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  • writing classes
    • The 90-Day Novel®
    • The 90-Day Memoir®
    • The 90-Day Screenplay™
    • The Rewrite Master Class
    • The 30-Day Outline
    • Siren Tales: A Women’s Writing Workshop
    • Story Day
    • Class Calendar
  • writing resources
    • 1-on-1 coaching
    • editing services
    • books
    • videos
    • audio
    • writing challenge
    • envision
    • write on thursdays
    • other free resources
  • retreats
    • Tuscany Retreat
    • Solo Retreats
  • blog
    • How to Outline a Book
    • How to Write a Memoir
    • How to Write a Novel
    • How to Write a Screenplay
    • Story Structure
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    • Writing Resources & Tools
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Blog, Dilemma, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Outline, Resources

What Makes a Good Story? The Four Elements

This is a question that can often lead writers down the wrong path. Many try to answer this through the complexity of […]

Alan WattMay 6, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources, Rewriting

The Rewrite

Once you’ve completed an editing checklist on your manuscript, you may find that your story requires a more substantial rewrite.  Often dreaded […]

Alan WattMay 5, 2026
Blog, General, Resources

Ways to Describe a Voice

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow called the human voice “the organ of the soul.” Writers must become skilled organists to differentiate and describe the […]

Alan WattMay 4, 2026
Blog, General, Inspiration, Resources

10,000 Hour Rule on Mastering Skills

“It takes 10,000 hours to truly master anything. Time spent leads to experience; experience leads to proficiency; and the more proficient you […]

Alan WattMay 3, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Outline, Screenwriting

How Long Should a Screenplay Be?

Screenplays usually land around 90 to 120 pages. And the reason involves both technical considerations and the practical realities of making a […]

Alan WattMay 2, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Character Name Ideas

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”– William Shakespeare, Romeo and […]

Alan WattMay 1, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

How Many Words in a Chapter?

Authors often struggle to figure out when to add chapter breaks and how to properly split up their novel or memoir.  A […]

Alan WattApril 30, 2026
Blog, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Literary Agents: Steps to Securing Representation

Literary agents serve as the link between writers and the publishing houses that print and market their books. They’re often described as […]

Alan WattApril 29, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Internal Dialogue

Internal dialogue does more than let you know what a character is thinking. It shows you what that character cannot bring themselves […]

Alan WattApril 28, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Resources

A Look at 5 Different Writing Styles

Just as your characters each have a distinct voice, every writing style carries its own purpose, logic, and effect. Knowing the difference […]

Alan WattApril 26, 2026
Blog, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Flash Fiction

If you want to become a better writer, flash fiction is a powerful way to strengthen your storytelling muscles. Flash fiction is […]

Alan WattApril 25, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Realistic Fiction

There’s a particular kind of courage in writing about the world as it actually is. Although our imaginations can take us to […]

Alan WattApril 24, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Character vs. Society

While each type of narrative conflict serves a purpose, Character vs. Society can be particularly interesting. Instead of a protagonist clashing with […]

Alan WattApril 23, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Resources

Foreshadowing examples

Can you recall some of the most well-executed foreshadowing examples in books you’ve read? Or in your favorite films? In a great […]

Alan WattApril 22, 2026
Blog, Dilemma, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Internal Conflict

Explore how internal conflict drives character transformation and fuels your plot with our guide on dramatizing the psyche's dissonance.

Alan WattApril 19, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Plot Holes

Master story structure and learn how to fix logical gaps with our guide to plot holes—the "Swiss cheese" of writing that can break your story's magic.

Alan WattApril 17, 2026
Blog, General, Resources

Your Worldbuilding Template for Fiction

Organize your writing process with this comprehensive worldbuilding template. Define the details of your world as a starting point to divine the world.

Alan WattApril 16, 2026
Blog, General, Inspiration, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Tips for Writing a Novel

Master these tips for writing a novel by embracing messy first drafts and creative warmups. Learn how to silence your inner critic and finish.

Alan WattApril 15, 2026
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Workshops

  • the 90-day novel®
  • the 90-day memoir®
  • the 90-day screenplay™
  • story day
  • rewrite master class
  • the 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
  • the 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
  • writing classes
    • The 90-Day Novel®
    • The 90-Day Memoir®
    • The 90-Day Screenplay™
    • The Rewrite Master Class
    • The 30-Day Outline
    • Siren Tales: A Women’s Writing Workshop
    • Story Day
    • Class Calendar
  • writing resources
    • 1-on-1 coaching
    • editing services
    • books
    • videos
    • audio
    • writing challenge
    • envision
    • write on thursdays
    • other free resources
  • retreats
    • Tuscany Retreat
    • Solo Retreats
  • 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
    • Writers on Writing
  • meet Alan
  • contact
  • log In
  • log out
  • Join Free
  • ⠀