First-Time Novelist Archives

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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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