Alan Watt, Author at alanwatt.com

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, Free, General, Inspiration, Novel / Fiction, Resources

5 Essential Creative Writing Tips

Whether you’re brainstorming your first story or publishing your ninth book, there comes a point when all writers wonder the same thing. […]

Alan WattSeptember 11, 2026

Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

How to Write a Cliffhanger

A cliffhanger is not a trick, but a promise. As a storyteller, you want to grab your reader’s attention and hold it […]

Alan WattSeptember 10, 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, Inspiration, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Writing Motivation

Have you ever found yourself staring at the blank page and waiting for the spark, but it doesn’t come? So you walk […]

Alan WattSeptember 8, 2026

Blog, Free, General, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Resources

The Magician Archetype: Characters Who Transform All They Touch

The Magician archetype is a character who comes into the story and transforms everything. They don’t wield a specific authority like the […]

Alan WattSeptember 7, 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, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

What is an Imprint and How Does it Work?

What is an imprint? This is one of those publishing terms that gets mentioned but is rarely explained. Most beginning writers assume […]

Alan WattSeptember 5, 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, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

How to Write an Author Bio

Let’s be honest, writing an author bio is something we writers dread. The manuscript is ready to go, but now it’s time […]

Alan WattSeptember 2, 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

Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Writing Rules — Are There Any?

When you’re a new writer, it’s natural to ask, “What are the rules?” Interestingly enough, if you search the internet or ask […]

Alan WattAugust 30, 2026

Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Types of Characters

Sometimes, when we’re first assembling our cast of characters, they feel static or formulaic. This happens when we approach our characters as […]

Alan WattAugust 29, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Mood vs. Tone: What’s the Difference? (And Why Every Writer Needs to Know)

Have you ever read a scene that made you uneasy, while nothing bad was happening? Or perhaps you read a narrator who […]

Alan WattAugust 28, 2026

Blog, Dilemma, First-Time Novelist, General, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Book Title Ideas: Tips and Techniques

At some point in every writing project, you end up staring at a blank space where the title should be. Sometimes the […]

Alan WattAugust 27, 2026

Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

How to Get an ISBN for Your Book

If you’re wondering how to get an ISBN, let me help you. The ISBN is one of those publishing steps nobody thinks […]

Alan WattAugust 26, 2026

Reverse Outlining: Gaining a New Perspective

5 Essential Creative Writing Tips

How to Write a Cliffhanger

Theme Ideas: Finding the Core Your Story

Writing Motivation

The Magician Archetype: Characters Who Transform All They Touch

7 Elements of Fiction: How to Build a Story

What is an Imprint and How Does it Work?

Tragic Hero Examples

How to End a Memoir

How to Write an Author Bio

How Much Do Writers Make?

Book Tropes: Using Familiar Ideas in Fresh Ways

Writing Rules — Are There Any?

Types of Characters

Mood vs. Tone: What’s the Difference? (And Why Every Writer Needs to Know)

Book Title Ideas: Tips and Techniques

How to Get an ISBN for Your Book

Workshops

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

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