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  • writing classes
    • The 90-Day Novel®
    • The 90-Day Memoir®
    • The 90-Day Screenplay™
    • The Rewrite Master Class
    • The 30-Day Outline
    • Siren Tales: A Women’s Writing Workshop
    • Story Day
    • Class Calendar
  • writing resources
    • 1-on-1 coaching
    • editing services
    • books
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    • writing challenge
    • envision
    • write on thursdays
    • other free resources
  • retreats
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    • How to Write a Screenplay
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unlock your dilemma ebook

A free guide to the core of your story. “Alan has a genius method to unlock your subconscious and get you writing. I’ve been able to drop all of my fears and get it done, which is remarkable.“ – Sherold Barr, Author of Reach For More

KatAdminJanuary 26, 2026

dilemma ebook

a free guide to the core of your story unlock your dilemma “Al has a genius method to unlock your subconscious and […]

KatAdminJanuary 21, 2026
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

The Antihero’s Dilemma: Emphasizing Moral Conflict

Stories are not always about morally spotless heroes, nor should they be. Truly compelling protagonists have flaws that affect their choices and […]

Alan WattJanuary 8, 2026

Dilemma Resource

Dilemma: The Source of Your Story I made this resource to help you understand how to identify dilemma and use it to […]

KatAdminDecember 3, 2025
Blog, Dilemma, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Exploring the Dilemma

At the heart of every story lies a dilemma. It is not a question of whether or not your protagonist has a […]

Alan WattAugust 27, 2024
Blog, Dilemma, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Exploring Your Protagonist’s Dilemma

(Image from The Hunger Games, 2012) “The moment we want to believe something, we suddenly see all the arguments for it, and […]

Alan WattDecember 11, 2023
Blog, Dilemma, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

How Do You Identify the Dilemma in Your Story?

At the heart of every story lies a dilemma from which all tensions and conflicts arise. How do you identify the dilemma […]

Alan WattOctober 15, 2021

dilemma – the source of your story

The purpose of story is to reveal a transformation, a change or shift in perception. In this one hour workshop, you’ll find the most effective way to tell your story and explore your theme through a dilemma “resolved” in that transformation. Running Time: 60 minutes Download available for 30 days after purchase.

Alan WattSeptember 23, 2020
Blog, Dilemma, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

No Dilemma, No Story

One thing that has been coming up a lot in my classes is the tendency for writers to “figure out” their plot. […]

Alan WattJune 4, 2019
Blog, Dilemma, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Dilemma: The Source of Your Story

At the heart of every story lies a dilemma. It is not a question of whether or not your protagonist has a […]

Alan WattJanuary 16, 2019
Blog, Dilemma, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

The Dramatic Question

Simply put, the dramatic question is your story’s theme framed as a question. “Can the truth set you free?” “Can love survive […]

Alan WattSeptember 14, 2026
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Outline, Resources, Rewriting

Reverse Outlining: Gaining a New Perspective

What is reverse outlining?  While many writers outline before they write a single scene, others follow a “pantser” method where they follow […]

Alan WattSeptember 12, 2026
Blog, Dilemma, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Theme Ideas: Finding the Core Your Story

Theme ideas aren’t something tacked on to the end of a story. They are central to the narrative, and woven throughout it. […]

Alan WattSeptember 9, 2026
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

7 Elements of Fiction: How to Build a Story

Have you ever wondered why some stories stay with you, while others fade from memory before you even close the cover?  There’s […]

Alan WattSeptember 6, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Tragic Hero Examples

You might think of a tragedy as just a sad story. A tragic hero, however, is not simply unlucky or a victim […]

Alan WattSeptember 4, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Memoir, Resources

How to End a Memoir

As a memoirist, it’s almost inevitable that you struggle with your ending.  It’s important to remember that the ending of your memoir […]

Alan WattSeptember 3, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

How Much Do Writers Make?

If you find yourself asking Google “How much do writers make?” you’re not alone. But the answer is not so straightforward. Some […]

Alan WattSeptember 1, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Book Tropes: Using Familiar Ideas in Fresh Ways 

There’s a difference between a book trope and a literary cliche, and the distinction is important.  While a cliche is a storytelling […]

Alan WattAugust 31, 2026
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Workshops

  • the 90-day novel®
  • the 90-day memoir®
  • the 90-day screenplay™
  • story day
  • rewrite master class
  • the 30-day outline
  • siren tales: a women’s writing workshop
  • Tuscany writing retreat
  • envision: creative goal setting
  • writing challenge
  • solo/couples retreat
  • the 90-day novel®
  • the 90-day memoir®
  • the 90-day screenplay™
  • story day
  • rewrite master class
  • the 30-day outline
  • siren tales: a women’s writing workshop
  • Tuscany writing retreat
  • envision: creative goal setting
  • writing challenge
  • solo/couples retreat

Creativity is your birthright. Your sole purpose is to build a body of work.

The written signature of Alan Watt, writing teacher

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alanwatt.com
  • writing classes
    • The 90-Day Novel®
    • The 90-Day Memoir®
    • The 90-Day Screenplay™
    • The Rewrite Master Class
    • The 30-Day Outline
    • Siren Tales: A Women’s Writing Workshop
    • Story Day
    • Class Calendar
  • writing resources
    • 1-on-1 coaching
    • editing services
    • books
    • videos
    • audio
    • writing challenge
    • envision
    • write on thursdays
    • other free resources
  • retreats
    • Tuscany Retreat
    • Solo Retreats
  • blog
    • How to Outline a Book
    • How to Write a Memoir
    • How to Write a Novel
    • How to Write a Screenplay
    • Story Structure
    • Character Development
    • The Writing Process
    • Writing Techniques
    • Writing Resources & Tools
    • Book Editing
    • How to Publish a Book
    • Writers on Writing
  • meet Alan
  • contact
  • log In
  • log out
  • Join Free
  • ⠀