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Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Your Writing Guide to “Show, Don’t Tell”

I suppose everything is easier said than done. The same is true for writing. It’s one thing to say a person is […]

Alan WattJanuary 1, 2026
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Mastering the Anti-Villain 

In storytelling, we have heroes and villains, but where do anti-villains fit in? Who are they, and why have they become so […]

Alan WattDecember 31, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

What Makes a Protagonist?

When you think of your favorite movies or books, what’s the first thing you think of? Is it the setting, the twist […]

Alan WattDecember 30, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Writing Monologues That Matter

Most of our everyday speech happens in dialogue — in conversations. You might talk to yourself from time to time, but odds […]

Alan WattDecember 29, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

The Art of Plot: Structure That Serves Your Characters

What is a story without a plot? Not much! A plot is the sequence of events that helps give a story its […]

Alan WattDecember 28, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

What is Juxtaposition?

The best way to flesh out something is by showing what it isn’t. If that sounds like a paradox, you’re feeling the […]

Alan WattDecember 27, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Rewriting, Screenwriting

Active vs Passive Voice

Understanding when and how to use active vs passive voice isn’t just a matter of grammar; it’s a matter of storytelling. The […]

Alan WattDecember 26, 2025
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Novel / Fiction

Novels vs Books — What’s the Difference?

The words “book” and “novel” are sometimes used interchangeably. But they actually mean different things. In this article, I’ll describe the differences […]

Alan WattDecember 25, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

The Power of Diction

The diction you use in your writing is a choice you’re always making, whether subconsciously or not. Writers trade in language. Diction […]

Alan WattDecember 24, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Rewriting, Screenwriting

Understanding Tone: Secrets to a Strong Narrative Voice

Creating tone in your writing provides a texture to the work. It’s the emotional coloring that shapes how a reader feels, interprets, […]

Alan WattDecember 23, 2025
Blog, Novel / Fiction, Outline, Rewriting

How to Outline Your Novel in 5 Steps

Each writer has their own process. Some writers (often called pantsers) believe that outlining their novel limits their creativity, while others require […]

Alan WattDecember 22, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Analyzing the 3 Types of Irony

Irony is a comparison which reveals an incongruity. That comparison might be between events and understanding, a statement and fact, or the […]

Alan WattDecember 21, 2025
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Workshops

  • the 90-day novel®
  • the 90-day memoir®
  • the 90-day screenplay™
  • story day
  • rewrite master class
  • 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
  • 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.

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alanwatt.com
  • meet Alan
  • writing classes
    • The 30-Day Outline
    • The 90-Day Novel®
    • The 90-Day Memoir®
    • The 90-Day Screenplay™
    • Rewrite Master Class
    • Siren Tales: A Women’s Writing Workshop
    • Story Day
    • Class Information
      • Calendar
      • Classes & Workshops Overview
  • writing retreats
    • Tuscany Retreat
    • Solo Retreats
  • writing coach
  • writing resources
    • books
    • videos
    • audio
    • writing challenge
    • envision
    • write on fridays
    • other free resources
  • 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
  • contact
  • log In
  • log out
  • Join Free
  • ⠀