alan watt on writing

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novels vs books

Novels vs Books — What’s the Difference?

The words “book” and “novel” are sometimes used interchangeably. But they actually mean different things. In this article, I’ll describe...

diction

The Power of Diction

The diction you use in your writing is a choice you’re always making, whether subconsciously or not. Writers trade in...

tone

Understanding Tone: Secrets to a Strong Narrative Voice

Creating tone in your writing provides a texture to the work. It’s the emotional coloring that shapes how a reader...

novel outline

How to Outline Your Novel in 5 Steps

Each writer has their own process. Some writers (often called pantsers) believe that outlining their novel limits their creativity, while...

irony

Analyzing the 3 Types of Irony

Irony is a comparison which reveals an incongruity. That comparison might be between events and understanding, a statement and fact,...

story structure

Story Structure of a Novel

Story structure is an essential aspect to creating a compelling narrative. While the beginnings of a story emerge from the...

Book Editing

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Getting Notes – Ten Things to Consider
Book Editing

Getting Notes – Ten Things to Consider

Banishing Redundancies
Book Editing

Banishing Redundancies

Conflating Characters
Book Editing

Conflating Characters

Own Your Work
Book Editing

Own Your Work

Approaching the Rewrite
Book Editing

Approaching the Rewrite

Book Outline

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How to Outline Your Novel in 5 Steps
Book Outline

How to Outline Your Novel in 5 Steps

How to Write a Synopsis
Book Outline

How to Write a Synopsis

The Value of an Outline
Book Outline

The Value of an Outline

Outlining: The Dramatic Question
Book Outline

Outlining: The Dramatic Question

What Happens Next?
Book Outline

What Happens Next?

Character Development

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The Unreliable Narrator – All You Need to Know
Character Development

The Unreliable Narrator – All You Need to Know

How to Write Dynamic Characters
Character Development

How to Write Dynamic Characters

How to Use Mannerisms Effectively
Character Development

How to Use Mannerisms Effectively

What is a Static Character?
Character Development

What is a Static Character?

No Good Guys, No Bad Guys
Character Development

No Good Guys, No Bad Guys

How to Publish a Book

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“What is the Book Market Looking For?”
How to Publish a Book

“What is the Book Market Looking For?”

Building a Body of Work
How to Publish a Book

Building a Body of Work

Opportunities in Self-Publishing
How to Publish a Book

Opportunities in Self-Publishing

How to Write a Novel

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Novels vs Books — What’s the Difference?
How to Write a Novel

Novels vs Books — What’s the Difference?

How to Outline Your Novel in 5 Steps
How to Write a Novel

How to Outline Your Novel in 5 Steps

Story Structure of a Novel
How to Write a Novel

Story Structure of a Novel

What is a Novel?
How to Write a Novel

What is a Novel?

Book Genres: Top 9 Fiction Categories
How to Write a Novel

Book Genres: Top 9 Fiction Categories

How to Write a Screenplay

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Story Structure

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The Hero’s Journey: A Structure Template
Story Structure

The Hero’s Journey: A Structure Template

How to Write an Effective Resolution
Story Structure

How to Write an Effective Resolution

Exposition – Where should my story begin?
Story Structure

Exposition – Where should my story begin?

Unlock Your Story’s Theme
Story Structure

Unlock Your Story’s Theme

What is Rising Action?
Story Structure

What is Rising Action?

Writing Resources and Tools

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Writing Techniques

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The Power of Diction
Writing Techniques

The Power of Diction

Understanding Tone: Secrets to a Strong Narrative Voice
Writing Techniques

Understanding Tone: Secrets to a Strong Narrative Voice

Analyzing the 3 Types of Irony
Writing Techniques

Analyzing the 3 Types of Irony

How to “Kill Your Darlings”
Writing Techniques

How to “Kill Your Darlings”

What is an Allusion?
Writing Techniques

What is an Allusion?