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

The Benefit of Sensitivity Readers

You’ve written something brave, but it explores areas you’re concerned might potentially offend a specific group of people or culture. Perhaps you’ve […]

Alan WattAugust 17, 2026

Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Antagonist Examples: The Characters Who Force Heroes to Change

If your protagonist’s journey seems to lack energy, they may not be experiencing worthy antagonists. The stereotypical view of an opponent might […]

Alan WattAugust 16, 2026

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

Contractions in Writing

You may have been taught to avoid contractions in your writing, but that rule typically applies to formal academic writing. There isn’t […]

Alan WattAugust 15, 2026

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

Amazon Marketing Services Explained: Beginner’s Guide to Amazon Ads

You’ve completed your manuscript. You’ve gone through revision and editing. You’ve nailed down the cover and written a blurb you’re ecstatic about. […]

Alan WattAugust 14, 2026

Blog, Free, Novel / Fiction, Resources

How to Title a Book That Readers Can’t Ignore

How to title your book is one of the smallest writing problems with potentially the largest consequence. You have lived inside these […]

Alan WattAugust 13, 2026

Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

When the Main Character is the Villain

Have you considered writing a story where your main character is the villain? You might think, “But doesn’t my protagonist need to […]

Alan WattAugust 12, 2026

Blog, Free, Novel / Fiction, Resources

The Ruler Archetype: Writing the Character Who Holds the World Together or Tears It Apart

When a Ruler archetype character enters a room, the atmosphere instantly changes. Not because of what they say or do, but because […]

Alan WattAugust 11, 2026

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

The 4 Stages of Book Editing

You finished a polished draft of your manuscript. Congratulations! That is a huge accomplishment, and I’m going to tell you something that […]

Alan WattAugust 10, 2026

How Much Do Writers Make?

Book Tropes: Using Familiar Ideas in Fresh Ways

Writing Rules — Are There Any?

Types of Characters

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

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

The Benefit of Sensitivity Readers

Antagonist Examples: The Characters Who Force Heroes to Change

Contractions in Writing

Amazon Marketing Services Explained: Beginner’s Guide to Amazon Ads

How to Title a Book That Readers Can’t Ignore

When the Main Character is the Villain

The Ruler Archetype: Writing the Character Who Holds the World Together or Tears It Apart

The 4 Stages of Book Editing

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