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Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Myths that Prevent You from Writing

There are myths that prevent you from not only completing your story, but keep you from even getting started. Some of these […]

Alan WattJanuary 14, 2023
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Discovering Your Process

Finding Your Way As you write each day, you discover your own process. You begin to see there is no “right way” […]

Alan WattNovember 18, 2022
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Outline, Screenwriting

Permission to Write Your Truth

What is the Truth of your story? OK, you’ve outlined your story and you’re getting ready to write your first draft. But […]

Alan WattNovember 2, 2022
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

But That’s What Really Happened

“I’ve given my memoirs far more thought than any of my marriages. You can’t divorce a book.“—Gloria Swanson Sticking to “What Really […]

Alan WattOctober 1, 2022
Blog, Dilemma, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Asking “Why?”

Always keep your ideal reader close by in your mind asking “Why?” Our subconscious is perfectly designed for this process. It already […]

Alan WattSeptember 16, 2022
Novel / Fiction, Blog, First-Time Novelist

Trusting the Process

Be open to possibilities When I wrote my first novel Diamond Dogs, I had the idea that my hero, a high school senior, […]

Alan WattSeptember 2, 2022
Blog, Dilemma, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Why Writers Get Stuck

Einstein says, “You cannot solve a problem at the same level of consciousness that created the problem.” Writers often get stuck because […]

Alan WattAugust 12, 2022
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

One Thing Readers Hate

One thing readers hate are coincidences. Sure, coincidences occur in our lives every day, but in a story, they are generally a […]

Alan WattJuly 29, 2022
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Take Risks – Advice for First-Time Writers

“In order to share one’s true brilliance one initially has to risk looking like a fool.” – Criss Jami Writing your first […]

Alan WattJuly 15, 2022
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Outline, Screenwriting

Blind Spots in Your Story

It is human to have blind spots, and often convenient to be in denial about certain aspects of ourselves. This is natural, […]

Alan WattJune 17, 2022
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

On Writing Dialogue

“If you have a good ear for dialogue, you just can’t help thinking about the way people talk. You’re drawn to it. […]

Alan WattJune 2, 2022
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Novel / Fiction, Outline, Screenwriting

What Happens Next?

The first step in creating a fully alive story is imagining the world. This simply means envisioning your characters in relation to […]

Alan WattApril 22, 2022
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

The Power of Curiosity

Story creation often begins with an idea or an image that ignites your imagination. You become curious, wanting to know more, to […]

Alan WattApril 1, 2022
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Making the Impossible Possible

Turning the impossible into something possible is the magic of story. We often have an idea of the direction our story is […]

Alan WattFebruary 25, 2022
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Surrender to Your Story

Our story asks everything of us. If it didn’t, we would never surrender. How often do we live our lives as though […]

Alan WattFebruary 11, 2022
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Memoir, Novel / Fiction

Writing Without Distraction

You’ve begun working in earnest. The story is alive, your cylinders are firing. You’re getting up every morning and putting in the […]

Alan WattJanuary 28, 2022
Blog, Inspiration, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Setting a Plan with Purpose

Do you often find it hard to stick to your writing plan? How often do “important tasks” distract you and pull you […]

Alan WattJanuary 7, 2022
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Inspiration, Novel / Fiction

Creativity is Your Birthright

Creativity is your birthright. We live in a culture that is invested in our believing otherwise. I frequently hear folks talk of […]

Alan WattJanuary 1, 2022
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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
  • ⠀