First-Time Novelist Archives

Blog, First-Time Novelist, Novel / Fiction

Fourth Person Point of View

Fourth person point of view is a unique and rarely used perspective in stories. First person gives us “I.” Second person gives […]

Alan WattOctober 11, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, Novel / Fiction

Point of View in Literature

There is no “correct” approach to point of view in literature. Your sole consideration is how you want your reader to experience […]

Alan WattOctober 8, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, Novel / Fiction, Outline

Character Questionnaire: Turn Vague Ideas into Realistic Characters

Character questionnaires are designed to help you get to know a character that doesn’t yet exist. You might know the name of […]

Alan WattOctober 7, 2026

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

Best Books on Writing: 7 Books for Your Writing Journey

Have you ever stared at a blank page and wondered whether your story needed more inspiration or a clearer outline? If you’re […]

Alan WattOctober 6, 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, 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