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Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Weighing your Rhetorical Choices

Rhetorical choices shape not just what we say, but how we make people feel and think. Every speech, story, or written argument […]

Alan WattDecember 16, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Rewriting, Screenwriting

What is a Motif?

Motifs are one of the best literary devices you can have in your writer’s toolbox. Essentially, a motif is a recurring element […]

Alan WattDecember 15, 2025
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Novel / Fiction

Book Genres: Top 9 Fiction Categories

When talking about your writing project with a friend, one of their first questions will likely be “What is the genre?” To […]

Alan WattDecember 14, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

The Unreliable Narrator – All You Need to Know

Usually when you open a book and you’re embarking on a new adventure, you believe what the narrator tells you is true. […]

Alan WattDecember 13, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

The Hero’s Journey: A Structure Template

It’s a tale as old as time. The protagonist is torn from their ordinary life and sets off to face a challenge. […]

Alan WattDecember 12, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

How to Write Dynamic Characters

Creating memorable stories begins with creating memorable characters—those who struggle, adapt, and ultimately transform. While some characters find their strength in sticking […]

Alan WattDecember 11, 2025
Blog, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

The Keys to Allegory

An allegory is like taking a step back in an art gallery to analyze a painting in its entirety. Characters become like […]

Alan WattDecember 10, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Coming of Age: 2 Main Story Elements

Coming of age is never easy. You might have been the popular kid in school, armed with academic excellence, physical prowess, and […]

Alan WattDecember 8, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

How to Use Mannerisms Effectively

You’ve created a character. You’ve crafted their backstory, motivation, and physical features, but maybe they still feel wooden to you. What can […]

Alan WattDecember 6, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Rewriting, Screenwriting

Epigraph: A Clue to Your Story

Before a story begins, you can include an epigraph to signal your protagonist’s dilemma, the tone, and even foreshadow the ending with […]

Alan WattDecember 5, 2025
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Rewriting, Screenwriting

Rhetorical Devices: The Art of Arguing

In the modern world where the town square is a digital place and the zeitgeist is a worldwide phenomenon, we don’t practice […]

Alan WattDecember 3, 2025
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Rewriting, Screenwriting

Literary Devices: A Writer’s Palette

Literary devices are the various techniques writers employ to create stylistic effects, convey deeper meaning, evoke emotion, and enhance the overall impact […]

Alan WattDecember 2, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

How to Write a Flashback

Flashbacks are one of the most powerful tools you can use to reveal the deeper layers of a character’s life. They allow […]

Alan WattDecember 1, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

What is Foreshadowing?

Foreshadowing is a key element in creating a satisfying conclusion to a story. This is the craft of planting quiet promises in […]

Alan WattNovember 30, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Harness the Power of Dramatic Irony

A powerful way to shift the perspective of your audience is to employ dramatic irony. This literary device lets the audience see […]

Alan WattNovember 29, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

How to Create Situational Irony

Situational irony is something we’ve all experienced: an unexpected outcome or an outcome that’s the opposite of the intention. We get to […]

Alan WattNovember 28, 2025
Blog, Inspiration, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Rewriting, Screenwriting

How to Call on Your Muse

The idea of a Muse, inspiration, spirit, or genius, is present in any civilization in which great literature exists. When we read […]

Alan WattNovember 27, 2025
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

The Art of Verbal Irony

Verbal irony is a wonderful rhetorical device you can use to sharpen your character’s tongues and refine their wit. In today’s world, […]

Alan WattNovember 26, 2025
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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 Calendar
  • writing retreats
    • Tuscany Retreat
    • Solo Retreats
  • writing coach
  • writing resources
    • books
    • videos
    • audio
    • writing challenge
    • envision
    • write on fridays
    • other free resources
  • 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
  • ⠀