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

3 Secrets for Getting Started on Writing Your First Novel

Every writer struggles with getting the story from imagination to the page. The first-time novelist confronts the special challenge of having never […]

Alan WattJune 10, 2021
Blog, Dilemma, First-Time Novelist, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Shedding the Idea for Truth in Writing

It’s not just first-time novelists or screenwriters that struggle with getting their story from the imagination to the page. Every writer struggles […]

Alan WattJune 4, 2021
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Finding Your Writing Voice

I work with many first-time novelists, screenwriters, and memoirists, and the question of voice always comes up. “Do you think I have […]

Alan WattApril 8, 2021
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Inspiration, Novel / Fiction

Is It Any Good?

There can be a real desire, especially for the novice writer, to have someone validate our work as soon as possible. Is […]

Alan WattSeptember 9, 2020
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Novel / Fiction

Overcoming Self-Doubt

I used to be amazed at the madness of my mind. One day, I think my writing is brilliant, and the next […]

Alan WattMarch 17, 2020
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Novel / Fiction

“What is the Book Market Looking For?”

“What does the market want?” I hear this question frequently from first-time novelists, as if there’s some secret, as if their job […]

Alan WattFebruary 25, 2020
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Inspiration

Trust

I grew up in a very bright, academic family, but at times I felt alone. My family members were very logical, reasonable […]

Alan WattMarch 26, 2019
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Inspiration

Choice

Why do we write? Why do we spend months, years, even decades engaged in the solitary act of creating a world on […]

Alan WattOctober 30, 2018
Blog, First-Time Novelist

Own Your Work

Just because you might be a first-time novelist, it doesn’t mean you’re not the authority over your work. No agent, publisher, or […]

Alan WattFebruary 22, 2018
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Novel / Fiction

The Great American Novel

Every American writer secretly dreams of writing the “Great American Novel.” What would that look like? It’s a book that captures the […]

Alan WattDecember 28, 2017
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

How to Become a First-Time Author

The journey to becoming a first-time author is different for everyone. For me, it involved letting go of the idea that I’d […]

Alan WattDecember 7, 2017
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Memoir, Novel / Fiction

How to Write Your First Novel

Writing your first book might actually be fun. I’m serious. I know you’re terrified. It’s a scary thing to do. But, at […]

Alan WattNovember 22, 2017
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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.

The written signature of Alan Watt, writing teacher

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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
    • Al’s Books
    • Videos
    • Audio
    • Other Free Resources
    • Writing Challenge
  • 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
  • ⠀