving away from a story you’re iffy about is never a bad thing.

Anyways, happy Halloween season writers and tumblr-ers!

[thegirlfrombrowneyedcounty]

An underrated goodie I haven’t been able to stop thinking about! 🐺

Tis the Halloween season (even if it’s still 80 degrees), and I’ve already found the spirit thanks to Wolf (1994) directed by Mike Nichols with an absolutely gorgeous score by Ennio Morricone. Nicholson, Pfeiffer, and Spader—what more can a popcorn, cozy Halloween movie-loving cinephile ask for?

Take a movie break, my fellow writers!

[thegirlfrombrowneyedcounty]

“Everybody’s story is interesting.” -My creative nonfiction professor during a Monday afternoon lecture this September.

[thegirlfrombrowneyedcounty]

From five-time-Wattpad-contest-winning author (it’s me folks) comes a brand new short story set in San Francisco, 1961. While “Sea of Sunken Letters” was written for one of Wattpad’s largest annual contests under my @theStphnieCollection username, the story idea itself has been skipping around in my brain for well over a year. I wanted to share the news of its publication on Wattpad with you all because there is nothing more satisfying than finally getting that story idea down on paper or Google doc if that’s your preference (like moi!).

The official synopsis and story link are featured below.

Synopsis (short ‘n’ sweet):

“When Vivian Gibbon is roped into taking an estranged aunt on an errand, she doesn’t foresee having to relive her doomed love story aloud.

Or finding out she isn’t the only woman in the family to have one.”

Link:

When Vivian Gibbon is roped into taking an estranged aunt out on an errand, she doesn't foresee having to relive her doomed love story aloud

Keep on writing, writers!

[thegirlfrombrowneyedcounty]

(EVOLution CD not pictured, but I have it!)

Just wanted to wish a happy “Man’s Best Friend” release night to all of my fellow Sabrina Carpenter fans out there in the Tumblr universe! I’m sure my anecdote follows the path of many others, but I’ve been a Sabrina Carpenter fan since 2016, when, amid watching “Girl Meets World” on Disney Channel, I caught glimpses of the “Eyes Wide Open” music video during commercial breaks. From her vocals to the song’s catchiness, I was hooked! It should come as no surprise then that my first “big girl” CD purchase was the EVOLution CD, and even less so that my first concert was Sabrina’s “The Detour” tour back in 2017! Since then, from every album release, Netflix movie, to two Grammy wins that almost brought me to tears, I’ve been on the Sabrina Carpenter fan train and don’t have any plans on getting off!

Let’s go, “Man’s Best Friend!” 🐾