Blog Archives - alanwatt.com

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

Blog, Dilemma, Free, General, Inspiration, Resources

Personal Growth in Writing: Transforming Both Characters and Yourself

I believe that the desire to write is, to some degree, about personal growth — the unconscious desire to evolve. When a […]

Alan WattAugust 25, 2026

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

The Ultimate Literary Devices List: 120 Powerful Techniques Every Writer Should Know

Literary devices are a variety of techniques that writers use to craft better stories, characters, dialogues, and scenes. You probably learned about […]

Alan WattAugust 24, 2026

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

Epub vs. Mobi: Which eBook Format Do You Need to Publish?

Most writers, deep in their first drafts, are not wondering about ebook file formats. But at some point, particularly if you’re self-publishing, […]

Alan WattAugust 23, 2026

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

How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book? A Realistic Breakdown

At some point, after the manuscript is finished and the relief of typing “the end” has worn off, you start to think […]

Alan WattAugust 22, 2026

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

The Caregiver Archetype: Writing the Character Who Loves at Their Own Expense

A Caregiver archetype is someone who keeps everyone else in the story together. They are the ones who are insightful enough to […]

Alan WattAugust 21, 2026

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

Abridged vs. Unabridged: The Essentials of a Story

Considering the difference between a story that’s abridged vs. unabridged hints at something profound about what makes a story tick. The gap […]

Alan WattAugust 20, 2026

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

Collaborative Editing: How to Receive Feedback Without Losing Your Voice

Collaborative editing goes beyond the technical aspects. It’s a partnership to make your work the best it can be. Writing begins independently, […]

Alan WattAugust 19, 2026

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

Critical Feedback

You’ve finally sent your manuscript to a beta reader, critique partner, or editor. You’re very eager to hear what they have to […]

Alan WattAugust 18, 2026

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

Personal Growth in Writing: Transforming Both Characters and Yourself

The Ultimate Literary Devices List: 120 Powerful Techniques Every Writer Should Know

Epub vs. Mobi: Which eBook Format Do You Need to Publish?

How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book? A Realistic Breakdown

The Caregiver Archetype: Writing the Character Who Loves at Their Own Expense

Abridged vs. Unabridged: The Essentials of a Story

Collaborative Editing: How to Receive Feedback Without Losing Your Voice

Critical Feedback

Workshops

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