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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, First-Time Novelist, Novel / Fiction

Story Structure of a Novel

Story structure is an essential aspect to creating a compelling narrative. While the beginnings of a story emerge from the wildness of […]

Alan WattDecember 20, 2025
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Novel / Fiction

What is a Novel?

We use the word novel casually, as if it simply means “a long story,” but a novel is defined by more than […]

Alan WattDecember 19, 2025
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Novel / Fiction

Book Genres: Top 9 Fiction Categories

When talking about your writing project with a friend, one of their first questions will likely be “What is the genre?” To […]

Alan WattDecember 14, 2025
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Rewriting, Screenwriting

Rhetorical Devices: The Art of Arguing

In the modern world where the town square is a digital place and the zeitgeist is a worldwide phenomenon, we don’t practice […]

Alan WattDecember 3, 2025
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Rewriting, Screenwriting

Literary Devices: A Writer’s Palette

Literary devices are the various techniques writers employ to create stylistic effects, convey deeper meaning, evoke emotion, and enhance the overall impact […]

Alan WattDecember 2, 2025
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Inspiration, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Never Give Up

I was a half decent 800-meter runner in high school, not great, but I ran with a lot of heart, and sometimes […]

Alan WattAugust 20, 2024
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Outline, Screenwriting

The Value of an Outline

What’s the point of an outline? Whether consciously or not, every writer is in search of a process. A lot of writers […]

Alan WattJune 23, 2024
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Memoir, Novel / Fiction

How Do I Begin?

“How do I begin?” The process of story creation is mysterious. Where do your story ideas come from? From where do your […]

Alan WattJune 21, 2024
Blog, Dilemma, First-Time Novelist

“Why Do I Get Stuck?”

When writers come to a dead stop there can be a tendency to panic. It’s important to remember that your idea of […]

Alan WattJune 14, 2024
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

The Internet: A Writer’s Worst Distraction

Sometimes the deeper we get into our story, the more we seek distraction. The internet will suck the life out of any […]

Alan WattMay 18, 2024
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

First-Time Novelists: Dealing with Fear

Many authors share a similar fear: “What will people think?” It looks slightly different for each writer. What will my parents think when […]

Alan WattApril 12, 2024
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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
  • ⠀