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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
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    • write on thursdays
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    • How to Outline a Book
    • How to Write a Memoir
    • How to Write a Novel
    • How to Write a Screenplay
    • Story Structure
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Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

How to Write Suspense

Suspense is all about what might happen.  It’s not the moment of danger itself that evokes suspense, but the growing dread that […]

Alan WattSeptember 26, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

The Seeker Archetype: Writing the Restless Character 

The Seeker archetype is a character beset by a divine discontent, an inner yearning for something just beyond their reach. There’s a […]

Alan WattSeptember 25, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

How First-Person Omniscient Breaks the Rules on Purpose

Is first-person omniscient narration even possible? Most writers are taught point of view as a set of hard and fast rules. Part […]

Alan WattSeptember 24, 2026
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

How to Get a Book Deal: The 6-Step Process

You’ve finished your manuscript and you want to get a book deal with a traditional publisher. Where do you start?  Getting a […]

Alan WattSeptember 23, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Build a Writing Portfolio That Opens Doors

“Can you send me your writing portfolio?” For many writers, that’s the moment everything stops. You might feel like a deer caught […]

Alan WattSeptember 22, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Syntax: The Secret Power of Sentence Structure

Two sentences with the exact same words rearranged can mean entirely different things. That shift is syntax at work. “Syntax” sounds like […]

Alan WattSeptember 21, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Writing Techniques

Sooner or later, every writer seeks to improve their writing skills. Maybe you want to learn specific techniques before you start writing. […]

Alan WattSeptember 20, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

What is a Mixed Metaphor?

Mixed metaphors are sneaky. You’re writing a scene, the words are flowing, then you write a line like, “She took the bull […]

Alan WattSeptember 19, 2026
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

How to Write a Book Proposal That Gets Noticed

If you’re writing a nonfiction book that doesn’t follow a narrative (e.g., self-help, how-to guides, or business material), you don’t actually need […]

Alan WattSeptember 18, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Literary Fiction: What Makes a Novel Literary?  

You’ve probably heard people describe a novel as “literary fiction” without explaining what the term means. Is it more slow-paced? More artistic? […]

Alan WattSeptember 17, 2026
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Hybrid Publishing Explained

Most writers consider taking one of two publishing routes:  In recent years, a third approach has gained momentum and merits consideration: hybrid […]

Alan WattSeptember 16, 2026
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Vivid Verbs: Bring Your Prose to Life

One of the quickest ways to make your writing more vibrant is to use vivid verbs. A single well-placed verb can say […]

Alan WattSeptember 15, 2026
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, Resources

The Kindlepreneur Mindset: Combining Creativity and Business Acumen

The term “kindlepreneur” is a combination of “Kindle” and “entrepreneur,” describing a self-published author who approaches their writing and book sales as […]

Alan WattSeptember 13, 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, 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
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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
  • ⠀